When you meet Steve Padgett, for the first or fiftieth time, you are always greeted with a big smile and a firm handshake. You immediately recognize an energy and passion in him. You can’t help but think to yourself that this guy never stops. Now, after more than 60 years of working and two distinct […]
Returning to school as an adult wasn’t easy, but it changed everything. After more than a decade away from school, Miranda Parks made the life-changing decision to earn her GED. What pushed her forward wasn’t just the dream of a better future; it was her son. She wanted to show him, by example, that it’s […]
Kimberly Ashley, Continuing Education Coordinator, has been named the 2025 Jean Harry Francis Outstanding Staff of the Year. Nominated by a colleague, Ashley was praised for her tireless work ethic, collaborative spirit, and compassion-driven leadership. Her expertise and advocacy for CCC have made a lasting impact on the college community. “Kimberly is a true team […]
Overcoming Life’s Challenges to Finish High School Makenzie’s high school journey was interrupted in 10th grade, right as the COVID-19 pandemic hit. At 16 years old, she worked 60-hour weeks while caring for her sick grandmother. With overwhelming responsibilities, school had to be put on hold. After her grandmother passed away, Makenzie—then just 17—found herself […]
Evie Lewis Finds Her Path to Helping Others At just 19 years old, Evie Lewis has already lived a story full of courage, perseverance, and hope. Now, as she prepares to transfer to Western Carolina University and begin a new chapter, she reflects on the journey that brought her here—and the people who helped along […]
A Journey Thirty Years in the Making Every student’s journey is unique, but some stories are powerful reminders that determination and courage can pave the way for remarkable success. Cleveland Community College is proud to celebrate Ben Jeffries, the recipient of the 2025 Academic Excellence Award, an honor presented by the North Carolina Community College […]
The energy was electric (and the sparks literal) at Cleveland Community College’s Fourth Annual High School Welding Competition on Friday, May 9! Students from four area high schools went head-to-head in a timed welding challenge—and once again, Crest High School came out on top. This Year’s Challenge:Students were asked to weld a ¼-inch plate at […]
Maycie Norman, a senior at Crest High and a CCC cosmetology student, is taking her talent for design from Shelby to the national stage—with hopes of heading to FIT in New York.
Outstanding Career and Technical Students at Cleveland Community College were honored on April 23, 2025, as the newest inductees into the National Technical Honor Society, the honor society for Career & Technical Education (CTE). Ninety-six students were inducted for membership based on their skill development and academic achievement in their Career & Technical courses. Students […]
Cleveland Community College students showcased their talent, skill, and professionalism at the 2025 SkillsUSA North Carolina State Conference, held April 9–11 in Greensboro, NC. Competing under this year’s theme, “Ignite Your Potential,” CCC brought a strong team of 44 students, five of whom participated as models. They made their mark in 27 competition categories and […]
On Wednesday, April 2, Cleveland Community College held its annual Advisory Committee Day. This year’s theme was Building Futures, One Skill at a Time, and more than 100 companies participated. This event is important in fostering stronger relationships with the companies we serve and rely on for program feedback and support. We would like to […]
