The 2024-2025 North Central Missouri College Scholarship Reception was held on Wednesday, October 16, in the Jeanette Hoffman Robison Auditorium at the Ketcham Community Center in Trenton, MO. Over 350 students were recognized for their scholarships from the NCMC Foundation, Athletics, and other institutional sources.
Kristi Varner, NCMC Scholarship Coordinator, welcomed more than 320 guests and thanked the Foundation Board for their support, the NCMC Board of Trustees for their leadership, and the Scholarship Committee for reviewing 550 essays. This year, over 270 scholarships totaling more than $290,000 were awarded.
Sophomore Maurissa Bonta from Trenton sang the National Anthem, and the event included tributes to six scholarship investors and one board member who passed away. Dr. Mitch Holder, Dean of Instruction, emceed the event.
Students shared their inspiring stories. Cooper Berry from Maysville, MO, emphasized the importance of saying “yes” to opportunities, crediting his Ag teacher’s advice. He plans to earn an Associate of Arts degree in Agriculture and participates in various clubs and tutoring.
Lute Vaiangina from Tonga expressed gratitude for her acceptance into the nursing program, highlighting how scholarships represent hope and opportunity. She plans to pursue an associate’s degree in nursing and emphasizes the importance of paying it forward.
Giovanni Mack from Belton, MO, shared how NCMC transformed his experience after being recruited to play basketball. He is working toward his Associate of Arts degree in Business and believes the college is dedicated to helping students succeed both academically and personally.
In addition to the student speakers, Cassie Cordray, an NCMC alumna and the current Teacher Education Program Coordinator at NCMC, spoke about her role in supporting education students as an instructor and academic advisor. Cassie began her presentation by giving the audience an assignment: “I want each of you to take a few moments to think about your definition of the word ‘anchor.’ Please turn to the person sitting next to you and share your thoughts. When you hear the bell, you’ll know it’s time to stop talking.” After a brief period, she pulled out a large wooden brass bell and rang it, signaling that time was up.
This served as a great introduction to her remarkable journey as an educator. Cassie provided some possible definitions of an anchor: a person or thing that offers stability or security, especially in difficult times; a heavy object, usually made of metal, that is attached to a ship and dropped in the water to prevent the vessel from drifting; or something or someone that serves as the main support or foundation.
Cassie shared, “NCMC has served and continues to serve as my ‘anchor’ in several ways. As a former student, I remember the mentors and leaders who provided the support and guidance that helped me on my journey to becoming an educator. They knew how to build relationships and challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone.” Cassie is now in her seventh year as a faculty member at NCMC, having spent nine years in an elementary classroom before that.
“One of the most rewarding parts of my job is when former students reach out to share that they’ve secured their first teaching position. I hope to one day provide a scholarship to future educators through the Foundation; in the meantime, I will continue to apply for grants to award scholarship funds to our hardworking students here at NCMC. In the last two years, these grants have successfully awarded over $42,000 to 35 education students through funding provided by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.”
Dr. Lenny Klaver, the President of NCMC, closed the program by thanking everyone for attending, praising the speakers for their inspiring speeches, and expressing gratitude to the scholarship investors for their dedication and support of NCMC students. The entire recording of the event can be viewed on Pirates Digital Media .
The NCMC Foundation is a 501(c)(3) IRS-approved organization that raises funds through various campaigns, including the Gifts in Action Scholarship Campaign. It is through these scholarships that students are given the opportunity to grow as students, individuals, and members of the community. The NCMC Foundation works in partnership with North Central Missouri College to help transform lives and empower students. For more information on creating or contributing to a scholarship investment, please contact Alicia Endicott at (660) 357-6403 or [email protected] or Kristi Varner at (660) 357-6321 or [email protected].
Picture: Student Speakers left to right: Giovanni Mack, Lute Vaiangina, and Cooper Berry