The 2022-2023 North Central Missouri College Scholarship Reception was held on Wednesday, October 12, in the Jeanette Hoffman Robison Auditorium at the Ketcham Community Center. Over 300 students were recognized for receiving an NCMC Foundation, Athletic, SSS, or other institutional scholarships. This annual event is hosted by the North Central Missouri College Foundation. Alicia Endicott, Executive Director of the NCMC Foundation, welcomed over 300 guests and thanked the Foundation Board for their stewardship of scholarship investments and the NCMC Board of Trustees for their leadership and faculty and staff for their efforts on behalf of students. NCMC English Instructor Amy Guthrie sang the National Anthem and Tammie Wiebers, NCMC Speech Instructor, was the emcee.
Three NCMC Foundation scholarship recipients’ shared their stories about being able to spread their wings, thank their hero, and keep trying to reach your goals no matter the circumstances or your age.
Ashely Sterkis, from Albany, MO, graduated high school in December 2021 and started at NCMC in January 2022. “Throughout high school, I always felt like a buzzard among the eagles. I never felt that my voice was being heard or that I was able to authentically be myself in fear of judgment. I was surrounded by staff that didn’t always see me. So, when the opportunity to graduate early was presented to me, I grabbed it with no hesitation,” shared Ashley. “Going to college has allowed me to become an eagle and soar. I have found my voice and reason. I want to thank all the staff members that have taken the time to go above and beyond to make us students feel welcome. I also want to thank the donors who have invested in our future.” Ashley has been accepted into the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program and, after completion, plans to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (AAS). She is a recipient of the Cross Allied Health Science Scholarship and a Lloyd & Margaret Ketcham Scholarship.
Abner Neill lives in Princeton, MO, and is working on an Associate in Arts (AA) degree. Abner is a recipient of the Betty Frances & Nadine Hall Scholarship. “One of the most unique things about my experience here, as opposed to the other institutions I have attended, is the profound sense of community that I enjoy at NCMC. Here you find that administration, faculty, and staff all contribute to maximize the student experience. This community supports us as students and helps us to ‘Pirate On’ and push through to achieve our goals. When you pair that with the tremendous support of the Foundation, it positions NCMC for growth and continued success as the small school that empowers students’ big dreams.” Abner and his wife, Jennifer, have five children, four of whom are NCMC alumni or current students.
Hannah Gryder from Bethany, MO, was the last student speaker and a recipient of the Lloyd and Margaret Ketcham Scholarship. Hannah shared about her hero and the support she received while at NCMC. “Without the help of my professors and my support system, which includes my hero, the tutors, and staff with Student Support Services, as well as the much-needed financial assistance offered to me. This includes the foundation’s generous scholarship. There’s no way I would have been as successful without these people and resources in my corner.” Hannah finished with, “To recap, my hero, set me on my own journey. NCMC has had such an impact on me and all the friends I have made. I will continue this journey until I reach my goal of having a career and getting myself off disability. My goal is to one day have someone write a hero story about me.” Hannah is working towards an Associate in Applied Science in Medical Lab Technician (MLT) degree.
In addition to the student speakers, NCMC alumna and Tutoring Center Director Jayne Meservey shared her NCMC journey and expressed how Foundation scholarships helped her children and other NCMC students. Technical difficulties prevented recorded comments from alumnus Adam Rice from being played, but they can be viewed, and the entire event recording is at www.piratesdigitalmedia.com. Mrs. Wiebers closed the program by thanking everyone for attending and the scholarship investors for their dedication and support of NCMC students.
The NCMC Foundation is a 501c(3) IRS-approved organization that raises funds through different campaigns, including the Gifts in Action Scholarship Campaign. It is through scholarships that students are given the chance to develop as a student, an individual, and as a member 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 adding to a scholarship investment, please contact Alicia Endicott at 660-357-6403 or [email protected].