COMPLETION
Education is the best investment anyone can make,” said Dr. Carol S. Spalding, president of Rowan-Cabarrus Community College as she welcomed the class of 2016.
The class of 2016 was the 52nd graduating class of Rowan Cabarrus Community College, and graduates earned over 1,500 degrees, diplomas and certificates. Forty-three percent of the graduates lived in Rowan County, 44 percent lived in Cabarrus County and the remaining 13 percent lived in the surrounding counties.
Among the graduates was Roa Saleh, winner of a prestigious state-wide award, the 2016 North Carolina Governor Robert W. Scott Student Leadership Award. Her story of perseverance, dedication and passion for education inspired her fellow graduates. Roa was born in the United States but traveled around the world with her family and had to overcome language barriers to earn her education.
“I know, like me, all my fellow graduates will fulfill their aspirations and dreams because Rowan-Cabarrus truly is the institution of endless possibilities, “said Saleh. In her time at Rowan-Cabarrus, Roa discovered her passion for science, was the public information officer for the Student Government Association and was the Phi Theta Kappa honor society vice president.
She is continuing to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor and is currently attending UNC-Charlotte majoring in biology. “I encourage you to seek your endless possibilities and to realize your dreams.”
Steve Morris, chair of the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners and Greg Edds, chair of the Rowan County Board of Commissioners both gave inspirational commencement addresses congratulating the graduates on their accomplishments and encouraging their future success.
Roa Saleh, 2016 graduate and winner of the 2016 North Carolina Governor Robert W. Scott Student Leadership Award, delivered inspirational remarks, shared her exciting accomplishments while at Rowan-Cabarrus and her plans for the future.
“You already have what it takes to be successful,” Morris said. “Look around you. Appreciate your fellow graduates and be proud of your accomplishments.”
Edds encouraged students to keep their integrity. “Determine to be a positive example to those around you,” he said. “Be a bright light in a dark world. Be an encouragement to those who are struggling and a help to those in need.”