Seeking the Light bulb Effect in New Welding Course

For Shawn Carawan, PCC Continuing Education welding instructor, it's not the sparks from a welder that excite him; it's the glow from a light bulb that's important.

Beginning novice or more experienced welder, Carawan will teach both stick and mig welding Tuesday and Thursday evenings July 14 - September 17. No matter the skill level, one could find this course useful for home or farm welding jobs as well as provide entry level experience for those seeking jobs as welders.

According to Carawan, "When I teach, I'm always looking for that light bulb effect. That happens when a student who has struggled to grasp a concept or learn a skill lights up. I like to see people learn." Carawan is one of a small handful of Nationally Board Certified teachers in the Pamlico County School System who also teaches for the college.

He admits that in some beginning welding classes he has to "un-teach" some undesirable habits. "For those with limited welding experience, whether they started with stick welding or mig welding can make a difference in how they approach a job. Mig and stick welding require different techniques," he said. Mig welding, sometimes called wire welding, is the preferred method for working with aluminum while stick welding is generally the method for working with a number of steel products.



In this upcoming course, Carawan will encourage students to bring a special welding project of their own to class. An example might be to repair a boat trailer or a pig cooker. For those with no special project, he will design one for them.

Carawan, a Lowland native, graduated from Pamlico County High School in 1993 and subsequently earned a bachelor's and a master's in agricultural education from North Carolina State University. He is beginning his fifth year at PCHS after previously teaching at West Craven High School.

Space in this class is limited. To register, contact Misty Rasmussen at PCC, 252-249-1851 x 3019, mrasmussen@pamlicocc.edu.

Question or comment for Pamlico Community College, email community@pamlicocc.edu.br

Kelly Hooker, left, Rhonda Breed, and Linda Potter, behind the mask,are preparing for a night on bourbon Street in the college's Ned Everett Delamar Center. All three are coordinating the fundraiser for Pamlico County's Senior Services.

Are you 65 yet? If not, surely you are hoping that someday you will be. Did you know that Pamlico County has one of the highest rates per capita in North Carolina of citizens over 65? And did you know that a Pamlico County version of Mardi Gras to be held at Pamlico Community College's Ned Everett Delamar Center, Saturday, July 11 at 6:30 PM will provide the means to make life better for the county's seniors?

Pamlico Community College partners with Pamlico County Senior Services in the valiant efforts that agency puts forth to accommodate the fiscal, physical, social, and intellectual needs of senior citizens. PCC's Adult Basic Education classes as well as arts & crafts courses, including the popular basket weaving program, are housed at the Pamlico County Senior Center in Alliance.

Those services provided by the college are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg compared to the many functions of the county's Senior Services agency. Linda Potter, Kelly Hooker, Rhonda Breed, Ila Leary, and Rita Lupton, all PCC graduates, help staff the Senior Center and coordinate this far reaching range of assistance programs for senior citizens.

Linda Potter, Senior Services Director, envisioned the Mardi Gras to raise money for the home delivered meals program. She said, "Later we decided to broaden the scope of this fund-raiser to include getting funds for all the other services we provide. Some of those are our family care-giver support program, our small home repair program that builds things like handicap ramps for the elderly, and our nutrition program which not only delivers meals but also serves congregate meals here at the Senior Center. We also provide in-home aide services, a Medicaid community alternative program for disabled adults, and services that help elderly individuals stay at home rather than move to nursing homes."

Breed noted, "Our Mardi Gras is planned to do more than raise money. We also want to raise awareness of the services available for senior citizens." Breed manages program assistance for disabled adults. Hooker coordinates the Senior Health Insurance Information Program, the Senior Companion program which helps seniors remain independent in their homes, classes from Pamlico Community College, referral services, transportation assistance, and tax assistance.

The Mardi Gras will feature an auction of everything from a thirty minute helicopter ride over Pamlico County to quilts, photographs, paintings, a massage, a bird house, and a Karen Meyer basket. Dinner will be a Cajun style meal catered by the Steamer Restaurant in Oriental. Music and dancing will be to tunes provided by the Glitzie Chicks and recording artist Barbara Jarvis. Tickets, $25 single, $40 couple, can be purchased at Pamlico Senior Services in Alliance, Buckhorn Books in Bayboro, and the Steamer and Croakertown in Oriental.

Joan Burns, PCC Cultural Enrichment Coordinator, said, "Seeing the significance of the services and care the county's Senior Services agency provides to seniors, the college is delighted to have an opportunity to assist in any way possible to make this fundraiser a success."

Sixty-five, older, or younger, the Mardi Gras on July 11 will be a way you can help yourself and others riding on that same float down Bourbon Street. The Mardi Gras is not just for seniors, although some of the best dancers to New Orleans jazz might just be in that age bracket.

Question or comment for Pamlico Community College, email community@pamlicocc.edu.

"My students are learning all the time."

Listening to Kathryn Gillenwater describe her students and how they learn leaves one easily understanding how she received the 2009 Excellence in Teaching Award at Pamlico Community College.

Gillenwater teaches what is defined as the Compensatory Education class for PCC. The students are adults with developmental disabilities, from Down's syndrome, various forms of retardation, to other disabilities that diminish learning capacity. She has worked with these students for the last nine years.

"Real students study, learn, inquire, and explore not just through the teen years, but throughout life. My students are real students who are still actively engaged in learning though some are middle-aged. I see myself as their guide. I set high expectations for them and urge them to learn every day," Gillenwater said.

One of the shining successes of these students is that several have become employees at various businesses in both Craven and Pamlico County. Elizabeth Snapp has become a fixture at the check-out lanes in an Oriental grocery store when she is not attending classes. Snapp spent four years studying pre-algebra mathematics and is now working in beginning algebra.

Another middle aged male started an exercise program and implemented healthy eating. He learned to control portions, choose healthy foods, eliminate soft drinks and start daily walking. He lost fifty pounds. Gillenwater has all of her students on a twenty minute walk around the campus every day.

While preparing many of these students to actually perform in the workplace has been a major accomplishment, all students also get to participate in field trips. The State Fair is on their agenda every year. For educational purposes, Rex Bennett and Tommy Best toured them through Pollock-Best Funeral Home so they could have a better understanding of death and funerals.

They maintain an ever expanding vegetable and flower garden on campus and often cook meals in the classroom using vegetables they have grown. They also entertain special guests who visit the classroom. A visit by two highway patrol troopers was a special highlight as each class member was afforded the opportunity sit in the driver's seat and sound the siren.


Gillenwater is more than a teacher instructing these students about basic life skills. During the day, she handles emotional problems and disagreements between students exercising the many psychological skills she has acquired from study and experience. She recently settled a dispute between two female students with each leaving the confrontation calling each other "sister."

Glenn DeMunck, Dean of Continuing Education, observed, "What would this college do without Kathryn? But more importantly, what would these students do without her dedicated compassion and passion for doing this job so well?"

Dr. Larry Gracie, interim dean of curriculum, said, "Kathryn may be a teacher in the Continuing Education Division of the college, but she sets a standard for curriculum teachers. For that matter, she sets the standard for classroom instruction everywhere. She is an excellent teacher because she is constantly focused on doing her job well for the well-being of her students. She really deserved the Excellence in Teaching Award this year."

Compensatory Education classes are mandated by federal law. North Carolina is one of a very few states who have chosen to offer these classes on community college campuses.

Question or comment for Pamlico Community College, email community@pamlicocc.edu.

Kari Simpson, like many high school graduates, combined work with post secondary study. Full time work meant going to college at night. But burning the candle at both ends did not deter her from finishing a degree in Computer Information Technology at Pamlico Community College in 2005.

During her student days at PCC, Kari participated in the college's Co-Op program which aligns students with specific civil service jobs onboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. She subsequently earned a position as a production controller in aircraft maintenance. "I make sure that parts are ordered and are available for necessary repair work on planes," she said.


In April the Commanding Officer of the base named her as one of the top 100 employees out of nearly 4,000 civil service workers at Cherry Point for performing her duties with distinction. She was cited in particular for providing outstanding support to aircraft mechanics.

Looking back on her college days, she observed, "I think the smaller classes at PCC are really a great thing. All of the instructors I had took the time to work one-on-one with the students. That really helped me learn more. I'm so glad I went to college here. I wouldn't be where I am today if I had not done that."

She added, "What I learned when I was in class at PCC is exactly what I needed to learn to do what I'm doing now at Cherry Point. I manage records in computers and that's what I was taught to do. I love living here where I grew up and I love my job. I feel really good about my future. I simply want to grow in what I'm doing right now."

Simpson exuded nothing but confidence about her career. She also said, "I love the type of work that I do. I love interacting with people in this work. And I love to know that my work is supporting other people do their work."

Dr. Larry Gracie, interim dean of the college curriculum, offered his congratulations to Simpson. "How can we not be proud at PCC? Kari Simpson made the transition from being a great student here to being a great employee at Cherry Point. We're proud of her distinctive record as an employee and we are more than delighted to know that she credits the college for preparing her for the career she loves and the career in which she thrives."

To learn more about programs that can lead to careers at Cherry Point, contact the college recruiter, Jo Baker, jbaker@pamlicocc.edu, 252-249-1851 x 3022. Question or comment for Pamlico Community College, email community@pamlicocc.edu.

"Hard work pays off." - Jonathan Mason
"I set my goals and I worked hard." - Calvin Ushry



Pamlico Community College students Jonathan Mason and Calvin Ushry parlayed hard work into positions at the Fleet Readiness Center of Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point. Mason, majoring in Business Administration, and Ushry, majoring in Electrical/Electronics Technology, withstood stiff competition to earn employment that went to roughly only one of seven applicants from area community colleges.

Sometimes referred to as a Co-op program, they attained their positions by participating in the Student Career Experience Program. As the name implies, the students will be employed in entry level positions in fields of work that complement their fields of study at Pamlico Community College. Students who participate are basically on a career path for future employment at Cherry Point.

Mason, from Minnesott Beach, graduated from Pamlico County High School in 2002 and first worked for Camp Sea Gull in grounds maintenance. In 2004 he was employed as a training assistant in plant maintenance at Cherry Point. For the last five years he has been a volunteer assistant for basketball coach Earl Sadler at PCHS.

Mason began his studies at PCC in August of 2007 and has worked continuously toward a degree, combining studies in night and online classes with full time employment. "When I graduate, I hope my degree in business will help me advance in a civil service career," he said.

Speaking about his career at the college, he said, "I like the close proximity of the college but there is more to it than that. There is a closeness on campus. I like going to a small college because there is more interaction here. When I first started here, I was scared to death. Now I wish I had started on this path a lot sooner."

Dr. Gena Messer-Knode, Mason's lead instructor in business, said, "Jonathan Mason is not just an exceptional student; he is an exceptional person. I could tell that the first day he walked into my office. He is very devoted and committed to his family and the community in which he lives. I was not surprised when he was chosen for the co-op program. He is very deserving of this opportunity and I know that he will exceed Cherry Point's expectations."

Ushry, from Aurora, describes his upcoming position at Cherry Point as almost exactly what he has wanted since he began his career at PCC. A veteran who served in Kuwait, he has also worked for private contractors at a naval weapons facility in South Carolina and also back in Kuwait. He said, "I enrolled at PCC because I wanted to rise to a supervisory position in electrical maintenance on equipment. Now I'm definitely on that path."

Ushry recalled, "When I enrolled I was always a quiet and soft-spoken kind of guy. I made myself get involved in student government and then I earned membership in Phi Theta Kappa. (Phi Theta Kappa is the national honor society for community colleges.) In these organizations I had to talk to communicate with people and this beat back some of my shyness."

Continuing, Ushry noted, "In my interview I was asked about my biggest weakness. I said it was public speaking. When I joined organizations at PCC I was put in positions where I had to speak out, and now I'm not so weak at speaking up."

Ushry says that his immediate goal is to finish his degree in Electrical/Electronics Technology at PCC and move up with this new opportunity at Cherry Point. He added, "I want to encourage all young people who graduate from high school to go ahead and continue their education. I'm 33 years old and I know what I'm talking about. It's education that is ultimately going to land anyone a good job."

Lee Willis, one of Ushry's instructors said, "I have had Calvin in several of my electrical classes. He has a good attendance record and is always on time. I have watched him develop into an ideal student. He has a good attitude toward work, is pleasant to be around, and is a pleasure to teach. He is going to make a good employee."

Dr. Larry Gracie, Interim Dean of Curriculum, offered his congratulations to Mason and Ushry. "Calvin Ushry and Jonathan Mason deserve such high recognition for this accomplishment. These young men survived a very competitive situation to earn these positions. We are simply so proud and overjoyed that their experiences at PCC helped frame their success."

To learn more about this cooperative program between the college and Cherry Point, contact Jo Baker, jbaker@pamlicocc.edu, 252-249-1851 x 3026.

Questions or comments for Pamlico Community College: email community@pamlicocc.edu.

Fourteen Pamlico Community College students were inducted into the Alpha Xi Omicron Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Friday evening, April 17. Phi Theta Kappa is the nation's academic honor society for students attending two-year colleges.

In opening remarks, Dr. Marion Altman, president, noted that achieving academic excellence was often the result of teamwork, teamwork involving parents, students, friends, and instructors. He reminded the students that terms from mathematics summarized the effort to achieve academic excellence through teamwork. He said, "Teamwork divides the task, but multiplies success."

New members inducted were Iris Lewis Bennett, LaTanya Hemby Bryant, Vanessa Hemby Bryant, Darrow Hopkins Buck, Jeana Danielle Denchfield, Samuel Robert Foreman, Caroline Louise Hughes, Renita Annitte Kirkman, Erlinda Pearl Leggett, Jonathan Hunter Mason, Allyson Wayne Rice, Beverly Jeane Schwartz, Jennifer Rene Swain, and Calvin Leon Ushry, Jr.

The ceremony also marked the installation of new officers for the 2009-10 academic year. Alicia Dixon was installed as president, Calving L. Ushry, Jr. as vice president, LaTanya H. Bryant as secretary/treasurer, and Allyson W. Rice as public relations secretary.



Following the installation service, Dr. Larry Gracie, interim dean of the curriculum, awarded this year's Academic Excellence honors to Dannette Williford and Alicia Dixon. Each year, the North Carolina Community College System recognizes two students from each of the 58 community colleges for this honor.


Incoming PTK president Alicia Dixon, right, was recognized as an Academic Excellence Award winner along with outgoing president, Dannett Williford.

Also recognized were finalist for this honor at PCC, Meredith Holton, LaTanya Bryant, Vanessa Bryant, and Nestina Jackson. Gracie noted, "The college feels honored that these fine students have chosen to study here and add so much to student life. We recognize in these students, not just their grade point averages, but also their attitude for achievement."

Dr. Gena Messer-Knode, an advisor to PCC's Phi Theta Kappa chapter, assisted Tammy Spain and Dannett Williford, outgoing PTK president, in coordinating this event. A reception honoring the inductees and award winners was held in the lobby of the Ned Everett Delamar Center at the conclusion of the ceremonies.

Dannett Williford, left, majoring in Medical Assisting, and Alicia Dixon, right, majoring in Business Administration, received the North Carolina Community College System Academic Excellence Awards for 2009 from Pamlico Community College.

Two Pamlico Community College students were recognized for academic excellence in the 2008-09 academic year by the North Carolina Community College System. Dannett Williford and Alicia Dixon join honorees from the 57 other North Carolina community colleges being recognized for academic achievement combined with outstanding student leadership and citizenship skills.

Williford is a Medical Assisting Major; Dixon is studying Business Administration.

Williford, a mother of two, describes her Pamlico Community College experience with these words, "There is not an option for defeat. I am setting the example for my children. PCC opened the door for me to reach career goals and has led me every step of the way. The instructors have never been too busy to go one-on-one with me when I needed extra help. And besides all that, the warm atmosphere at this college adds to my success."

Dixon's academic success truly demonstrates the credibility of Pamlico Community College's slogan, "changing lives." She left high school before graduation, feeling that she was not fitting in with the high school scene. She admits that she distanced herself from learning. She said, "I thought I knew everything and did not need school. My boyfriend, now husband, encouraged me to realize the value of education. I earned my GED and was ready for the challenge at PCC. My fear of failure and humiliation began to fade in the first semester. The instructors and other students really made learning fun. Instead of a fear of school, I now have a fever for school."

Dr. Clark Dimond, Dean of Institutional Advancement, said, "This is what we do at this college, accept people through our open door who have different backgrounds with different plans for the future and help them achieve. Recognizing academic achievement encourages academic achievement. In this regard, Dannett and Alicia, along with all the finalists for this recognition, are role models and we thank them for that and wish them the best in their future endeavors. They all have been a positive force on our campus, contributing both in and out of the classroom."

First runner for academic recognition this year at Pamlico Community College was Meredith Holton from Vandemere. Holton is studying Environmental Science and summarizes her academic success by saying, "I'm committed to learning."


Finalists for the state award from PCC were, left to right, Meredith Holton, first runner up, Nestina Jackson, LaTanya Bryant, and Vanessa Bryant.

Vanessa and LaTanya Bryant, sisters, were finalists for this award. Both, from New Bern, are studying Office Systems Technology. Vanessa says, "Good is not good enough," while LaTayna proclaims, "I will excel."

Nestina Jackson was also a finalist. She is from Merritt and is studying Environmental Science. Speaking about her academic success, she says, "Knowledge opens the mind."

Adding congratulations also was Dr. Larry Gracie, PCC's Interim Dean of Curriculum. He said, "While we honor these students, the honor is also for the college. The college feels honored that that these fine students have chosen to study here and add so much to student life. We recognize in these students, not just their grade point averages, but also their attitude for achievement."

Question or comment for PCC: Email community@pamlicocc.edu.

"The Fire School Weekend - it's not just for firefighters." That's the word from Lance Hamby, President of the Pamlico County Firemen's Association and Chief of the Reelsboro Fire Department. The upcoming Fire School Weekend at Pamlico Community College is scheduled April 17, 18, and 19.

Hamby, who has both Level I and Level II state certification as a firefighter, notes that much of this coursework can help firefighters achieve various levels of certification as well as provide basic training for those not seeking certification. He said, "Some of these classes will help motivate professionalism while some will help individuals prepare for certification. Some of the classes will have pre-requisites while others will not. For example, to be in a live burn class, there are pre-requisites."

One does not fight an LP gas fire without experience and specialized training. "It's an eye-opener to fight an LP gas fire. You have to learn to get the fire under control so you can shut the valves down. To get an LP gas fire completely out, you have to cut off the source of fuel. You have to keep the tank as cool as you can while beating back the flames so you can get to those valves," Hamby observed.

All firefighters in Pamlico County are volunteers. In a serious tone, Hamby stated, "It takes a special breed of person to put your life on the line - to go into a burning house having to use an air tank usually with very limited or hardly any visibility, fight fire and look for victims all at the same time. That's why all departments have training every Monday night in Pamlico County. And that's in addition to all of the other classes we take."

Hamby says that no department can have too many volunteers. He indicates that persons considering becoming firefighters can enroll in the Fire School Weekend for an orientation in this line of work, volunteer or professional. "Not everybody can go into a burning building. But that does not mean they can't be a volunteer. There are many duties for a volunteer firefighter. Directing traffic at a fire is one example. Consequently, I see the Fire School Weekend as really beneficial for people who are already firefighters, people who want to become one, and people who want to learn more about actions they can take to prevent and fight fires in their homes or businesses," Hamby said.

Some of the course work in this school will include instruction in basic pump operations, LP gas fires, emergency vehicle driving, victim management, incident planning and general helicopter transport.

Hamby concludes, "Firefighters want to be a part of their communities, not just live in a community, but also care about the people in the community."

Enrollment is based on first come, first serve basis. Participants should contact Denise Crisp at PCC, dcrisp@pamlicocc.edu, 252-249-1851 x 3017 to register.

There is a $30 non refundable conference fee which includes a meal on both Saturday and Sunday. Tuition will be waived for any rostered member of a North Carolina fire department or rescue squad. Tuition ranges from $50-$55 per class and will be charged to non-rostered members.

Question or comment for Pamlico Community College? Email community@pamlicocc.edu.