Tag Archives: Class of 2024

Student Spotlight: Shania Johnson 🌟

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Headshot of Shania JohnsonShania Johnson, a first-generation college student from Charlotte, NC, embodies resilience and determination.

After graduating from Garinger High School in 2020, she attended UNC Greensboro. Despite an impressive start, she faced mental health struggles and the unexpected passing of her father.

Realizing she needed a change, Shania returned to Charlotte and enrolled at Central Piedmont in Spring 2023.

🌟 Highlights:

  • Peer Mentor: In TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO-SSS), Shania built meaningful relationships and grew personally.
  • Academic Success: Graduated with an Associate in Arts in psychology, with aspirations to eliminate stigmas around mental health therapy in minority communities.

💬 Her Journey: “Attending Central Piedmont helped me understand that everyone’s path is different, and that doesn’t lessen your personal accomplishments,” Shania shared.

This fall, Shania will start her social work degree at UNC Charlotte. 🎓🌟

🎓 Central Piedmont Celebrates Spring 2024 Graduates 🎓

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Group of graduates waiting to march, taking a selfie

On May 9, more than 1,025 students crossed the stage at Bojangles Coliseum to receive their college credentials during Central Piedmont’s spring commencement ceremonies. The event was a vibrant celebration of academic achievements, with ceremonies held in both the morning and the afternoon.

Student Keynote Speakers:

  • Morning Ceremony: Ndianor Gbandala, a 2024 graduate with an associate degree in medical laboratory technology, inspired her classmates by sharing her journey and the obstacles she overcame.
  • Afternoon Ceremony: Brianna Duncan, who earned her associate degree in nursing in 2024, addressed the audience, recounting her path to success and the challenges faced along the way.

Both speakers were met with enthusiastic applause for their moving speeches, which struck a chord with fellow graduates and attendees alike.

Two graduates smiling and holding a #cpccgrad cutout

Worth Noting:

  • Degrees Awarded: Students graduated with degrees, diplomas, or certificates from both for-credit and non-credit programs.
  • Flexible Ceremony Times: To accommodate different family schedules, Central Piedmont allowed graduates to choose between morning or afternoon ceremonies for their “walk.”

This year’s commencement not only highlighted the personal stories of perseverance and triumph but also continued Central Piedmont’s tradition of having graduates serve as keynote speakers, adding a personal touch to the celebration of academic success. Congratulations to all the graduates on their well-deserved achievements! 🎉