Alan Hidalgo-Lobo graduated Dec. 13, 2022 from Central Piedmont.
Central Piedmont graduate Alan Hidalgo-Lobo was profiled by our local NPR news station, WFAE.
Read or listen to how Hidalgo-Lobo went from not graduating from Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools, to being one of more than 500 students who crossed the stage at Central Piedmont’s first-ever winter commencement on Dec. 13.
Ashley Coates, a dental assisting student at Central Piedmont, associates herself with Superwoman; and we would have to agree.
The first-generation college student consistently tackles more than 15 credit hours each semester, holds a part-time job, and helps co-parent her future stepdaughter. Most would crumble under the pressure of having so many responsibilities to manage, instead Ashley has thrived. She contributes her success to the learning environment Central Piedmont provides.
“Central Piedmont hires the right people. My instructors have been amazing at teaching me everything I have learned,” explains Ashley. “They are not only knowledgeable in what they teach, but they also make me feel like I’m important, which means so much to me.”
With the help of these same instructors and her two scholarships – the First Gaston Foundation Scholarship and the Merancas Technical Careers Scholarship – Ashley is successfully navigating the college’s rigorous dental assisting program and moving closer and closer to fulfilling her dream of one day working in the dental hygiene field.
“Upon graduating in May 2022, I would love to work as a dental assistant and gain the experience needed to attend a dental hygiene program in the future,” says Ashley. “While I know I would enjoy working in an office setting, I think I would feel most fulfilled returning to the classroom, not as a student, but rather as an instructor. Being a student in Central Piedmont’s program has made me want to do more. I enjoy learning, and I want to teach others what I have learned from being here.”
Until then, the Bessemer City resident is enjoying her time at Central Piedmont, getting to know her instructors and making lifelong friends. She adds, “Central Piedmont’s dental assisting program has allowed me to be myself and given my personality an opportunity to shine through. I believe I can make anyone smile!”
Spoken like a true, aspiring dental assistant. Wouldn’t you agree?
Kennedy Logan is “flexing” her creative muscle at Central Piedmont.
The Belmont, N.C., native always had a passion for art, but wasn’t quite sure how to make it into a career. She knew she wanted to attend college close to home; so, she and her high school advisor talked about her options and what art programs were offered by local colleges in the area. The more they talked about Central Piedmont’s graphic arts and imaging technology program – specifically its flexography concentration – the more she knew it was the right fit for her.
“I wanted a career in the arts that would allow me to both be creative and earn a living,” says Kennedy. “When I researched graphic arts as a profession, I realized it would allow me to accomplish both of these goals. I was immediately sold on the idea as a career path, and pursuing that path at Central Piedmont.”
Kennedy’s days at Central Piedmont are spent learning all there is to know about flexography, which is a form of printing that uses a flexible relief plate to print on almost any type of material, ranging from film and cellophane to paper. In fact, the technique can most commonly be seen on food packaging, which means consumers see its impact every day.
When she’s not in the classroom or lab, the first generation college student can be found participating in the college’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter, attending National Technical Honor Society meetings, or interning for the Financial Service Innovation Coalition (FSIC). She encourages her peers to get involved and put themselves out there, too.
“Central Piedmont has provided me with opportunity after opportunity,” says Kennedy. “Since becoming a student I’ve worked with an entrepreneurial hub as an operations manager, interned for an amazing screen-printing company, and served as a pre-press technician for a flexographic company. My Central Piedmont education has given me the confidence to excel in all of these roles and I’m forever grateful for the experiences the college has extended to me.”
Kennedy plans to graduate from Central Piedmont in May 2022 and build her own screen-printing business after graduation that specifically targets small business owners. “There are many impressive small businesses in the area that are in need of marketing help,” she concludes. “I want to raise awareness of their product for the world to see; I want to be the one to help.”
Central Piedmont Community College is excited that two of its 2020 graduates – Koichi Takara and Christopher St. Hilaire – will matriculate to Ivy League schools in fall 2020. Both Takara and St. Hilaire overcame a number of obstacles to reach this milestone in their academic journey. Please read their stories below:
Koichi Takara
After living in Japan for the majority of his childhood, Takara moved to California and graduated from one of their highest-rated public high schools. His résumé was padded with an outstanding SAT score, 4.2 GPA, and an abundance of extracurricular activities. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough, as he was rejected from six of his top seven college choices. To make matters worse, he could not afford the one school that accepted him. As a result, he moved to Huntersville, N.C., and enrolled at Central Piedmont where he flourished. During his time at Central Piedmont, he served as president of the Student Government Association and was an active member of the college’s Rotaract, Phi Theta Kappa chapter, and the NC Scholars of Global Distinction. After graduating from Central Piedmont on May 14, Takara plans to attend Cornell University as a junior on a full ride need-based scholarship. He’ll major in Industrial Labor Relations. Says Takara, “coming to Central Piedmont was the best decision of my life.”
Christopher St. Hilaire
St. Hilaire felt isolated in high school and dropped out at just 15 years of age. He later completed his studies, earning his GED from Central Piedmont in 2015. He immediately joined the workforce, working as a server at Ballantyne Country Club. A club member recognized St. Hilaire’s potential and urged him to go back to school. Thankfully, St. Hilaire heeded his friend’s advice and enrolled where he was most familiar: Central Piedmont. Back on campus, St. Hilaire decided to be a part of everything the college community had to offer – Student Government Association, Rotaract, Model UN and Phi Theta Kappa. He excelled at Central Piedmont, and will graduate this week with an Associate (Transfer) Degree. This fall, St. Hilaire will move to New Jersey, where he will study philosophy at Princeton University on a full scholarship as one of only 13 community college students in the country to be admitted to the Ivy League school for the fall term. “Central Piedmont welcomed me back with open arms and getting involved in its many Student Life and leadership activities made it all worthwhile,” says St. Hilaire.
For more Central Piedmont student success stories, please visit the college’s Facebook page.