Category Archives: Community

Central Piedmont students stand-out in the Canopy Innovation Award

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Central Piedmont’s Truist Honors Scholars (Qais D, Tia-Tamera L., Charlotte E, and Dalida C.) recently participated in the Canopy Innovation Award, presenting a forward-thinking solution to address the affordable housing crisis. 

The big idea: Modular homes arranged in a cottage court layout, designed to maximize cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and scalability through creative partnerships. 

Why it matters: This student-led initiative highlights how innovation can drive real change in housing affordability. 

How you can help: 

  • Vote for Central Piedmont’s Truist Honors Scholars to secure the Realtor’s Choice Award. Voting closes Wednesday, Dec. 3.
  • Voting takes less than one minute and is open to the public. 
  • Cast your vote at: www.canopyhousingfoundation.org/innovation-award

Student chefs explore South African culinary traditions

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culinary students in cape town, south africa

Culinary faculty members—Chef Patricia Pitts and Chef Kimberly Stoll—led a group of student chefs on a transformative journey through Cape Town, South Africa last month. Over eight days, the group immersed themselves in the region’s rich culinary and cultural heritage. 

Highlights from the trip included: 

  • Cultural immersion at !Khwa ttu: Students learned about the history of the San people, South Africa’s oldest tribal community, and roasted springbok antelope over an open fire. 
  • Hospitality at False Bay College: The group experienced WorldSkills Competition-level service, enjoying tea and a fine dining luncheon. 
  • Exploring Bo Kapp: In this vibrant neighborhood, students discovered Malay-style cooking influenced by former slaves from India and the far east. 
  • Community connections in Khayelitsha: Mellows Restaurant and Siki’s Koffee Kafe welcomed the group with warmth and generosity. 
  • Farm-to-table experiences: At Oranjezicht City Farm, students sampled kelp ravioli, kelp lasagna, and herbal fruity mocktails at Veld and Sea. 

A taste of North Carolina in Cape Town 

In a gesture of cultural exchange, the group hosted a southern-style dinner at Muiz Community Kitchen during its Thursday Night Supper Club fundraiser. The menu featured: 

  • NC smoked pulled chicken and smoked cauliflower wings 
  • House-made NC BBQ sauce and creamy coleslaw 
  • Carolina Gold Rice and Sea Island Peas, brought all the way from North Carolina 
  • A chef-inspired apple pie for dessert 

Reflections from the journey 

The hosts throughout Cape Town were gracious, kind, and generous. The students returned with full hearts, full bellies, and a deeper understanding of global culinary traditions. It was the trip of a lifetime—eight days of unforgettable experiences and lifelong learning. 

Freedom’s Footsteps documentary features Central Piedmont instructor

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History instructor Hugh Dusek is featured in Freedom’s Footsteps: A Southern Perspective to the American Revolution, a new documentary premiering Sun., Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. The film airs just before the debut of Ken Burns’ American Revolution at 8 p.m. 

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to a free preview event for both documentaries: 

  • Date: Wed., Nov. 12 
  • Time: 7:00 p.m. 
  • Location: Central Campus, Halton Theater 

The event offers a chance to explore Southern perspectives on the American Revolution and hear insights from a Central Piedmont faculty member featured in the film. 

Reserve your spot today!

CASA Club supports breast cancer survivors at Pink Boots Ball

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Cosmetology Student providing nail servicesFor the second year, Central Piedmont’s Cosmetology student group, CASA Club, partnered with Carolina Breast Friends to support the annual Pink Boots Ball at the Pink House. 

What happened: 

  • CASA Club students provided hair, makeup, and nail services 
  • The event celebrated 28 breast cancer Survivors and Thrivers 
  • Students had the opportunity to connect with attendees and hear their stories 

 Last year marked CASA Club’s first invitation to help participants prepare for the event. After a meaningful experience, students were eager to return this year and contribute again. 

 The Pink Boots Ball is hosted annually by Carolina Breast Friends to honor and uplift individuals impacted by breast cancer. CASA Club’s involvement reflects the college’s commitment to community engagement and service learning. 

Make your voice heard: Register to vote by Fri., Oct. 10

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American flag hung in front of Overcash buildingCentral Piedmont Community College encourages all students and employees to take part in the upcoming municipal elections on Tues., Nov. 4. 

Why it matters: 

  • Local elections impact key issues like education, transportation, and public services 
  • Voting is a direct way to shape your community’s future 
  • Your participation helps strengthen civic engagement across campus 

Take action: 

  • Register to vote by Fri., Oct. 10 at 5 p.m. 
  • Make a plan to vote 
  • Encourage others to get involved 

You can learn more about registering or updating your voter registration at https://www.ncsbe.gov/registering. 

Taking a few minutes now to register — and later, to vote — ensures your voice is part of the decisions that shape our communities. 

First-gen and thriving: New series helps students own their story 

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three first-gen students

What’s happening: 
Central Piedmont is launching “It’s A Different World: Thriving as a First Gen Student”, a transformational series designed for students who are the first in their families to attend college.

Why it matters: 
Being first-gen comes with unique challenges — and strengths. This three-part series will help you build confidence, navigate college, and tap into the support you deserve. 

Topics covered:  

  • Proud to BE First 
    • Own your story 
    • Build your first-gen identity 
  • College Uncovered 
    • Learn how to use campus resources 
    • Understand academic systems 
  • Money Talks 
    • Financial aid basics 
    • Budgeting tips and scholarship advice 

Who should attend: 
All first-gen students looking to connect, grow, and thrive at Central Piedmont. 

🔗 Click here to register 

Find your community at student club orientation

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students sitting around table

Why it matters: Looking to get involved this fall? The upcoming Student club orientation & interest meeting is your chance to explore student-led clubs, meet new friends, and learn how to start a club of your own at Central Piedmont. 

Event details: 

  • Date: Thu., Sept. 25 
  • Time: 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. 
  • Location: Central Campus, Parr 1010/1050 

What’s happening: 

  • Meet representatives from popular student clubs: 
    • Art Club – Express yourself through creativity 
    • Film Club – Watch, discuss, and create cinematic stories 
    • DND Club – Join epic tabletop adventures 
    • Music Club – Jam and collaborate with fellow musicians 
    • Basketball Club – Get in the game and show your skills 
    • K-pop Club – Dance and celebrate your favorite idols 
    • Fashion Club – Design and style with trendsetters 
    • Anime Club – Connect over your favorite series 
  • …and many more! 

Plus: 

  • Free food and drinks (while supplies last) 
  • Fun games and interactive activities 
  • Meet your Student Government reps 
  • Tips on how to launch your own club 

The bottom line: Whether you’re into art, sports, gaming, or just want to explore something new, this event is your launchpad into campus life. Come connect, create, and discover where you belong. ✨ 

Fall Break reimagined: Serve, learn, and lead in Asheville

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aerial footage of parking lot

Fall Break is Oct. 13–17. This year, Central Piedmont students can swap the usual vacation for something more impactful — a week-long alternative break experience in Asheville, N.C.

Why it matters:
You’ll work alongside local organizations fighting food insecurity and economic inequality — while discovering how to create change in your own community.

What to expect:

  • Location: Asheville, N.C.
  • Cost: $25 application fee (lodging, meals, and local transportation covered by Student Life)
  • Who can apply: Current Central Piedmont students ready to serve, reflect, and lead

Community partners include:

  • Bounty & Soul and Root Cause Farm
    → Help distribute food, support farm work, and grow community gardens

  • Asheville Poverty Initiative
    → Join conversations on poverty and equity
    → Volunteer at 12 Baskets Café, turning surplus food into shared meals and connection

Go deeper:
Each day includes reflection and discussion to help students:

  • Connect service to real-world social issues
  • Examine personal values and perspectives on justice and equity
  • Explore how to bring lessons learned back to campus and local communities

Ready to apply?
👉 Sign up here to join this unforgettable experience. The deadline to apply is Fri., Sept. 19.

🏨 Central Piedmont launches new hospitality workforce training program

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Man standing at desk speaking to customer

JumpSTART – a new 12-week hospitality training program – is coming to Central Piedmont this fall to help meet the rising demand for talent in Charlotte’s hotel and lodging industry. 

Why it matters: The hospitality sector in Charlotte is booming, and employers are looking for job-ready talent. JumpSTART was created in direct response to feedback from local hospitality leaders and provides students with industry-recognized certifications, hands-on experience, and career-building opportunities. 

📅 Program details 

  • Runs Mon., Oct. 20 – Thu., Jan. 29 
  • Includes classroom instruction, hands-on learning, a hotel externship, and a job fair 
  • Prepares you for real-world hospitality careers with certifications and skills employers want 

🤝 Building industry connections 

The hospitality team at Central Piedmont recently joined the Charlotte Hospitality and Tourism Alliance’s General Sales Meeting at the Charlotte Convention Center. 

  • Hosted an info table to promote JumpSTART and connect with local employers 
  • Shared how the program strengthens the hospitality workforce pipeline 
  • Boosted community and employer partnerships through training and collaboration 

📩 Want in? 

To learn more or apply, contact: 

🎨 Four New Art Exhibitions Open Across Central Piedmont Campuses

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Painting Sonoma Sunset, 16x20 encaustic on panel - featured in Terri Yacovelli Exhibition on Levine Campus

Central Piedmont is showcasing a fresh wave of creativity this fall, with four unique exhibitions now open to the campus community. From thought-provoking history to Charlotte-inspired sketches, there’s something for everyone to explore. 

What’s new: 

Levine Campus – Terri Yacovelli Exhibition 

  • A series of encaustic paintings that reimagine landscapes as fluid, internal spaces shaped by memory, perception, and emotion. 
  • Expect abstraction, layered textures, and bold color that invite contemplation. 

Central Campus, Dove Gallery: “The Unscene South” by Charles Eady 

  • A powerful exploration of Black life in the Antebellum South. 
  • Challenges traditional narratives and offers fresh perspectives on history. 

Central Campus, North Classroom: “A Love Letter from Charlotte” by Mike Daikubara 

  • Features 60 on-location sketches capturing Charlotte’s landmarks, hidden corners, and evolving cityscape. 
  • Daikubara, an artist and educator, has been sketching daily since 2000. 

Levine Campus – New 3D Art Exhibition Open 

  • A collaborative 3D art exhibition, featuring work from Jackie Radford and Patricia Raible, exploring the book form as artistic expression. 
  • Investigates how structure influences content and vice versa, blending words, visuals, and materials. 

Why it matters: ️ These exhibitions highlight both local talent and broader cultural narratives, giving students, faculty, and the community a chance to engage with art that sparks reflection, dialogue, and inspiration. 

Be sure to stop by the galleries this semester and experience the creativity happening right here on campus. 

🎯 Teen Central: Life Skills for Future Success

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teen central students

Central Piedmont’s Teen Central program is designed for 8th–12th graders ready to learn real-world skills in a fun, engaging way. 

💡 Why it matters 

Our courses, led by expert instructors, focus on youth enrichment — building confidence, creativity, and practical know-how. 

📚 What to expect 

  • Custom-designed classes tailored for teens 
  • Hands-on learning in a supportive environment 
  • New skills for life, school, and beyond 
  • Fun, interactive sessions every step of the way 

Learn more about upcoming programs here. 

🍂 Fall Into Beauty

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student giving hair cut in cosmetology school

Central Piedmont’s Cosmetology and Natural Hair Care programs are here to help you glow into sweater weather with seasonal services, tips, and treatments. 

✨ Reset your routine 

Summer can dry out your skin, fade your hair, and wear down your self-care habits. Fall is the perfect time to refresh with: 

  • Hydrating facials  
  • Rich, fall hair colors + gloss treatments  
  • Exfoliating skin + hand scrubs  
  • Brow and lash shaping or tinting  
  • Fall-toned manicures  

Seasonal specials 

Book early—appointments fill fast! 

  • Fall Refresh Package – $99
    Hydrating facial, hot oil scalp massage, and brow shaping
    ($140 value – book by Tue, Oct. 15) 
  • Enzyme Facial – $75
    A limited-edition antioxidant treatment with serious fall vibes 
  • Deep Conditioning Blowout – $45
    Smooth, shiny hair to take you from class to cozy 

Add-on upgrades 

  • Warm Paraffin Hand Treatment – $10 
  • Hot Oil Scalp Massage – $15 
  • Pumpkin Spice Latte Foot Soak – $20  

Book now!

Call 704-330-5455 or email Kathy Pate or Christian Rogers to schedule your appointment. Additional information can be found here.

Get pampered, stay polished, and fall into beauty this season! 🍂💆‍♀️💅 

🍴 Taste the World with Central Piedmont’s Line Cooking Class

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Central Piedmont’s culinary students are serving up international dishes during the Line Cooking Class (a.k.a. the Food Truck Class) — and you’re invited to sample the goods for free!

👨‍🍳 Led by: Instructor A. Cooper
📍 Location: In front of the North Classroom Building, Central Campus
🕠 Time: 5:30–6:30 p.m. (or until samples run out!)

📅 Sample Days:

  • Tue., Aug. 12 & Thu., Aug. 14
  • Tue., Aug. 19 & Thu., Aug. 21
  • Tue., Aug. 26 & Thu., Aug. 28
  • Wed., Sept. 3

🍳 What to Expect:

  • A rotating menu inspired by global cuisines
  • Dishes from breakfast to dinner
  • Student-made, chef-approved samples
  • Real-time cooking & service experience

💡 Why It Matters:
Your participation gives culinary students hands-on experience in prepping, cooking to order, and managing food service — from prep to plate.

🥄 Come hungry, leave inspired — and support your fellow Central Piedmont students one bite at a time!

📚 Campus Stores: More Than Just Books

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girl checking out at campus store

Central Piedmont Campus Stores are here to support students with more than textbooks — think coffee, snacks, school supplies, and more! ☕📓🍫

What You Need to Know

  • Shop in-store or online — serving Central Piedmont and the greater Charlotte community

  • Campus Stores located at:
    • Central Campus
    • Cato Campus
    • Levine Campus
  • Smart lockers available for pickup at:
    • Harris Campus
    • Harper Campus
    • Merancas Campus

  • 💵 Use your financial aid in-store

  • 📦 Free shipping on orders over $50

🕒 Fall Store Hours

  • Aug. 4 – Aug. 15
    • Mon. – Fri.: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Sat., Aug. 16
    • Central & Levine Campus: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Week of Aug. 18
    • Central Campus:
      • Mon. – Thu.: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
      • Fri.: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
    • Cato Campus:
      • Mon. – Fri.: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
    • Levine Campus:
      • Mon. – Thu.: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
      • Fri.: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Sat., Aug. 23
    • Central Campus only: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Mon., Aug. 25 – End of Semester
    • Mon. – Fri.: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Grab a coffee, pick up your books, and get set for fall! Need more info? Visit the Campus Stores website or stop by your nearest location.

🍲 Recap: Soup on Sunday Served Up Warmth & Community Support!

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Collage of photos from Soup on Sunday event. Includes people and bowls of soup.On January 26, Central Piedmont’s Culinary Arts Building was filled with the delicious aroma of signature soups, fresh bread, and sweet treats as Soup on Sunday brought together some of Charlotte’s best restaurants and culinary schools—all in support of VIA Health Partners (formerly Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region).

🍜 A Day of Flavor & Giving

Guests enjoyed a family-friendly soup fest, sampling a variety of handcrafted soups while admiring beautiful pottery and connecting with the community. More than just a tasting event, Soup on Sunday helped raise vital funds for hospice and bereavement services in North and South Carolina.

As a non-profit, VIA Health Partners relies on generous donors and community support to provide compassionate care to those in need. Events like Soup on Sunday make a direct impact by ensuring these services remain accessible.

💙 Thank You to Our Supporters!

A huge THANK YOU to the restaurants, culinary schools, volunteers, and attendees who made this event a success! Your support helps provide comfort, care, and dignity to families in our region.

🎉 Truist Honors Scholars Win Big Again! 🏆

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Group of scholars accepting the $2500 check for winning. Seven scholars and two Canopy employees standing side by side smiling with the check in front of them.Another huge shoutout to Central Piedmont’s Truist Honors Scholars for earning the Canopy Foundation Innovation Realtor’s Choice Award! 👏

This prestigious award was determined by votes from licensed Realtors and the public, who selected the scholars’ innovative work as their top choice.

  • 🌟 Previous Success: The team initially represented Central Piedmont in the first-ever Canopy Innovation Award Competition, securing an impressive 2nd Place finish.
  • 💵 Latest Win: Scholars Amanda Sanchez, Daniel Ramirez, Faith Blom, Itala Flores, Reuben Evans, Stacey Roberts, and Yin Theint were recently awarded another $1,000 for the Realtor’s Choice Award.
  • 🏠 Making a Difference: Their efforts focus on addressing housing challenges in our communities, showcasing creativity and dedication to real-world solutions.

💖 Thank You to Our Supporters
A huge thank you to everyone who voted and supported our scholars in this incredible achievement.

✨ Stay Tuned!
Our Truist Honors Scholars are just getting started—stay tuned to see how they continue to make a positive impact!

🎄 FBLA Students Spread Holiday Cheer with Operation Christmas Child 🎁

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FBLA students and Instructor Bryan Causey volunteering at Samaritan's Purse during Winter Break 2024During the winter break, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) students at Central Piedmont came together to make a difference in the lives of children across the globe. Under the dedicated leadership of Bryan Causey, these incredible students volunteered with Samaritan’s Purse to pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. 🌟

Here’s how they made the holidays brighter:

  • 📦 Packing with Purpose: The students carefully packed gift boxes filled with toys, school supplies, and personal care items to bring joy to children in Guatemala.
  • 🌍 A Global Mission: This effort was part of Samaritan’s Purse’s ambitious goal of sending 3 million shoeboxes around the world this holiday season.
  • 🤝 Teamwork & Dedication: The group worked tirelessly to ensure every box was packed with love and care, making an impact that will be felt far beyond the holiday season.

👏 A Job Well Done
We’re so proud of these students for their selflessness and commitment to spreading kindness during the holidays. Their efforts reflect the spirit of giving and the values of leadership and service. 🎅✨

Remarkable Resilience: Central Piedmont Celebrates December 2024 Graduates

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Graduate walking from stage back to seat, showing diploma to the cameraOn Dec. 12, 2024, Central Piedmont Community College proudly celebrated the achievements of over 1,487 graduates in a ceremony that highlighted their academic success and their inspiring personal journeys. This December graduating class, with an average GPA of 3.33, demonstrated remarkable dedication and perseverance across a diverse array of programs, setting a strong foundation for future contributions to the community.

“Graduation day is the most joyful day of the year,” said Central Piedmont President Kandi Deitemeyer. “It is a day of celebration—of hard work, determination, and the incredible promise that each of our graduates represents.”

Among the many stories of resilience and triumph, several graduates stood out:

Tiffany Glover: At 45 years old, Tiffany earned her Diploma in Adult High School. After being laid off from a trucking job, Tiffany sought a better future and found her place at Central Piedmont. With support from staff like Deandra Williams, she excelled in her studies, discovering joy in learning for the first time. Tiffany plans to return to pursue a degree in information technology and cybersecurity.

“Central Piedmont paved the way for me,” Tiffany shared. “They supported my curiosity and will continue to support my future career development in an ever-changing world.”

Stacy Goode: Even with the birth of her fifth child in September, Stacy earned her Associate Degree in Nursing while balancing the demands of clinicals, soccer practices, and parenting. Her hard work paid off, as she’ll soon begin her career at Novant Health. “Life is about facing challenges and sometimes getting thrown off the path you thought you needed to be on,” Stacy said. “But you pick yourself up and keep going.”

Laken Granger: Overcoming personal loss and grief, Laken earned her associate in arts degree and will begin her baccalaureate studies at UNC Charlotte in January. After her father’s passing and her mother’s battle with cancer, Laken found purpose in education during one of the darkest periods of her life. “My education kept me afloat and gave me purpose,” she reflected.

The ceremony also featured a heartfelt speech by Tryphene Mabiku, a Biological Studies graduate who shared her journey from growing up in the Democratic Republic of Congo to Central Piedmont. Overcoming self-doubt, language barriers, and imposter syndrome challenges, Tryphene discovered the power of community and resilience. Quoting Cicero, she reminded her fellow graduates, “If you have no confidence in yourself, you are twice defeated in the race of life. With confidence, you have won even before you have started.”

Central Piedmont’s graduates represent a wide range of accomplishments:

  • Degrees Earned: 379 Associate of Applied Science, 79 Associate of Science, and 704 Associate in Arts degrees.
  • Workforce Contributions: 361 graduates entering industries such as healthcare, engineering, business, IT, and education.
  • Community Impact: 194 Career and College Readiness students with high school credentials.

As these graduates embark on their next chapters, whether in the workforce or at four-year institutions such as UNC Charlotte, Appalachian State University, and UNC-Chapel Hill, they carry the knowledge, skills, and resilience gained at Central Piedmont.

“You are the future leaders, innovators, and professionals who will make a significant difference in the world,” President Deitemeyer told the graduates. “Share your journey. Show others that hard work, determination, and the unwavering support of family, friends, and mentors lead to success.”

💡Reminder: Student Voices Survey Closes Dec. 1

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Students outside, laughingYou have one week left to participate in the Student Voices Survey Series! Your feedback is vital in shaping the future of Central Piedmont, and the survey closes in just one week.

Survey Link: Check your Central Piedmont student email for your unique survey link.

Why Your Input Matters:

  • Influence Change: Your responses will directly impact the services and support we provide.
  • Support Strategic Planning: Your insights help us make well-informed decisions for the future.
  • Enhance Your Experience: Let us know what’s working and what could be improved.
  • Win Big: Last chance to participate and be entered for a chance to win a $100 or $500 Amazon gift card!

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make your voice heard! 😊

Central Piedmont Truist Honor Scholars Shine in Innovation Competition! 🌟🏆

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Truist Scholars holding giant check for $2,500The Truist Honor Scholars proudly represented Central Piedmont at the first-ever Canopy Innovation Award Competition on November 18, and secured an impressive 2nd Place! 🎉👏

The Challenge:
Three teams from local colleges and universities were tasked with solving affordable housing issues through adaptive re-use concepts. Supported by mentors, each team presented their innovative solutions to a panel of industry experts.

Central Piedmont’s Presentation Highlights:

  • 🏠 Holistic Design: Focused on affordable housing solutions that address financial, social, and individual needs while promoting independence.
  • 🔧 Creative Concepts: Combined thoughtful design and construction with a people-first approach to housing.
  • 🤝 Dedication: The team gracefully dedicated their presentation to Haywood Community College, which was unable to participate due to Hurricane Helene’s impact.

Realtors® Choice Award – Your Vote Matters!
In addition to the competition, a Realtors® Choice Award offers an extra $1,000 prize, and YOU can help Central Piedmont win!

🗳️ How to Vote:

  1. Watch Central Piedmont’s presentation: Click Here
  2. Look for the blue Realtors® Choice tab on the right side of your screen.
  3. Select Central Piedmont and hit Submit!

⏰ Voting Period: Now through December 6, 2024 – but don’t wait, vote by December 1st to show your support! 💪✨