🎓 Truist Honors Scholars Shine at National Conference in Dallas!

Scholar giving presentationCentral Piedmont’s Truist Honors Scholars recently showcased their presentation skills and passion for research at the National Association of African American Studies & Affiliates (NAAAS) Conference in Dallas, Texas! 🌟

📢 A Platform for Research & Expression

Founded in 1992, NAAAS provides a space for faculty and students to engage in scholarly research and celebrate the contributions of Africans, African Americans, Hispanics, Latinos/as, Chicanos/as, Mexicans, Native Americans, Indigenous Peoples, Asians, and Asian Americans.

📚 Diverse & Thought-Provoking PresentationsScholar presenting

Honors Scholars, both first-time and experienced presenters, tackled a wide range of topics, including:
🔹 Climate change 🌍
🔹 The psychology of mother-daughter relationships 👩‍👧
🔹 The decline of creativity 🎨
🔹 Language barriers & communication 🗣️
🔹 Addiction & mental health 🧠
🔹 Global debt & economic impact 💰
🔹 Power dynamics in the church ⛪
🔹 The science of melanin 🔬

🏆 Scholar Reflections: Growth, Confidence & Networking

Honors scholars received high praise for their exceptional presentation skills and in-depth research on topics they are not only passionate about, but also intend to shape their careers and futures around. Many scholars are not only planning to conduct studies on these subjects, but several are already considering pursuing advanced degrees after completing their undergraduate degrees. One scholar shared, “I was nervous and excited to present at the conference, but the honors program encourages me to embrace trying new things”. 

Through the program, scholars are developing the skills to navigate academic and professional environments where educators, administrators, and experts are eager to hear their research interests, opinions, and future aspirations in addition to affirming they belong in those spaces. Scholars are networking and sharing their knowledge with pride. A second scholar said, “This program has helped me build confidence. It has taught me how to network and because of this, I can go into a room and present with confidence”. Another scholar exclaimed, “The support, empowerment, and encouragement from the honors program lets me know I am capable of achieving my educational and professional goals. The Honors program pushes me to believe in myself!”

🚀 The Truist Honors Program: Create, Engage, Connect

The Truist Honors Program at Central Piedmont provides:
Intellectual & research opportunities 📚
Leadership & community engagement 🌎
Publication & technology skill development 💡
A strong, supportive scholar community 🤝

🎉 Applications Now Open for Fall 2025!

📌 Interested in joining this dynamic program? Apply now!
🔗 Learn more & apply here

Congratulations to our Honors Scholars for representing Central Piedmont with excellence! 🎉👏

✨ Honoring Dr. King: How Central Piedmont’s Truist Honors Scholars Spent MLK Day 🌟

Group of attendees standing in a line, posing for a photo at MLK eventOn MLK Day 2025, Central Piedmont’s Truist Honors Scholars embraced the legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by participating in the 31st Annual MLK Breakfast. This inspiring event, hosted by the YMCA, was a morning filled with reflection, gratitude, and calls to action. Two of our amazing scholars had the honor of contributing in a powerful way, sharing their voices and perspectives with the community.


🕊️ A Morning of Inspiration and Reflection

🌟 Tia-Tamera L. led the audience in a heartfelt prayer, reminding everyone of Dr. King’s unwavering message of love:

“Loving one another and recognizing the humanity within us all, despite any trivial differences, is what keeps peace alive.”

🌟 Nija highlighted Dr. King’s enduring legacy and reflected on how his work has shaped our world—and our own Central Piedmont community. She shared:

“If you did not know, Central Piedmont is a product of an HBCU (Mecklenburg College) and a PWI (Central Industrial Education Center) merging into an integrated community college in 1963. Learning this information helped me understand what Dr. King meant when he said, ‘We are not makers of history, we are made by history.’ I would not have gone to college if it was not for this school, so for me, it means the world that we are all able to stand together today.”

These moments reminded everyone in attendance of the importance of unity, education, and honoring the past while shaping a brighter future.


Students eating together at MLK breakfast🎤 Other Highlights from the Event

💬 Speakers inspired us with their powerful words and stories:

  • The young poet who spoke of hope and passion.
  • Rickey Price, who urged us to visualize and imagine, persevere, practice mental toughness, and push forward.

🤝 The YMCA continues to play a vital role in our community, offering spaces to grow, connect, and reflect on shared values.


💡 A Message for All of Us

As the day reminded us: Together, we are stronger. Our differences—our unique perspectives, experiences, and stories—are what make our nation great. 🌎 Education teaches us that we have so much more to learn from one another.

🎉 Truist Honors Scholars Win Big Again! 🏆

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!

Central Piedmont Truist Honors Scholars Showcase Sustainable Art at Climate Summit 🌍

Fashion models wearing recyclable art piecesOn July 18, the Charlotte Youth Climate Summit held an inspiring art exhibit at the Popp Martin Student Union at UNC Charlotte, featuring two talented Central Piedmont students.

  • Itala Flores: A second-year student, Flores showcased upcycled fashion designs using materials like Legos, paper, and reused fabrics. Her work reflects her vibrant personality and commitment to sustainability.
    • Flores’s Inspiration: “I love to work with materials no one would usually work with… I love to work with color.”
    • Sustainability Focus: Flores emphasizes the importance of reusing resources to protect the environment.
  • Ian Hirsch: Another second-year student, Hirsch performed “Soft Extinction,” a piano piece divided into four sections that reflect the stages of climate change. His composition was influenced by thorough research and aims to inspire community action.
    • Musical Reflection: Combines beauty and urgency, capturing the current state and future potential of the environment.
    • Call to Action: Emphasizes the need for community unity in combating climate change.

Collaboration: The event was curated by Truist Honors Program students with support from local arts organizations, such as Charlotte Is Creative, which provided essential resources like mannequins and printing funds.

Supportive Faculty: Dr. Deninne Pritchett, faculty director of the Truist Honors Program, was present to support the students, highlighting the impact of their work on the community.

This exhibit beautifully demonstrated how Central Piedmont students are using art to advocate for sustainability and inspire change within their community. 🌱🎉

For the full story, read more here.