Truist Honors Scholars Dive into Critical Conversations 📚✨

Central Piedmont’s Truist Honors Scholars are committed to growth—academically, personally, and socially. Recently, they participated in a transformative Common Read Engagement Experience, guided by the incredible Jamie Pollard-Smith. This initiative pushed scholars to challenge their perspectives, engage in critical discourse, and explore their place in the broader world. 🌍💡

Meet Jamie Pollard-Smith
Jamie is a full-time writing instructor at Central Piedmont, the 2022-2023 Larry M. Harding Teacher of the Year, and a passionate advocate for creative and critical thinking.

  • Education: Master of Arts from NYU
  • Roles: Coordinator for the Honors Scholar Common Read and liaison for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Library Community Read
  • Published Work: Contributor to Literary Mama, Scary Mommy, and Project We Forgot. Explore her writings at unbecoming.co. ✍️

I Never Thought of it That Way book coverThe Experience
This year’s Common Read centered on Monica Guzman’s I Never Thought of It That Way, sparking discussions on diverse perspectives and the integration of new ideas. Scholars reflected deeply, examined critical issues, and left with a broader understanding of the world.

Even if you missed this round, it’s not too late to dive in! 📖

Looking Ahead: Spring 2025 Common Read đź“…
Get ready for our next selection: Portrait of a Thief by Grace D. Li, in collaboration with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library. This book promises an exciting exploration of identity, culture, and action.Portrait of a Thief book cover

Get Involved
If you’re a Truist Honors Scholar, don’t miss your chance to join these engaging conversations and experiences.

đź“© Learn More: Contact us at honors.program@cpcc.edu

Grow your mind. Challenge your ideas. Be part of the conversation! 🌟

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

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! 💪✨

Central Piedmont Honors Program Scholars Prepared and Poised for Honors Conference

Central Piedmont’s Truist Honors Scholars presented at the North Carolina Honors Association (NCHA) Conference on a variety of topics that aligned with their personal interests, career interests, and programs of study. Scholars supported one another from abstract development to presentation day to ensure everyone was prepared. The community and camaraderie were a joy to witness!

Group of students around a round table with a purple tableclothGroup of students in front of an outdoor mural

A huge congratulations to Tiffany Zamora who won the Best Oral Presentation Award for the NCHA 2024 Conference!

Student giving a presentation in front of a projector screen

Title of Presentation: A Paradise for Predation: A Sociological Examination of Solid Rock Church as a Microcosm of Religious Abuse

One judge’s comments are as follows: “Tiffany’s presentation was fantastic—well-researched, clear, and powerful. She brilliantly balanced the facts of the case she analyzed and clergy sexual misconduct more broadly with a strong theoretical and sociological analysis. Her presentation style was engaging, as she had the audience enraptured with her research and analysis, which were of advanced quality. The Q&A led to rich discussion and more information about Tiffany’s website and advocacy work, and she handled audience questions with confidence and grace. This was an exceptional presentation!!”