The Beaufort County Community College Foundation chose ten students to represent Beaufort County Community College (BCCC) as ambassadors for the 2026-2027 academic year. Ambassadors represent the variety of aspirations, backgrounds, and interests of the BCCC student body through speaking engagements, marketing, and recruitment. They are nominated and selected by a committee to represent the college.
Meet the 2026-2027 Ambassadors
Nicholas Ambrose, 17, is a Washington resident enrolled at Beaufort County Early College High School. He is the son of Kristy Ambrose and David Ambrose of Washington.
Katherine Bowen, 16, is a Washington resident and Beaufort County Early College High School student working toward both an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Science. She volunteers with 4-H and at local horse shows and is a member of Gamma Beta Phi, a national honor society. Bowen plans to attend East Carolina University to major in economics. She is the daughter of Stephanie Alligood of Washington.
Mah’Lia Davenport, 17, is a Chocowinity resident and Beaufort County Early College High School student. She has volunteered at local schools and plans to attend a four-year university to major in nursing. Davenport is the daughter of Jucora Davenport of Chocowinity.
Joey Gutierrez, 16, is a Washington resident and Beaufort County Early College High School student pursuing an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Science. He is active in Health Sciences Academy, Manna Ministry, and the Humane Society, and has been recognized through the Beaufort County Early College High School Service Club and the Washington Noon Rotary. Gutierrez plans to pursue a future in nursing and is also considering dentistry. He is the son of Juan and Cristy Gutierrez.
Owen O’Kane, 16, is a Washington resident pursuing an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Science. He plays baseball and football and volunteers with the Arc of Beaufort County, where he also works at their camp. O’Kane plans to become a pediatrician. He is the son of Kyle and Amie O’Kane.
Cory Raines, 17, is an Aurora resident and Beaufort County Early College High School student. He plans to join the military through ROTC and pursue a career in law enforcement. Raines is the son of Kimberly Meadows.
Joanna Sauls, 17, is a Chocowinity resident and Beaufort County Early College High School student pursuing an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Science. She serves as a Student Government Association officer, has logged more than 200 volunteer hours, and works as a tutor at the Learning Enhancement Center on campus. Sauls attends Covenant Church in Washington and plans to attend Western Carolina University, where she will double major in dietetics and psychology and pursue licensure as a registered dietitian nutritionist. She is the daughter of Jamin and Teri Sauls of Chocowinity.
Emily Smith, 21, is a Washington resident pursuing an Associate in Arts. She plans to pursue a career as an art therapist. Smith is the daughter of Tammy and James Smith of Washington.
Maggie Wilder, 17, is a Washington resident and Washington High School student. Wilder works as an instructor at the Little Washington Sailing School, has volunteered over 560 hours across different causes, and attends Church of the Good Shepherd. She is the daughter of Beth and Jack Wilder.
Caden Woolard, 19, is a Washington resident studying mechanical engineering technology and electrical engineering technology. He works at Sesame Technologies, BC Iron Works, and his own sod farm. He is the son of Ryan and Terry Woolard of Washington.