Beaufort County Community College (Beaufort CCC) honored five exceptional students whose leadership, service, and academic performance earned them nominations for some of the most respected awards in the North Carolina Community College System. These recognitions place students in consideration for statewide honors, and they highlight the dedication and determination present across the campus community.
Dallas Herring Achievement Award Nominee: Shana Woolard
Business administration student Shana Woolard was selected as Beaufort CCC’s nominee for the Dallas Herring Achievement Award. She plans to transfer to ECU to complete a bachelor’s degree in accounting and pursue a long-term career path that includes becoming a controller. Woolard shared openly about her experiences with mental health challenges and alcoholism, emphasizing the support and perseverance that guided her forward.
Shana stated, “My journey reflects Dr. Dallas Herring’s philosophy: ‘taking people where they are and carrying them as far as they can go.’ When I entered that hospital, I was at my lowest point, defined by fear, shame, and despair. Yet, through compassionate care, proper treatment, and my own determination, I was carried forward. Today, I stand stronger, healthier, and hopeful for the future. Dr. Herring’s words remind me that education, healing, and growth all begin with meeting people exactly where they are, whether broken, lost, or uncertain, and helping them reach their fullest potential. My story is proof that no matter how far down one begins, with guidance and support, it is always possible to rise higher than imagined.”
Created in 2010, this award honors Dr. Dallas Herring, a pivotal advocate for community colleges across North Carolina.
Governor Robert W. Scott Student Leadership Award Nominee: Zofia Cheeseman
Early College High School student Zofia Cheeseman serves as a Beaufort CCC ambassador and as secretary of the Student Government Association. She plans to attend Duke University or UNC Chapel Hill to study mathematics and economics, with the goal of working in investment banking and later opening her own firm. Cheeseman’s record of service and her strong academic performance reflect the leadership qualities recognized by this award, which honors Governor Bob Scott’s legacy of public service and advocacy for community colleges.
New Century Scholarship Nominees
Four students received nominations for the Phi Theta Kappa New Century Scholarship programs.
Workforce Pathways Nominees
Maresha Eakins, an information technology student, plans to pursue a career in support, networking, or cybersecurity. She is working toward Security+ and CompTIA certifications and intends to continue her studies at ECU to become a cybersecurity analyst.
Anthony Beacham, a welding technology student, is developing advanced skills in structural and fabrication welding and plans to continue earning industry certifications.
Transfer Pathways Nominees
Trevon Barrett-Little is a criminal justice technology student who plans to transfer to a four-year university to study criminal justice, political science, or psychology. His goals include practicing law in multiple states, opening a law firm, earning a commercial pilot’s license, and creating a workplace childcare program to support employees.
Zofia Cheeseman was also selected as a nominee for the New Century Transfer Pathways Scholarship because of her strong academic performance and university transfer plans.
The New Century Scholarship programs honor students with the highest All-USA Academic Team application scores in each state. These awards are sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation, The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, the American Association of Community Colleges, and Phi Theta Kappa.
Celebrating Excellence at Beaufort CCC
These five students, along with others from across campus, were recognized at the Academic Awards ceremony in April 2026. Their achievements reflect the strength of Beaufort CCC’s academic programs and the resilience and ambition of the students who bring them to life.