Honors
Jason Reynolds graduates this semester with an Associate in Science degree from SPCC and a high school diploma from Union County Early College. He is the first student to graduate from the SP Honors Program by completing four projects and presenting at an honors symposium. During his program, he maintained a 4.0 grade point average. In Critical Thinking, his ePortfolio won the top ePortfolios of Excellence Award. He served as the public relations officer on the SPCC Student Government Association Executive Board for 2019-2020.
This fall, he will attend UNC Chapel Hill, where he hopes to major in chemistry.
Honors Project: “Oil Spills and a Natural Cleanup”
Although the number of oil spills has declined in recent years due to the dramatic increase in world oil trade, the risk for a potentially large spill remains present. As such, the world must be prepared to manage any necessary cleanup efforts by refining supplies and techniques used to contain them. An evaluation of the devastating economic, environmental, and social impacts of oil spills further supports this claim. A discussion about methods used to clean oil spills leads into the project’s focus on sorbents and the experimentation conducted to identify a natural alternative. In the conclusion, further research is suggested, moral questions are addressed, and the plan for a natural cleanup is advanced.
Presentation:
Edmari N. Correia De Castro is an Anson County Early College student who will graduate with an Associate in Science degree and high school diploma by May of 2021. At SPCC, she is Student Government Association Secretary and a member of Phi Theta Kappa and National Society Of Leadership and Success. She is also on the Dean’s List.
At Anson Early College, she is national Honors Society Secretary and a member of National Society of High School Scholars.
Honors Project: “The Impact behind Myopia”
Myopia has been rated the most common eye condition worldwide, yet many people are still misinformed about it. To get a better understanding of this refractive error, knowing the definition is a key point; just as much as knowing that myopic levels has been unceasingly rising over the years, and are expected to continue this path.
Exploring different influential factor that contribute to nearsightedness origin and looking at the biology overview of a myopic eye compared to a normal eye’s function can vastly facilitate the understanding of the subject, especially in today’s world in where myopes are treated differently.
A Punnet Square that explains Myopia by using Mendelian Basics.
Video: https://youtu.be/60yKxkaZqzw
Paper: “The Impact Beyond Myopia”
Madison Paige Drum is an Associate in Fine Arts major who plans to graduate from SPCC in the spring of 2021. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and has been on the Dean’s List. After graduating from SPCC, she will pursue a degree in graphic design at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
Honors Project: “Grotesque and Horror Themes in Art”
This project, created in Art Appreciation, explores the psychological implications and effects of grotesque and horror themes in literature, film, and art. From ancient to contemporary times, people have been drawn to these themes because they express universal fears such as the fear of death, the dark, dismemberment, disfigurement, the unusual, or even a frightening environment. Art that mirrors these fears provides insight into the workings of the human mind by revealing the artist’s perspective and his or her mental state. A study of horror and the grotesque can assure viewers that they are not alone in their need to understand and face their fears. Medieval architecture, Mary Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein, Stephen King’s novel, It, Franciso de Goya’s painting, Satan Devouring His Son, and my painting, Beauty and Monstrocity, reveal a world with both light and darkness.
“Beauty and Monstrosity”
Paper: “Playing With Your Fears: Grotesque and Horror Themes in Art”
Honors Project: “Keith Haring’s Activism in Art”
This project, completed in Art History Survey II, explores the significance of Keith Haring’s use of artwork to promote social and political causes to bring awareness to controversial subjects in the 1980’s such as the AIDS epidemic, crack epidemic, and the Cold War. Keith Haring used his artwork as peaceful activism and as a way to spread a message to the public during these times of crisis. Inspired by his artwork, I created the painting, “Everyone is Equal” to draw attention to gender equality, a controversial issue today.
“Everyone is Equal”
Paper: “Keith Haring: Activism in Art”
Victoria Rueff graduates from SPCC this spring with an Associate in Arts degree. In the fall, she will attend UNC Greensboro on the Blue and Gold Scholarship, which is a merit-based scholarship that pays for tuition, fees, room, and board. Her goals are to earn a BS and master’s degree in accounting.
Honors Project: “Reflection”
This project, created in Critical Thinking, explores the reflective thinking process and how it can be used in academic, professional, and personal contexts. In the course, students practice reflection by completing an ePortfolio, or educational website. This website includes samples of students’ best work with commentaries on their learning. By analyzing and evaluating their work, students can create goals for continuous improvement. Learning the basics of the reflective process in an academic course prepares students to apply these strategies to challenge themselves. An examination of professionals who use reflection demonstrates that reflection is not some abstract concept that only exists in the minds of geniuses; it is a useful tool for self-improvement.
Presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60yKxkaZqzw&feature=youtu.be
Lindsay Starnes is in the Associate in Engineering Program at SPCC. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and has made the President’s List.
Honors Project: “Nuclear Energy: A Bad Bet for Business”
Many dangers are associated with nuclear energy, which include, but are not limited to terrorism, nuclear accidents, and radioactive nuclear waste. Although there are many supporters of nuclear energy because it is seen as a “clean” energy source and does not produce greenhouse gas emissions or air pollution, this seems like a minuscule benefit when compared to the other types of pollution produced by nuclear energy, including thermal pollution of land, water, soil, and crops. Additionally, the production of nuclear power in itself may not produce pollution of the air directly, but accidents that the nuclear power plants are quite vulnerable to, as shown by past nuclear disasters such as Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima, can release harmful radiation into the environment, making conditions in areas surrounding the disaster site unlivable for humans and even wildlife. Other sources of energy that are renewable: however, seem to be safer alternatives to nuclear energy, especially those such as biomass and solar energy. The most important aspect when it comes to choosing the type of energy sources to use is determining how they will affect the safety of humans, wildlife, and the environment. Consequently, the use of nuclear energy and the negative impacts it has had on mankind and the earth in the past seems to show that it has done more harm than good.
Paper: “Nuclear Energy: A Bad Bet for Business”
Presentation: “Nuclear Energy”
Jessica Weirsum graduated this spring with an Associate in Fine Arts degree. While at SPCC, she was president of the art club. In 2017, she was Salutatorian at Anson New Tech High School. In the fall, she will study illustration at UNC Charlotte.
Honors Project: “Glass Labyrinth”
Since Portfolio and Resume (ART-214) focuses on creating a professional portfolio to show to future employers, I strived to create a semi-animated video to show off my art skills and interest in storytelling in my portfolio. The process of making the video also taught me useful art techniques which can be utilized in future projects. Within the story of the video, I strongly integrated themes of strong role models and healthy relationships, two topics which are greatly important to those both young and old.
Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ET5Lr9tgCx4&feature=youtu.be
Presentation: https://youtu.be/nLlQfECNfFs
ePortfolios of Excellence
Each spring, the School and Arts Leadership Team identifies three outstanding ePortfolios that have been created in Critical Thinking or Portfolio and Resume, the capstone courses for the Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and the Associate in Fine Arts degrees. ePortfolios are digital resumes that provide students with a professional way to introduce themselves to employers and university staff.
Jason Reynolds: ePortfolios of Excellence, Top Award
Jason Reynolds graduates this semester with an Associate in Science degree from SPCC and a high school diploma from Union County Early College. He is the first student to graduate from the SP Honors Program by completing four projects and presenting at an honors symposium. During his program, he maintained a 4.0 grade point average. He served as the public relations officer on the SPCC Student Government Association Executive Board for 2019-2020.
Reflection: “Opening the Next Chapter”
During the time I spent working on my ePortfolio this semester, I had the opportunity to reflect on my experiences in life and at South Piedmont from a different perspective. In completing the introduction of myself, I was reminded of the challenges I have had to overcome in life. I found new motivation in these difficulties, as I have learned to appreciate them as I progress in life. With this new motivation, I felt I made the most of my goals page, evaluating what I truly want to accomplish and refocusing after this journey. In writing reflections for my artifacts, I was able to think and understand how much I have learned from each assignment. I see a clear picture of how much I have grown since starting here at SPCC, as well as proof of that growth in the quality of my reflection. In looking at my additional educational experiences, I was able to appreciate the extracurricular activities that have allowed me to meet the incredible people here at SPCC and get involved with the supportive community. Overall, working on my ePortfolio allowed me to take a critical walk through the past few years and ensure that I have made the most of my time. In a sense, the ePortfolio was the closing remark on one chapter of my life and the springboard to help catapult me into the next.
ePortfolio: https://1636942.wixsite.com/jrey0518
Brianna McCollum: ePortfolios of Excellence, 2nd Award
Ms. McCollum has been a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the National Society for Leadership and Success, and earned the Graduate of Excellence Award for the School of Arts and Sciences. This spring, she earned an Associate in Science degree and her high school diploma from Anson County Early College.
Her extracurricular experiences include Anson High School Varsity Cheerleader Captain for the Bearcats, All-American Cheerleader, Top-Soloist Champion for Showstopper Dance Competition, and model for Showstopper Magazine, Lebo’s Catalog, Strauss Studios, and Pixal Frames Senior Muse.
In the fall, she will major in biology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she has been selected to be a member of the Carolina Dance Team. Her long-term goal is to attend medical school to become a pediatric radiologist.
Reflection: “Learning to Grow”
After the creation of my ePortfolio, I realized many aspects of myself were built due to my time spent at SPCC. I have learned what it means to be devoted and dedicated to my goals, and that hard work and patience pay off in time.
Teachers taught me to stand up for myself and fight for what I know I deserve. Friends taught me competition. Family taught me support and love.
By reflecting on my learning experiences, I see that I am a strong, independent, smart woman, with my own brand of magic. I have taught myself how to present, represent, and succeed. As Aaron Burr sings in Lin Manuel Miranda’s play, Hamilton, “I am the one thing in life I can control, I am inimitable, I am an original.”
ePortfolio: https://briannamccollum.wixsite.com/mysite-2
Rae Odiorne: ePortfolios of Excellence, 3rd Award
- Spring of 2020 graduate of South Piedmont Community College with Associates of Arts degree.
- Moving to Asheville, NC in the fall to discover my interests through internships and shadowing.
- Currently plans to pursue a career in the field of Physical Therapy.
Reflection: “Finding My Place”
I have never been sure of myself academically or in life. With each change of the season it seemed I had a new career aspiration. Crafting this ePortfolio was a daunting task for someone without a solid direction. However, as I designed and wrote, I found that some things never change. I learned that I care holistically about people, that I am ambitious and that I can inspire others regardless of my career. Through completing my capstone ePortfolio I have also discovered that I am driven towards nurturing and advocating for others. Knowing this has both freed me and encouraged me. As long as I stay true to the core of who I am, everything else will eventually fall into place.
Although I am still finding my way in life, I have learned more through completing my ePortfolio than I believed possible. My capstone ePortfolio is not only a display of my accomplishments, but also a reminder that self-discovery is an ongoing adventure. I am honored to be recognized for my ePortfolio- it is my hope to inspire others who, like me, are still in the process of determining their life goals.
ePortfolio: https://raeodiorneportfolio.wixsite.com/mysite
Global Scholars of Distinction
Diego Morgado-Alfaro graduates with an Associate in Arts degree with Global Scholars of Distinction honors. He was president of the Bible Study Club and plans to major in secondary social studies education at Wingate University.
Capstone Project: “Could the Second World War have been avoided?”
This capstone project, created in World Civilizations, argues that the signing of the Treaty of Versailles made World War II inevitable. If the 14 Points proposal, created by Woodrow Wilson had been adopted, World War II may have been avoided. The Treaty of Versailles humiliated Germany and caused an economic recession that created resentment against the allies and distrust of Jews and liberals in Germany. The 14 points proposal was a sign of forgiveness against Germany and was an initiative to put “The Great War” behind. The animosity engendered by the Treaty of Versailles changed history.
Presentation: Treaty of Versailles