FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 8, 2014
For More Information:
Glenville State College
Public Relations Department
(304) 462-4115
GLENVILLE, WV - Three Glenville State College Hidden Promise Scholars (HPS), Brittany Hardy, Chelsey (Ball) Robinson, and Nicholas Lambert, were recognized as graduates of the Hidden Promise program at a ceremony held on December 4th.
GSC President Dr. Peter Barr welcomed the students and congratulated them on their accomplishments. "These graduates represent a critical step toward fulfilled potential; they will soon hold a Glenville State College diploma. With that sign of documented perseverance, they are joining an exclusive society, and with that membership comes broad recognition of their energy, commitment, stamina, focus, and ambition. I salute them on earning this high distinction," said Barr.
Following a special dinner in their honor, the students gave brief remarks recalling their times at GSC and in the Hidden Promise program.
Brittany Hardy, from Buckhannon, West Virginia, will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Education degree with specializations in Early Education (PreK-K) and Elementary Education (K-6). After graduation, she plans on pursuing a master's degree in administration.
In her speech, Hardy spoke about her time at GSC and special memories from HPS pizza parties that Dr. and Mrs. Barr hosted at their home for the scholars. "President and Mrs. Barr fed me pizza, helped me, and treated me like family. I sincerely thank them. The memories I made and the knowledge I acquired hereâ¦I'll treasure forever," said Hardy.
Chelsey (Ball) Robinson, of Big Bend, West Virginia, is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Education degree with specializations in Elementary Education (K-6), General Math/Algebra I (5-9), and Science (5-9). During her time at GSC she was an active participant in the Baptist Campus Ministries group and Kappa Delta Pi. Robinson was also a mentor for high school students in the HPS program. After graduation, she plans to explore a career as an elementary or middle school teacher and pursue a master's degree.
"I extend my thanks to Dr. and Mrs. Barr and everyone on the Hidden Promise staff for everything they have done for us. Hidden Promise made my time at GSC unforgettable. The people here really do care about your successes," said Robinson.
Nicholas Lambert, from Oceana, West Virginia, will graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resource Management with a concentration in Landman Technology and a minor in Environmental Science. While at GSC he was a member of the Fishing Club and competed in two FLW College Fishing Northern Conference Championships. Lambert already has a position lined up at a Parkersburg area company as a landman after his graduation from GSC.
"The chances to go on trips, especially when we went to the beach, hold some of my favorite memories. Aside from that, what this program does is just phenomenal. Sure it creates financial opportunities, but it's so much more than a scholarship," said Lambert.
In addition to accepting a plaque and commemorative class ring, the three new graduates also inscribed the Hidden Promise Book. In signing the volume, graduates commit to 'always accepting the obligations and the challenges of guiding the young to education, knowledge, and love of the human spirit; to demonstrate respect for all people, and cultivate the trained, yet free, minds appropriate to sustaining and advancing a democratic way of life; and to striving to become knowledgeable, ethical, caring citizens who embody the qualities that the Hidden Promise program fosters.' The students will become official GSC graduates on Saturday, December 13th after GSC's December Commencement ceremony.
The Hidden Promise Scholars program is a component of GSC's Hidden Promise Consortium. The program is an alliance between Glenville State College and county school districts throughout West Virginia and in Ohio and Connecticut aimed at improving communication between higher education and teachers, staff, and students in grades eight through 12. Other goals include increasing the number of high school and college graduates as well as aligning the curricula of K-12 and higher education.
Students are often inducted into the program while still in high school after being chosen by their school counselors, teachers, and principals. The scholars mentor with current college students and take part in campus visits and annual summer camps. Upon high school graduation, HPS students who opt to attend GSC receive a $1,000 scholarship which is renewable annually throughout their enrollment as a full-time student.
For more information on the GSC Hidden Promise Scholars Program, contact Program Director Teresa Sterns at Teresa.Sterns@glenville.edu or (304) 462-6100.
