Foundation Profiles
Ingrid Carson
Ingrid Carson, recipient of the Mary Louise Carpenter Scholarship, plans to finish her degree in political science at UNC, then study human rights law after graduating from A-B Tech this summer. Carson first attended A-B Tech in 1999 and had to leave due to financial reasons. She then completed a teacher-training course and taught ESL to adults in Spain while learning Spanish herself. "Although my teaching experiences have brought great educational opportunities of their own, I have come to realize that I need a university degree in order to pursue my long-term goals," she wrote.
Teresa Payne
Teresa Payne received the Altrusa International-Asheville Chapter Scholarship to assist her in receiving her associate's degree in nursing. Her goal is to receive a bachelor's degree in nursing from Western Carolina University's Capstone program, and possibly go on to teach nursing. "I feel that it would be a great honor to be involved in educating our future nurses," she wrote. Payne has maintained a 4.0 GPA since starting her classes at A-B Tech in 2001 and received recognition for the highest score in her graduating PNE class on a Fundamentals of Nursing test.
Susan Enos
Susan Enos received the American Association of University Women - Asheville Chapter Scholarship. She is a full-time student in the associate of arts transfer program, and was honored with an invitation to join Phi Theta Kappa. Her educational goals include graduating from A-B Tech in spring 2005 and transferring to UNCA to enroll in the education program. "After graduation I hope to find employment in the public school system, ideally in a third or fourth grade classroom. I feel excited by the prospect of contributing to the lives of children through the career of an educator," she wrote.
Quilt Raffle to Benefit Foundation
The North Buncombe Chapter of the North Carolina Extension and Community Association's quilt was displayed during the nursing students' senior citizen health fair in Coman Gym. The quilt will be raffled to raise funds for a scholarship.
Since 1993, the members of the North Buncombe Chapter of the North Carolina Extension and Community Association have made a quilt to raise funds for a scholarship for an A-B Tech nursing student.
Each year, members would each create a 15-inch by 15-inch square and hand embroider it. Then the 20 or so members get together at Clark's Chapel Church and sew all the squares together. "We use five squares down and four across, and we try to group them to fit together," said member Claire Rector. Any other squares left are then used for pillows.
This year will be no different. Rector and her fellow club members will sell raffle tickets to help another nursing student pay for tuition, books and supplies. "We will sell them anywhere there is a chance and we think someone might be interested in this beautiful handmade heirloom quilt," said Rector.
All the stitches and embroidery are done with a candlewick stitch. Every stitch in the quilt is done by hand. After the squares have been sewn together, batting and a liner are basted on them. "We put it on our quilting frame, and quilt around every square," she said.
The money raised will come to the A-B Tech Foundation to provide a scholarship for a nursing student.
The winning ticket will be drawn at the Weaverville Christmas Parade. Tickets are available by contacting Rector at 645-6596.
PTK Induction Ceremony
Inductees hold a candle, symbolic of knowledge, and a carnation that signifies sweetness, purity, and endurance, as part of the ceremony.
New members were inducted into A-B Tech's Alpha Upsilon Eta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society of two-year colleges, during a ceremony in Ferguson Auditorium April 6.
The A-B Tech Chapter was established in 1991 and achieved five-star status, the highest level recognized by PTK International, for the second consecutive year. To achieve the five-star level, the chapter had to participate in a variety of activities that strengthen the chapter, school and community.
One of the activities needed to achieve five-star status was the implementation of a project that was approved by the college administration. For their campus activity, Phi Theta Kappa chose "Project Graduation," where members collected food for Manna Food Bank and books for the Literacy Council in barrels placed around campus. The barrels are in the Elm, Sycamore, Balsam, Rhododendron, Oak, Birch and Hemlock buildings for donations of books and non-perishable foods. Over 700 pounds of food and 100 books were collected during spring and summer. To aid hurricane victims, Phi Theta Kappa extended the food collection into late fall. Donations will be accepted until summer graduation. In addition to the food, over $200 was donated to Manna Food Bank to buy food and other supplies for hurricane victims.
Vice President of Instructional Services Sharon Morrissey, President K. Ray Bailey and Vice President of Student Services Dennis King received Kente Stoles at A-B Tech's Phi Theta Kappa induction.
The Chapter also had to enter at least five International Hallmark Awards competitions. Phi Theta Kappa submitted essays outlining activities for each of the Hallmarks and for recognition of distinguished officer, Sharon Smith; president, Jessy Decker; member, Russell Pressley and advisor, Veronica Dooly.
President K. Ray Bailey, Vice President of Instructional Services Sharon Morrissey and Vice President of Student Services Dennis King received Kente Stoles as a visual representation of the history, philosophy and ethics of the Ashanti tribe in Ghana. Each geometric pattern and color has a meaning that may be derived from historical events, individual achievements, and religious, social and moral values. It is also a symbol of creativity, unity and variety. It is reserved for important and special occasions. The Kente stole is used to adorn a person of great status and achievement and to date is regarded as a symbol of authority, prosperity, and outstanding personal achievements.
Sixty-five students joined the organization this semester. Membership is based on completion of 12 hours and a GPA of at least 3.5.