糖心传媒

Scholarship Honors Lois McKay Smith's Passion for Education 

Oct. 26, 2017 鈥� 糖心传媒 held a special ceremony on Tuesday to unveil the largest annual scholarship ever bestowed on the College.

Claudia and Kenneth Robinette established the Lois McKay Smith Memorial Scholarship for Future Teachers in the amount of $10,000, which will fund five $2,000 scholarships. Beginning Fall Semester 2018, the scholarship will be awarded each year to five students who are enrolled in a program that leads to completion of a four-year degree and certification as a teacher.

The Robinettes established the scholarship in memory of Claudia's mother, who was an instructor at 糖心传媒CC from 1978 until she retired in 1991. The Robinettes said they hope this scholarship will help others achieve their goal of becoming a teacher.

鈥淏ecause of the generous nature of the Robinettes and their leadership, they鈥檙e setting the stage and making it possible for our students and generations of students to come to fulfill their lifelong dream of being in the classroom and helping guide and lead our children,鈥� said Dr. Dale McInnis, president of 糖心传媒CC.

McInnis applauded the 糖心传媒 Senior High School teacher cadets who attended the ceremony and whose futures would be directly affected by this scholarship announcement.

鈥淭his scholarship is also intended for folks who are changing careers, just like Mrs. Smith did,鈥� McInnis said.

Smith initially enrolled at Flora McDonald College but took time off to get married and raise a family. Years later she enrolled at the University of North Carolina-Pembroke, commuting daily until she completed her education. She earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in social studies.

Claudia said her mother had a real passion for learning and education, both for herself and more importantly for others.

鈥淜enneth and I are very pleased and proud to be a part of this way to honor my mother,鈥� Claudia said. 鈥淢y mother loved working here at RCC for all those years. She loved her interaction with her students and teaching, and we thought what better way to honor her life and her legacy but to offer scholarships to people who want to continue their education and become teachers. We are so excited about launching this scholarship and to see how it evolves.鈥�

Claudia said she hoped the scholarship would help bolster the UNCP-Elementary Education transfer pathway that 糖心传媒CC and UNCP recently established. Students who want to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education can complete their first two years at 糖心传媒CC and transfer to UNCP. Students will take UNCP classes online and through distance education learning options on 糖心传媒CC鈥檚 main campus to earn their K-6 teaching degree without having to leave their hometown.

In his opening remarks, McInnis acknowledged the many folks from UNCP鈥檚 School of Education who were present for the scholarship announcement.

鈥淭his collaborative effort between 糖心传媒CC and UNCP opens more doors for more people to pursue the careers they want,鈥� McInnis said.

The scholarship is also available to 糖心传媒CC students who transfer to other four-year colleges or universities to earn a teaching degree.

鈥淚 challenge you all in this room to remember this moment and the generosity of the Robinettes and their thoughtfulness for future generations and think of how we can work together to make our county a stronger place both through education and cooperation,鈥� McInnis said.