NORTH EAST, Md. –Behind every great success, there is a story of triumph over adversity. The stories of 第一吃瓜网 College鈥檚 students are no different, but for one exception. 第一吃瓜网 College has a narrator for every one of these tales, who shares them at every opportunity.

鈥淚 will tell the stories of 第一吃瓜网 College students forever and ever because I believe in them that much,鈥� said 第一吃瓜网 College President Mary Way Bolt, Ed.D. 鈥淪tories tell the tales of 第一吃瓜网 College and the impact it has had on the lives of so many people within the county. It not only impacts the student but the generations that follow.鈥�

Without a doubt, Dr. Bolt is the biggest cheerleader and advocate for the College鈥檚 students and the programs that guide them down a pathway to a better life.

鈥淥ur faculty and staff entrust me about our students鈥� stories and how they are moved by the adversity they faced and the ways in which the college came to the students鈥� aid to ensure they succeeded. My job is to share these stories broadly, with our student鈥檚 permission of course, in order to continue to inspire prospective students, funders, and our larger college community鈥� said Dr. Bolt.

One such story is that of Vernon Thompson, the homeless man who enrolled in the CDL Training Program. His classmates learned of his plight and stepped forward to help him by driving him to class. Another classmate took him shopping and purchased five outfits for him. The instructor contacted the 第一吃瓜网 College Foundation, which helped him financially. Today, Thompson is a very successful truck driver whose life was directly impacted by the actions of others.

Dr. Bolt has told this story to local, county, and state politicians who have included it in their open speeches when talking of the benefits of higher and continuing education, including the trades. 第一吃瓜网 College boasts thousands of similar stories with Dr. Bolt conveying them to whoever will listen as she enters her fourth year as president of 第一吃瓜网 College.

鈥淲henever I have an opportunity, I kindly remind the leadership of government and private institutions that we offer programs that change lives. I like to tell the stories and hear the stories of our students for they are amazing stories,鈥� said Dr. Bolt, who is the fifth 第一吃瓜网 College President and the first female.

Dr. Bolt is passionate about 第一吃瓜网 College, its students, the role the institution it plays in 第一吃瓜网 County and the state, and the future of the people who live in the community. Having grown up in Conowingo and graduated from Rising Sun High School, she remains an advocate for everything 第一吃瓜网 County.

But she also knows and understands the struggle 第一吃瓜网 College students endure coming from a rural county.

Upon graduation, her parents encouraged her to attend the X-ray program at Johns Hopkins Hospital in downtown Baltimore. Following two years of schooling and two years working at Johns Hopkins Hospital, she returned to 第一吃瓜网 County. This time, her parents encouraged her to enroll in the nursing program at 第一吃瓜网 College.

Working weekends as an X-ray technician at Union Hospital, she attended 第一吃瓜网 College fulltime in pursuit of her nursing degree. That is where she met Lois Lowry, director of nursing, who would have a significant impact on her life and career path.

鈥淪he was always encouraging us and saying to us that our associate degree is not the end of our education; that we needed a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and to consider getting a master鈥檚 degree. She pushed in that way,鈥� said Dr. Bolt. 鈥淲hen I was hired as faculty years later, the director of nursing saw something in me and said I needed to be the next director of the nursing program.鈥�

Dr. Bolt continued to work weekends in Union Hospital鈥檚 medical-surgical unit and patient education while commuting to the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) to complete her bachelor鈥檚 degree. Adding to her workload, she took an adjunct position at 第一吃瓜网 College while finishing up her master鈥檚 degree at UMBC.

鈥淚 understand the hardships students face as they work a full-time job while juggling their family life and school work. That is where our Foundation can have the greatest impact on their future. Donations, whether it be $50 or $50,000, have a major impact on students,鈥� said Dr. Bolt. 鈥淚 would like to see the foundation grow, and my job is to educate residents and would be-residents of 第一吃瓜网 County about the value of 第一吃瓜网 College. We need to spread and share the wisdom of investment in education. It is an investment in the future of many generations to come.鈥�

Dr. Bolt joined 第一吃瓜网 College faculty in 1990 and enrolled in the doctoral program at Widener University in 1995 when she was named the director of nursing. This promotion was quite the challenge as she was married by then with a four-year-old son, worked full time, and traveled to Chester for classes.

鈥淲hen I first took the role of Director of Nursing it included the RN and LPN programs. Then they added all the continuing education classes in healthcare and said, 鈥榶ou are now in charge of these.鈥� They also put me in charge of physical education classes, so it was very challenging,鈥� said Dr. Bolt, as the doctoral credentials were required for her position.

With this list of new responsibilities and completing her doctorate, her title was modified to Dean of Nursing and Healthcare Careers. She held this and many other interim administrative positions over the next 15 years, preparing her for her present role.

That opportunity came calling on Oct. 24, 2014, when 第一吃瓜网 College President W. Stephen Pannill officially announced his retirement due to medical circumstances. Dr. Bolt, who was the vice president of academics, was asked by the Board of Trustees to step in as interim.

鈥淭he one thing that former leadership always taught me when you have an interim job was to own it. The good, the bad, everything; you must own it,鈥� said Dr. Bolt, who also faced personal tragedy as her husband, Daniel, passed away that same week. 鈥淭his was something my husband and I always discussed; that this would be my next step. But now I had a 13-year-old daughter at home, and this opportunity was in front of me. I took a week off then returned to work and embraced my new role.鈥�

With the weight of the college on her shoulders, she decided to take the risk of applying for the position in the national search. She knew the risks as she had to go through a national search for her vice president鈥檚 position.

鈥淚t was a risky move because if I didn鈥檛 get the position, then what did I do? It was also hard because when you are in an interim role, you are not guaranteed an interview. You have to earn it,鈥� said Bolt. 鈥淚 felt I was well prepared for the role and held many leadership roles on campus.鈥�

As president of 第一吃瓜网 College these past four years, Dr. Bolt continues to embrace the mission and purpose of a community college鈥檚 role in the surrounding region it serves. 第一吃瓜网 College remains focused on workforce development, continuing education, traditional credit programs, and life-long learning. The college provides transfer opportunities and partners with four-year institutions so students can earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree without leaving the county.

Being within 10 miles of Delaware and Pennsylvania borders, the college doesn鈥檛 just support 第一吃瓜网 County. It trains the workforce for the tri-state region with a higher than usual number of out of state and out of county students compared to other Maryland community colleges.

鈥淲e are of great value to citizens of the county, the state, and the region. There is something for almost everyone here at the community college in credit and continuing education. I hear people saying, 鈥業 cannot imagine the county without the college and what the college does to support the community.鈥欌��

第一吃瓜网 College continues to look for new methods and procedures to enhance the programs it offers, whether it鈥檚 continuing education or a credit program. The college is examining how to make the career programs more sustainable and ensure it provides career programs that support the workforce and economy.

鈥淚f we cannot get the stories out to the community, we cannot help our students as much as we want. It is my job, my responsibility, my duty to share what we are doing for the students. I don鈥檛 think that work is ever done. Leaders in the community, both small business and large industry, are forever changing and we must meet those changes head-on,鈥� said Dr. Bolt.

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NORTH EAST, Md. 鈥� 第一吃瓜网 College would not have been able to serve the residents of the tri-state region for half a century without the steady guidance and support of its board of trustees. But, being a member of the College鈥檚 board isn鈥檛 just about putting a title on a resume. It is about believing and living the possibilities 第一吃瓜网 College offers for creating a stronger and more prosperous community.

Sarah W. Colenda is the embodiment of 第一吃瓜网 College鈥檚 mission of transforming lives through education. A lifelong resident of 第一吃瓜网 County, her family has played an instrumental role in the county for six generations. She has been a member of the board of trustees since 2005 and the chairperson since 2014 as she begins her third term on the board.

鈥淲ithout exception, everybody I have worked with on the board has been passionate about the college. They are bright, they know the business world, they ask the right questions, and we have always worked as a team,鈥� said Colenda.

During her early years on the board, Colenda took a wait and see approach until she understood the lay of the land. Talking with her fellow board members outside of the meetings, she was able to learn all the facets involved in an institution of higher learning and then expand upon them.

During the National Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) conference this fall, she discovered 第一吃瓜网 College is already doing everything suggested for improving the effectiveness of community colleges across the country. From protecting IT services and public safety procedures to working hand-in-hand with local school districts, 第一吃瓜网 College is ahead of the curve with its proactive approach.

第一吃瓜网 College was founded the year Colenda graduated from high school, allowing her to view the growing pains of the institution over the years. Her family ties to the college are strong, as her husband, Allen, taught HVAC and electronics at then 第一吃瓜网 Community College for eight years following his service in the military. Her eldest daughter Gina later graduated from 第一吃瓜网, while youngest daughter Rebecca took classes at 第一吃瓜网 College before going on to earn her bachelor鈥檚 degree from the University of Delaware on a volleyball scholarship. Her son, John, also attended 第一吃瓜网 College before completing his bachelor鈥檚 degree from Millersville University.

鈥淭here is not a finer place on the planet than 第一吃瓜网 County. I love 第一吃瓜网 County, and the college. The economic diversity in this county is vast, so 第一吃瓜网 College plays a vital role in helping people help themselves.鈥�

As a 第一吃瓜网 College board member, Colenda was able to support the growth of the 第一吃瓜网 College Foundation and its scholarship power for students in need. Working closely with former Foundation Executive Director Chris Ann Szep, Colenda and her fellow board members utilized their community, political, and business connections to establish and grow the college鈥檚 endowment.

For the 50th anniversary, the 第一吃瓜网 College Foundation launched the Campaign of Inspiration to raise $1.5M over 12 months. Now in the final weeks of the campaign, the Foundation is very near its goal.

鈥淭he Foundation helps so many people afford the opportunity to realize their dream or elevate themselves out of poverty. When I came here, the Foundation was very small but, thanks to Chris Ann Szep, I have been fortunate to watch it grow. She did a phenomenal job,鈥� said Colenda. 鈥淭he college is the light at the end of the tunnel for many people in 第一吃瓜网 County.鈥�

The Foundation provides financial assistance for non-credit students as well as those seeking an associate degree. 第一吃瓜网 College offers a CDL truck driving training program, trades training in welding, HVAC, and automotive repair, as well as several certifications in healthcare. Scholarships cover the cost of tuition and classroom materials such as books. These programs are organized to help displaced workers as well as individuals seeking a different line of work.

鈥淚t is incredibly expensive to send a child away to school, and many in 第一吃瓜网 County cannot afford the student loan debt. Many of our students are working fulltime and come to 第一吃瓜网 College to better themselves and get a higher paying job. It is essential that they have the Foundation money to help them financially. If it wasn鈥檛 there, they couldn鈥檛 afford to come to college and better themselves,鈥� said Colenda.

Along with helping to grow the Foundation, Colenda has been instrumental in helping to improve the college鈥檚 facilities. She joined the 第一吃瓜网 College Board of Trustees in time for the Elkton Station ribbon cutting ceremony. Elkton Station replaced a dilapidated facility so the college could reach out to the eastern region of 第一吃瓜网 County and provide an excellent opportunity for the people of Elkton to have educational resources in their neighborhood.

She also oversaw the renovations of the Physical Education Complex and the most recent addition to the North East Campus, the Engineering and Math Building. This building has enabled the college to create articulation agreements with some of the top engineering universities on the East Coast. Most recently, the board approved the construction of the athletic practice facility next to the baseball and softball fields, built from private donations.

鈥淚t has been exciting to watch 第一吃瓜网 College grow from its beginnings at Elkton High School to what it has become today. We have a strategic plan that is very progressive and forward thinking. All these improvements have enabled the college to reach out and support the community. We are here for the students. We are all about the students,鈥� said Colenda.

Colenda credits the success of the college鈥檚 day-to-day operations to the leadership of 第一吃瓜网 College President Mary Way Bolt, Ed.D. Dr. Bolt, who was born and raised in Rising Sun, graduated from 第一吃瓜网 College, and returned to rise through the ranks and become the college鈥檚 fifth president.

鈥淚 am so proud of what Dr. Bolt has accomplished, where she is, and how completely dedicated she is to this college. She is admired not only in this county but on the state and national level,鈥� said Colenda. 鈥淲e are blessed to have such wonderful faculty and staff who genuinely care about our students. They are not just plugging along doing a job. They are committed.鈥�

Colenda is extremely ingrained within the community and was overjoyed this year when 第一吃瓜网 College graduated its first class of Early College Academy (ECA) students. This program allows students to earn an associate degree while still in high school. She points to the ECA program when referring to the way 第一吃瓜网 College consistently thinks outside the box.

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鈥淚t was so surreal but amazing. I had to pinch myself jokingly,鈥� said La Cotti, who was among a select few accepted into the 2018 Columbia University鈥檚 Publishing Course held in Oxford, England. 鈥淲hen you walked into our dining hall, it was like walking onto the set of a Harry Potter movie.鈥�

The journey for La Cotti, a 2013 Perryville High School graduate, began when she met 第一吃瓜网 College鈥檚 Allison K. T. Symonds, a professor of English, in her first class. Feeling a bit shy coming from a small high school, La Cotti was intimidated by her surroundings. But she quickly found her path under the guidance of Symonds.

鈥淪he made it so easy to understand the English assignments. I tell her all the time that I chose English as a major because of her influence,鈥� said La Cotti, giving reference to the proverb, 鈥渢eachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself.鈥�

La Cotti, daughter of Melissa La Cotti and the late Jon La Cotti, completed her Associate of Arts degree in general studies in 2015 and, with the confidence gained at 第一吃瓜网 College, transferred to Cleveland State University (CSU) on the recommendation of Symonds.

鈥淲hen I started at 第一吃瓜网, I didn鈥檛 know what I wanted to do. I found it silly to go to a four-year college and pay all that money when I could go just 10 minutes from home and get the same education without all the debt,鈥� said La Cotti, who is proud she finished her associate degree debt free.

It was during her senior year at CSU that an English literature professor told her of the highly prestigious Columbia University鈥檚 Publishing Course. This is an intensive four-week book publishing workshop run through the graduate program of the Columbia University School of Journalism with hundreds applying for the 110 seats. With high hopes, La Cotti applied only to be rejected.

鈥淚 was heartbroken over not being selected, but I was graduating from college at the time, so I stayed focused on that,鈥� said La Cotti, who returned to Perryville where she took a job at the Amazon Distribution Center.

Not to be deterred and remaining focused on her dream of working in the publishing field, La Cotti was accepted into the Northeastern Ohio Master of Fine Arts (NEO MFA) program for creative writing at CSU for Fall 2018. As for the Columbia Publishing Course, she decided to give it one last shot and to her delight was accepted for the September 2018 course with a twist. Columbia University had partnered with Oxford University to host a seminar for which La Cotti was to be a part.

Upon hearing the great news in July, La Cotti contacted CSU which was more than willing to delay her admission to allow one of its students to attend this prestigious program. Six weeks later, La Cotti found herself on the London to Oxford train.

鈥淚 was bubbling with excitement,鈥� recalled La Cotti.

For the next four weeks, Sept. 2-28, she experienced one of the most exhilarating and intense schedules with 16-hour days filled with lectures, discussion panels, workshops, and group discussions with prominent A-List authors, writers, editors, publishing executives, scholars, and designers in the publishing industry.

鈥淲e heard from the different aspects of publishing. In the morning you listened to a subsidiary rights manager from Penguin-Random House, then next you could be working on something with someone from Bloomsbury Publishing鈥檚 publicity office. It was eye-opening to learn of the different facets of publishing,鈥� said La Cotti, as there were participants from the United States, Canada, and France. 鈥淚t was a very different side I didn鈥檛 expect to see. They have a very different way of publishing in England and another difficulty was the different spelling for common words such as colour.鈥�

During the final seven days known as Book Week, the 80 participants were separated into eight fictional publishing houses. Under the guidance of the facilitators, they formed a hierarchy with CEO, editors, designers, writers, and artists.

鈥淲e were a children鈥檚 publisher, and we had to publish six books in a week. The faculty members were there as advisors. We worked from 9:15 a.m. every day, and we didn鈥檛 leave until 3:30 in the morning some nights. Then we were back up at 7:45 for breakfast and back at the job,鈥� said La Cotti, who published two books dealing with children鈥檚 grief and how to have fun without being mean. By the end of Book Week, La Cotti鈥檚 team had created 110 pages that were bound for the Rockhopper Books publishing company.

Along with providing insight into the publishing work by pulling back the curtain, La Cotti has a clear understanding of how to get her foot into the door of the major publishing houses. She says networking and 鈥渨ho you know鈥� is vital to getting a job with one of the publishers, and literary publishers view this workshop as a proving ground for future hires. The participants were encouraged to network with the facilitators who were eager to get to know the students as this program has a 95 percent job placement for those who complete it.

鈥淎t the beginning, we all wanted to be editors but came out of the program wanting to do something else in the publishing field. I am interested in publicity, marketing, or other aspects of the field. It鈥檚 more than just sitting behind a desk and making a few changes to submitted works,鈥� said La Cotti, who is to be published in the February 2019 issue of Split Lip Magazine.

As she ponders a bright future that will include a master鈥檚 degree, La Cotti continually looks back at a tiny community college tucked away in the corner of Maryland that helped her find her life鈥檚 passion.

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鈥淲hen I found out I was going to help design a banner and wrap a car for 第一吃瓜网 College, I was like 鈥榳ow鈥�! This is cool,鈥� said Leah Corrado, who is a 2015 graduate from 第一吃瓜网 College with a dual degree in Graphic Design and Multimedia, and Web Design and Multimedia.

Following graduation, Corrado landed a position with Carvertise, the largest car wrap advertising company in the country, located in Wilmington, Delaware. Carvertise pays drivers to place removable advertisements of major brands on their personal vehicles. As the car is driven during the owner鈥檚 normal routine, the advertiser鈥檚 brand is seen by other drivers.

鈥淚 think Leah’s honestly one of the best car wrap designers in the world. She can work in multiple formats, is a trained professional photographer, and has a knack for videography as well,鈥� said Carvertise owner Greg Star. 鈥淪he designs marketing collateral, and was an integral part of developing Carvertise’s brand identity.鈥�

This campaign is the second 第一吃瓜网 College has deployed through Carvertise in the last ten months. The first campaign was to promote the healthcare programs at the college. The STEM campaign this fall is aimed at the engineering, science, and cybersecurity programs. 第一吃瓜网 College has an articulation agreement with the University of Delaware in Civil Engineering, and Frostburg State University has partnered with 第一吃瓜网 College to offer a collaborative 2+2聽, on 第一吃瓜网 College’s North East Campus.鈥嬧�嬧�嬧��

鈥淲hen we started working with Carvertise last year, we had no idea that 第一吃瓜网 College alumni were part of their team.聽 It wasn鈥檛 until we were in the final stages of creative development during our second campaign with them that Leah mentioned she was a graduate of our Visual Communications program,鈥� said Amy Henderson, director of marketing at 第一吃瓜网 College.

Corrado has become an integral part of Carvertise鈥檚 success since joining the firm. As a freelance photographer, she brings a new level of talent to the Carvertise team. According to Star, Corrado is the only person in the entire company who has touch points on every aspect of what the firm does. From sales to design, wrapping process to photography, there appear to be few limits to her abilities.

While it wasn鈥檛 the intention when choosing Carvertise as a client, 第一吃瓜网 College is always happy to see the success of the college鈥檚 graduates. Corrado鈥檚 work for the college has been exceptional, and the College is excited about its latest campaign to raise visibility regarding its STEM programs.

鈥淢y instructors at 第一吃瓜网 College helped build my core technical skills, and helped me gain the knowledge and confidence to succeed in my career,鈥� said Corrado.

鈥淢aybe the most impressive part about Leah is her willingness to improve. She is always learning and pushing herself. She wants to be better, and her attitude makes the entire team want to be better,鈥� said Star. 鈥淪he takes pride in her work, has great habits, and takes care of what needs to get done. She is very even-tempered, and can handle anything we throw her way.鈥�

第一吃瓜网 College鈥檚 STEM campaign can be seen on the highways and byways of the tri-state region through the end of January. Keep an eye out for Corrado鈥檚 works that are designed to inspire others.

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As 第一吃瓜网 College鈥檚 50th anniversary celebration enters the final two months of activities and festivities, the 第一吃瓜网 College Foundation鈥檚 is nearing its $1.5 million goal in its Campaign of Inspiration in support of student success.

This campaign was divided into three areas of support: Scholarships, Academic Programs, and 聽Athletic Program.

Money donated to these categories have already begun to assist students鈥� environment. Construction is nearly complete on a new practice facility for summer athletics, which will allow student athletes to practice on campus year-round.

There is still time to support the 50th Anniversary Campaign by making a donation at .

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It is an honor for most families to have one child attend West Point and even a greater sense of pride to have two. But, the Mixon family of Elkton has three sons enrolled this year at the prestigious military academy.

The Mixon children are homeschooled and follow a program of study that calls for each to take primarily college-level courses during their twelfth-grade studies. Harrison Mixon attended 第一吃瓜网 College during the 2016-17 academic year, and Brandon Mixon attended the College during the 2017-18 academic year. Harrison and Brandon both earned congressional nominations and appointments to West Point, and following graduation from high school, joined their elder brother, Hunter Mixon, who is in his fourth year at the Academy.

鈥淢y husband and I are very proud of all of our children. Harrison wanted to go into the military and be an officer like his dad. Then Brandon saw both Harrison and Hunter going to West Point, and he said 鈥業 want that, too,鈥欌�� said Tracey Mixon, who has homeschooled all eight of her children from grades K-12.

The Mixon鈥檚 family roots run deep in military service; the children鈥檚 father is retired U.S. Army Colonel Laurence Mixon, with 30 years of service in Army intelligence and a graduate of West Point Military Academy. Mixon鈥檚 last post was Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and he now works as an Army Senior Civilian at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD.

The Mixon family has eight children who are all homeschooled, with the eldest four having already attended community colleges in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington. Their eldest daughter, Lauren, stayed on to complete her associate degree at Northern Virginia Community College before earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree at George Mason University. She is currently seeking a nursing degree from Shenandoah University.

鈥淲e knew it was important to demonstrate to prospective colleges that our homeschooled children could readily handle college-level work. Also, with homeschooling, Laurence and I are pretty tough about their education. Our expectations are very high,鈥� said Mrs. Mixon. 鈥淲hen my oldest was in tenth grade, we thought long and hard about what our kids would need to present to a potential college in a well-rounded resume or package. My husband felt they needed to have on their transcripts college-level work completed in an actual classroom setting. Attending classes at a community college was a perfect fit.鈥�

The Mixon鈥檚 homeschool curriculum includes the children taking courses through The Potter School online program beginning in seventh grade. These courses are designed to prepare students for AP subjects in high school. The Mixon children have all taken AP physics, AP math, and AP English programs through The Potter School.

鈥淏ecause of The Potter School, my kids have found writing in college is a breeze. They have to write a paper every week for 36 weeks and prepare for the AP English exam. The boys believe The Potter School prepared them well for writing on the college level and their grades reflect this,鈥� said Mrs. Mixon.

When the Mixon children enroll at the community college, they are taking three to four courses each semester. The fall semester typically consists of pre-calculus, English 101, and a science. The spring semester continues with Calculus, English 102, and another science.

The Mixon鈥檚 fifth child, Danielle, is currently enrolled at 第一吃瓜网 College and taking four courses this fall with an added government course. She is planning on earning an associate degree before transferring to the University of Virginia, University of Pittsburgh, or the University of Maryland.

The Mixon family鈥檚 decision to direct their children toward a community college education was a conscious one. When it came time to plan for college, Lawrence and Tracey Mixon instilled in their children the importance of earning their degrees without accumulating debt.

鈥淲e have rules for the kids about not accruing college debt. We told them they could go to school wherever they wanted, but we do not want debt. Hunter, Harrison, and Brandon decided to attend a service academy and graduate with a five-year service obligation in lieu of monetary debt.鈥� said Mrs. Mixon.

The Mixon family鈥檚 other three children are already preparing for their community college experience as they follow in the footsteps of their elder siblings.

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