Rocky Mount, NC - Nash Community College General Educational Development (GED) graduate Gregory Sumler of Rocky Mount was recently selected as the runner up for the statewide Angela Moore Trogdon Student of the Year Award.

The award was established in memory of Angela Moore Trogdon, former Basic Skills/Human Resources Development Director at Randolph Community College and Guilford Technical Community College who lost her battle with breast cancer. Ms. Moore Trogdon was a member of a community college Basic Skills staff for years and a vocal advocate and trainer for Basic Skills across the state. 

Sumler was selected to represent Nash Community College as the 2011 Angela Moore Trogden Student of the Year nominee because of his hard work and perseverance. He excelled through personal trials and loss and remained dedicated to his education. "Around the time I began to allow negative aspects and influences into my life, I heard about the GED Program offered by Nash Community College. I signed up immediately, because I knew it was the only source I had left to pursue my original dreams and goals," Gregory Sumler said.

Even through challenges, Gregory returned to class at the Nash Community College Learning Center to complete his GED. He completed his requirements for his GED in March and proudly received his diploma during the College's Forty-Third Annual Adult High School/GED Graduation Ceremony in May.

"The Nash Community College GED Program taught me to hold steady a powerful and knowledgeable mind, to remain focused and strong-willed, and to maintain a positive outlook on life. My instructors were extra supportive through guidance in the classroom, providing encouraging words, and most importantly, by helping me identify my inner strengths and weaknesses so I can continue to grow and believe in myself."

Today, Gregory is an inspiration to his family and friends. He is active in his church by volunteering for Vacation Bible School, singing in the choir, serving as an usher and volunteering with the Food Bank Ministry. He is a faithful community outreach servant with a desire to help others, especially senior citizens. He also enjoys volunteering for Relay for Life and studying scripture. He says that he holds his head high with a smile on his face, because he left motivated and determined - ready for any and everything. Gregory plans to continue towards his Associate Degree at Nash Community College. "He continually gives his time and energy to make an undeniable difference in other young people in his church and neighborhood. He approaches every endeavor with a tenacious attitude to get the job done and to do it well. Gregory is the perfect example of what a true Student of the Year should be," NCC ABE/GED Instructor Katrina Joyner said.

For more information on Nash Community College's Basic Skills program, contact Director Ion Outterbridge at (252) 451-8215 or or visit www.nashcc.edu/basicskills.

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Media Contact:

Kelley Deal
Nash Community College
Public Relations Director
252-451-8235