Piedmont Community College (PCC) selected three Student Ambassadors for the 2021-2022 academic year. They are: Anna Reese Lee of Ruffin, Nekeba Chappell of Roxboro, and Marquessa McDonell of Roxboro. Lee, Chappell, and McDonell will serve as official student representatives of the College at community and school functions. They will also aid as greeters, conduct tours, and assist in other ways at College events. In addition to gaining leadership and public speaking skills, each student earns scholarship funds from the Jacqueline Hall Moore Scholarship Endowment through the PCC Foundation. This financial award assists with tuition, books, and fees.
About Anna Reese Lee
As a former Career and College Promise student and graduate from Bartlett Yancey Senior High School (BYSHS), Anna Reese Lee entered her full-time college career this fall as a second-year student with 30 credit hours already completed. She is enrolled in the Associate in Arts program, plans to graduate in the spring, then transfer to Liberty University next fall to pursue a degree in ministry.
Reese is active in her community and was equally engaged as a student while at BYSHS. She was a three sport athlete playing soccer, softball, and volleyball, who earned the Scholar Athlete of the Year award as a senior. She also played a key role in BETA club promoting the ideals of academic achievement, character, leadership, and service among her student peers. Her mentors and advisors describe her as someone who illustrates outstanding citizenship, leadership, and sportsmanship with unwavering determination and integrity.
“My time at PCC has been nothing but a great learning experience in a positive learning environment,” Lee shared in her ambassador application letter. “I am very thankful to have been able to take classes while still in high school and I would encourage others to do the same. As ambassador, I would love to get to know the upcoming students and help them in any way I can.”
About Nekeba Chappell
Nekeba Chappell is propelled by her perseverance to better life for her family and herself. She faced multiple challenges during high school and in her early adulthood, but when she was ready to complete the next step in her life and career, she turned to PCC. It is where she obtained her High School Equivalency, and now as a mother of four, she is a second-year nursing student and a class representative of the PCC Student Nurse Association.
An instructor shared, “As a natural leader, I have witnessed her support, assist, and encourage her classmates. She is an asset to the Associate Degree Nursing program.”
A mentor described her as someone with excellent professionalism who is willing to advocate for herself, her fellow peers, and members of her community. They continued, “Nakeba has demonstrated the ability to lead others in the academic setting as well engage with members of her community to expand opportunities for people of color.”
When asked why she was interested in the Student Ambassador position, Chappell shared, “I am a prime example of dedication, resilience, and endurance, and I’m someone that current and prospective students can relate to. I’m excited to serve and give back to the school that has had such a positive generational impact on my life.”
About Marquessa McDonell
Marquessa McDonell is returning to school to fulfill a dream and impact the lives of others directly and positively. She worked at Person Memorial Hospital for two years in office administration, but she’s now a second-year student in the Associate Degree Nursing Program.
For years she put off her dream of becoming a Registered Nurse and work in the healthcare profession, but last year, she was finally able to seize the opportunity and enroll at PCC to make that dream come to fruition. McDonell is described by her instructors as diligent, responsible, and supportive. One instructor stated, “She is excited to be at PCC and that enthusiasm spills over in her conversations about finally being in college.”
Marquessa’s peers say she is, “someone who works tirelessly to meet all of her obligations, yet still understands the importance of self-care and community.” Which was demonstrated when she volunteered her time to cut the hair of a student she’s never met to help a mother in need.
“Piedmont Community College has given me an amazing opportunity to obtain a career goal and open endless doors for my future,” McDonell said. “I want to ensure I give back to my community by helping others have the same experience.”
About the PCC Student Ambassador Program
PCC Ambassadors are an honorary group of students who have been nominated, interviewed, and selected by faculty and staff to represent the College. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and they are awarded a scholarship from the PCC Foundation. In 2014, the Jacqueline Hall Moore Student Ambassador endowment was established to help support future Ambassadors. If you are interested in donating to the Student Ambassador program, contact the PCC Foundation team at (336) 322-2102.
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