Paul D. Camp Community College students Ashley Giorgi and Ida Thompson were among those recognized by Virginia’s community colleges during a special luncheon ceremony held in Richmond on Nov. 13.

“We are proud to have students at Paul D. Camp Community College who excel in academics and leadership, and who aspire to continue their education,” said President Paul Conco.

Giorgi, a resident of Boykins, was PDCCC’s recipient of the Camp Family Foundations Commonwealth Legacy Scholarship. Westbrook Parker, executive director of The Elms Foundation, which administers the Camp Family Foundations, also attended the luncheon.

The scholarship, annually named at each school for the recipient of the Chancellor’s Leadership in Philanthropy Award, may be used on any of the Virginia community colleges’ 40 campuses. It provides $3,000 for a full year of tuition, books and fees.

The honor is, in part, based on academic excellence and a commitment to leadership skills.

Commonwealth legacy scholars mentor future scholarship recipients and participate in statewide events.

Giorgi is exploring a degree in science, possibly the medical field, and plans to transfer to a four-year college or university after graduating from PDCCC.

Recipients of the prestigious Valley Proteins Fellowship, sponsored by Valley Proteins Inc., were also honored during the event. The fellowship provides a full year of tuition and fees and access to leadership opportunities.

The Valley Proteins Fellows Program was designed for high-achieving second-year students at Virginia’s Community Colleges. Administered by the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education, the program provides a unique curriculum that includes leadership programs, cultural opportunities and a community service project. The Valley Proteins Fellows represent the best and most motivated scholars who demonstrate both academic and leadership potential along with a desire to excel.

A Suffolk resident, Ida Thompson is PDCCC’s first recipient of the honor. She has been accepted to Norfolk State University to seek her bachelor’s in political science. Afterward, she plans to apply to the College of William & Mary Law School as a law student.

She serves as a Presidential Student Ambassador at the college and for the VCCS. She is also a member of Student Support Services and vice president of Phi Theta Kappa.

Former Secretary of Education James W. Dyke, a member of the board of the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education, was a keynote speaker at the luncheon.