Special to the News-Herald

Judy Hawkins is the second recipient of the Paul D. Camp Community College RE/MAX Career Preparation Grant for $500, which was established almost one year ago by Harry Lee Cross III of RE/MAX AcrossTown Inc.

Hawkins, a 1983 graduate of Windsor High School, will graduate from Paul D. Camp in May 2006 with an associate’s degree in education. After graduation, she hopes to transfer to Regent University, majoring in K-6 elementary education. Hawkins’ ultimate goal is to earn a master’s degree in reading and become a reading specialist.

&uot;Having the grant helped me pay for the five classes I am taking this semester,&uot; said Hawkins who wants to give back to the community. &uot;I want to give to others one day by investing in their education in the same way people have invested in my education.&uot;

Cross, who believes in investing in students at Paul D. Camp, asked Hawkins which subject she preferred teaching. She told him that reading was her favorite subject.

&uot;Teaching my youngest son how to read, when he was five years old, was fun and very rewarding,&uot; said Hawkins, who believes that reading is the key that unlocks the learning process.

Hawkins was selected for the grant because she met the criteria. Applicants are required to be a resident of Suffolk, be enrolled in at least six semester hours in an associate or applied science degree or certificate program at PDCCC, have two letters of reference and write a 300- 500 word essay telling what career/job they have chosen and why.

Married for 22 years to her husband Glen, Hawkins home schooled her three boys: Coleman, Joshua and Marshall. She also teaches Sunday school and Children’s Church and plays the piano at Bethel Assembly of God in Suffolk. Hawkins loves music, teaching, reading, crafts, organic gardening and swimming.

In recognition of the award, Hawkins’ name was posted on the sign located outside the RE/MAX office on Main Street.