It’s always great to have good news to share regarding our students. In today’s column, we salute Zachary Gurganus of Franklin, recipient of the R. Scott Carr Commonwealth Legacy Scholarship for 2010-2011.

This special scholarship is named each year for the person most recently selected for the Chancellor’s Award for Leadership in Philanthropy. PDCCC’s 2010 recipient of that award is Scott Carr of Suffolk, in recognition his many forms of support of the College, which include serving as President of the PDCCC Foundation.

Commonwealth Legacy scholarships

The Commonwealth Legacy Scholarship Program was established through the generosity of a number of private donors to the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education.

According to Dr. Jennifer L. Sager, vice chancellor for institutional advancement for

the VCCS, “This program designates scholarship recipients who in each successive year will

become mentors to a new class of scholars — providing a legacy for years to come of community

college graduates extending opportunity to future students. What better way to honor the history and the future of Virginia’s community colleges and the students and families they serve?”

Given to first-time college students at each of the 23 colleges in the Virginia Community College System, the Commonwealth scholarships are applied to tuition, books and fees. Students selected for the scholarships have demonstrated academic excellence during high school, as well as a commitment to developing their leadership skills.

Recognition luncheon

A special luncheon is scheduled for Nov. 16 in Charlottesville, where Commonwealth Legacy Scholarship recipients from across the state will be recognized. On hand to applaud Zachary will be members of his family; Paul William Conco, PDCCC president; and Meredith Felts, chair of the local College Board.

Leadership conference

In addition to receiving the scholarship, each Commonwealth Legacy recipient participates in the annual VCCS Student Leadership Conference, which this year will be held Nov. 5-7 in

Richmond. The conference will be filled with opportunities for leadership development, personal growth, and peer interaction, with special segments for Commonwealth Legacy Scholars, including breakfast with the Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System.

Legacy Scholar: Zachary Gurganus

Graduating 13^th in his class at Southampton High School, Gurganus began the fall semester at Paul D. Camp Community College in August. He plans to complete his prerequisites, attend Virginia Military Institute to earn a civil engineering degree, join the U.S. Marines and complete an architectural engineering degree at Old Dominion University.

He was a National Honor Society member and is an Eagle Scout with Troop 125, Hunterdale Christian Church.

For information on programs and options available at PDCCC, call 569-6700, or visit www.pdc.edu.