Spartan Spotlight

Join us in recognizing the hard work and commitment demonstrated by our students!

Allison

Guerrero Lopez

Meet Allison Guerrero Lopez, a senior at East Duplin High School who’s already making her college dreams a reality! Allison began taking James Sprunt Community College (JSCC) classes during her sophomore year.

“I sat down with my counselors, and they shared with me how I could build my schedule to end up graduating with my Associate’s Degree from JSCC,” she said.

Through the Career and College Promise (CCP) program, high school students like Allison can enroll in college courses that count toward both high school and college credit, creating a pathway to a certificate, diploma, or even a full degree before graduation.

Allison’s goal is to earn her Associate in Arts degree this spring from JSCC while graduating from East Duplin High School. She’s now preparing to continue her studies in nursing at UNC-Chapel Hill or UNC Wilmington.

“I appreciate the career of nursing because it’s an opportunity to help people when they are at their lowest,” Allison shared. “When my sister and my dad were sick at different times, I encountered really caring nurses, and I was inspired to serve my community in the same way.”

Balancing her college and high school workload hasn’t been easy, but Allison’s determination and support from her instructors have made all the difference.

“I was taking around four courses at JSCC along with my regular classes. JSCC has amazing instructors, they are always helpful and responsive!”

Allison’s journey highlights the power of partnership between JSCC, Duplin County Schools, and the guidance of CCP Liaison Morgan Smith. Together, they help students take meaningful steps toward their goals.

“I would encourage all students to talk with their high school guidance counselors,” Allison said. “The classes at JSCC are so helpful to achieving your goals.”

Congratulations, Allison! Your hard work and heart for helping others inspire us all.

Interested in submitting your academic success story?

Contact us here!

Valentin Jimenez Medina

Valentin Jimenez Medina, an aspiring nursing student, is currently completing his prerequisite courses to apply for James Sprunt Community College’s Nursing Program. As an adult learner with big ambitions in the healthcare field, Medina’s future is looking bright. Many nursing students will agree, the ATI/TEAS Nursing Exam can be intimidating, often requiring multiple attempts to pass. However, Medina successfully passed the exam on his first try.

Medina said,

“Fortunately, I passed on the first try. I would attribute my success to taking the time to study and yielding to the advice of my instructor, Dr. Bogdanoff. He had great practical pointers that he suggested would help me pass, and I took those very seriously. He is a great instructor.”

Although Dr. Alex Bogdanoff teaches many online courses at JSCC, his in-person classes are often taken by students pursuing healthcare careers or completing prerequisite courses for university transfer. Medina shared that he recently completed BIO 168 course and plans to enroll in BIO 169 this coming semester.

Medina said,

“I have learned so much in the time that I have had him as an instructor.”

Looking ahead, Medina hopes to begin his career as a phlebotomist while continuing to advance in the healthcare field and explore additional areas of nursing.

“All my prerequisites have taken place at JSCC. I will soon complete my CNA at JSCC, and I have had an amazing experience so far. This place is truly a family, and the students have an amazing community with their teachers and staff. I have enjoyed getting to know each of them.”

James Sprunt Community College proudly celebrates Valentin’s hard work and accomplishments and looks forward to seeing the incredible contributions he will make in the healthcare field.

Noah Sloan

Meet Noah Sloan, a junior at James Kenan High School, who’s already welding his way toward a bright future through James Sprunt Community College’s Career & College Promise (CCP) program! Through CCP, a tuition-free opportunity for high school students, Noah is gaining hands-on experience in Welding Technology, a path that can lead to certificates, diplomas, and real-world jobs right after graduation.

Noah shared:

“When I signed up for the welding class, I really wasn’t interested in making this a career. It was just a hobby for me. I realized I really enjoyed it and I was good at it. My instructor, Josh Ezzell, was amazing. When you struggle, he can talk you through it and help you master the skill more effectively.”

Now, Noah’s passion for welding has turned into a career goal. He already has a job lined up in the welding industry and dreams of working at a nuclear power plant in Wilmington after graduation!

He also shared how much he values the family atmosphere at JSCC, saying,

“I have always felt welcome here, even as a high school student.”

When he’s not in class, you can find Noah working part-time at Ace Hardware in Kenansville and continuing to make the most of every opportunity that comes his way. Way to go, Noah! We’re so proud to see you shaping your future through hard work, passion, and determination!

David Romero

Meet David Romero, an outstanding example of perseverance and student success! Like many adult learners, David faced challenges along his educational journey. Shortly after graduating high school, he began attending James Sprunt Community College, but found it difficult to balance work at ECU Health Duplin Hospital with the demands of college. With encouragement from his strong support system of family and friends, David was determined to return and pursue his goals.

“After getting into JSCC, I was taking my CNA I class and getting certified. At this time, I was trying to determine whether I would go the nursing route or follow my dream of becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic,” David shared.

Through prayer and reflection, David decided to follow his dream, which has led him to incredible opportunities.

“I took a lot of classes at JSCC and now I’ve transferred to LIFE University in Marietta, Georgia to finish my bachelor’s degree in exercise science and then enter their Doctor of Chiropractic program,” he said.

David is now in his second quarter at LIFE University and continues taking classes with JSCC along the way. He credits much of his success to the guidance and encouragement he received from JSCC faculty and staff.

“I will say that having good teachers is wonderful, specifically Dr. Alex Bogdanoff. Among all the teachers I’ve had, he went beyond the classroom to prepare his students for their futures. He taught me not only Anatomy and Physiology I and II, but also how to be a better college student and how to take notes, understand lessons, and make thoughtful career decisions. I’m truly thankful for the opportunity to attend such a wonderful community college that invests in its students and prepares them for life.”

We are so proud of David and all he’s accomplished! His story is a reminder that with determination, faith, and support, success is always within reach.