By Sylvia Blair

Dawn Cherie White

Dawn Cherie White’s success as a Carroll Community College student seems to offer a promise of success in life. Based on all she has already accomplished, she certainly has a bright future ahead of her.

White will graduate with an Associate of Arts degree in Arts and Sciences this spring. Despite a rigorous academic workload, she excelled in leadership pursuits and embraced community involvement, while juggling the demands of a job, over the past two years.

White has been an honor society member, an academic award winner, an avid club leader, and a public speaker. White participated in the 2005 Student Advocacy Day in Annapolis, and served as a college tour guide for high school students who visited the campus.

As student speaker, the graduate will share her personal story and memories of Carroll at commencement on May 25 at McDaniel College. White has carefully crafted a speech that weaves personal narrative with praise and advice for her fellow graduating classmates.

“The main point I will make to the Class of 2005 is that we can overcome adversity to achieve success,” said White. “We can learn to look at challenges as paths toward success. One can look at challenges in a negative or in a positive way. I want to stress the positive. What lies ahead for us? The challenges we face include entering the workforce, becoming financially wise, and continuing to work hard in all aspects of life. We will need to balance career, family, and social life.”

How has Carroll helped White to choose her career path? “When I started at Carroll, I wasn’t sure what to do,” said White. “The classes I took helped me to develop writing and public speaking skills. I have decided to pursue a career in broadcast journalism, because it combines all my loves. I also want to become a champion for the causes that are important to me—stopping domestic violence, improving health, and addressing the concerns of young, unwed mothers.”

In addition to serving as student speaker, White is also the recipient of the President’s Award for Academic Excellence. College President Dr. Faye Pappalardo will present White with the award during the commencement ceremony.

White said she feels honored. “I saw my friend receive this recognition two years ago,” she said. “Ever since then, I have been motivated to maintain a 4.0 every semester. Setting this goal taught me the value of hard work, since I am a single mother, full-time worker, and college student.”

After graduation, White plans to transfer to the University of Maryland, College Park, to major in Broadcast Journalism.

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