One student from the Carroll Community College recent raduating class was selected for a special award from the college—the President’s Award for Academic Excellence. That student was Mary Jo Piarote.

Dr. Pappalardo presented the award to Piarote at Commencement on May 23, 2007 at McDaniel College. Piarote also delivered the student response, a speech given by a student on behalf of the graduates.

The award, provided by Dr. Faye Pappalardo, is intended as a scholarship for further study after graduating from Carroll.

The student who is selected shows outstanding academic performance in the classroom and has completed at least 45 credits at Carroll. The chosen student has a 4.0 grade point average.

Piarote is an education major and a career changer, who left a job in private industry to pursue her first love of teaching by studying education at the college. She plans to transfer to Villa Julie College to obtain her bachelor’s degree.

“Carroll afforded me the opportunity to make connections with other students because of its close-knit community. I especially enjoyed the classroom observations of real working teachers at schools in the community, which prepared me for my future career as a teacher,” said Piarote.

College President Dr. Faye Pappalardo said, “I am pleased to recognize a student as accomplished as Mary Jo. I am delighted that she has received the President’s Award for Academic Excellence.”

Piarote also received The Maryland All-State Academic Team award. This award recognizes scholastic achievement and student leadership among students in Maryland’s community colleges.

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