President Dr. James D. Ball presented three scholarship awards at the 2015 Commencement ceremony to students who have shown exceptional excellence at Carroll Community College. The president presented awards of $600 each to the three award winners.

The award recipients met the following criteria: 4.0 grade point average; at least 45 credits completed at Carroll; and evidence of outstanding service to the community and activities outside of the classroom.

Melody Blades was selected to receive the President’s Academic Excellence Award. Blades began her association with the college in the Adult Education program, which led to obtaining her high school diploma. She is a single mother who attended Carroll full-time while working to fund her dream of completing an associate degree in Computer Information Systems. She also made time to volunteer at Chelsea’s Gentle Care, a community child development center. She assisted teachers at Samuel F.B. Morse Elementary School. She also volunteered at Days End Farm Horse Rescue. Blades will transfer to the University of Baltimore.

Andrew Spangler was selected to receive the Presidents STEM Excellence Award. Spangler has completed an associate degree in Engineering. He spearheaded a special study session in his Calculus 2 class to help students master this challenging subject. Throughout his time at Carroll, he also worked at Safeway to pay for his college education and other expenses. While meeting his employment responsibilities, he always kept school his top priority. Spangler will transfer to the University of Maryland College Park on a full scholarship to study Civil Engineering.

Rachael Boone was selected to receive the President’s Leadership Excellence Award. She is a Business Administration major. In addition to a full-time workload as a Hill Scholar, she served as a Student Ambassador, president of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, a member of the Campus Activities Board, and a participant in the Advanced Leadership Challenge. Boone is a student employee for the Office of Student Life and an intern for the college Foundation. Her community involvement includes teaching Sunday school, musical performances and volunteering for special causes in the local area. Boone will transfer to Stetson University in Florida.

“I am exceedingly pleased with the talent, hard work and dedication which each of these students demonstrate every day,” said Ball. “Melody, Andrew and Rachael are true examples of students who show excellence in all areas of their academic and personal pursuits. I was proud to present them with the President’s Excellence awards at Commencement.”


Melody Blades, President’s Academic Excellence Award


Andrew Spangler, President’s STEM Excellence Award


Racheal Boone, President’s Leadership Excellence Award

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