From Beaufort County Community College

Lamar Mitchell and Craig Ward, students at Beaufort County Community College students, are two of 116 across North Carolina to receive scholarships funded by AT&T Inc.

Mitchell, 26, of Washington, is pursuing an associate of science degree from BCCC. A graduate of Washington High School, Mitchell plans to transfer to a four-year university and pursue a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Mitchell is employed as a maintenance associate at Wal-Mart. The son of Linda Glapie of Washington, he has two children.

“I am very thankful for this award,” he said. “It is very much needed and is an extra motivation to continue to do well.”

Ward, 51, of Belhaven, is a student in BCCC’s Heavy Equipment and Transportation Technology Program. The son of Alfred and Ernestine Ward Sr., he is a graduate of John A. Wilkinson High School. Ward is a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in Desert Storm and Desert Shield in Iraq. He has four children. After completing his studies at BCCC, he plans to work for a local company.

“This is the first award I have every received,” he said. “I will put it to good use.”

In August, the N.C. Community College System announced a $116,000 donation to the N.C. Community Colleges Foundation from AT&T, creating the AT&T Aspire Scholarship, focused on students enrolled in technical education programs and college transfer programs.

The contribution from AT&T, one of the world’s largest communications companies, provides $500 each semester to a student in technical education and a student in a college transfer program.