To ensure the ceremony is enjoyable and respectful for everyone, we kindly remind guests that balloons, flowers, and artificial noisemakers are not allowed inside the venue. We sincerely appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe, smooth-flowing celebration. Please join us in supporting our graduates by observing ceremony etiquette, such as remaining seated during the proceedings, silencing all mobile devices, and saving applause for designated moments. Your thoughtful participation will help create a memorable and dignified experience for all.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we honor our graduates’ achievements. We look forward to seeing you at this very special event!

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“The students recognized today are the cream of the crop, epitomizing excellence and strong leadership,” said ACCS Chancellor Jimmy Baker. “These students expect and deliver the high standards the ACCS is known for.”

Sponsored by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the American Association of Community Colleges, the All-Alabama Academic Team recognizes students selected for their academic excellence and intellectual rigor, leadership and service, and a commitment to extending their education beyond the classroom to benefit society.

Each student recognized earned a $1,000 scholarship from the Paths for Success Foundation to be used at any public or private college of their choice.

Seven students earned an additional $1,300 scholarship through the Coca-Cola Academic Team.

Rebekah Burton from Central Alabama Community College and Destiny Medinus from Trenholm State Community College each earned the top individual scholarship awards, respectively bestowed to one student from each state. Burton earned the prestigious New Century Transfer Pathway Scholarship of $2,750 and Medinus the New Century Workforce Pathway Scholarship of $1,500.

2026 All-Alabama Academic Team: 

Chattahoochee Valley Community College: Jada Jones and Talan Woodham

Bevill State Community College: Veronica Leigh Brown and **Brantley Stocks

Bishop State Community College: Payton Larche and Julius Mitchell

Calhoun Community College: Heather Black and **Parsa Vard

Central Alabama Community College: *Rebekah Burton and Noah White

Coastal Alabama Community College: **Stevie Grace Collins and Spence Neeley

Drake State Community and Techincal College: Josiah Kelsey and Abdoul Ouedraogoa

Enterprise State Community College: Zoe Isabella Biddle and Bryce Griffin

Gadsden State Community College: **Felicia Hunter and **Shelby McGinnis

Ingram State Technical College: Antoine Duhe and Christopher Mitchell

Jefferson State Community College: Cynthia Smith and Diamond Smith

Lawson State Community College: JaMya Jackson and Belline Semanyo

Lurleen B. Wallace Community College: Emma Helms and Chloe Alexandra Yates

Marion Military Institute: Jacob Dumas and Emily Rice

Northeast Alabama Community College: Silvania Garcia Vaca and Caroline Yates

Northwest Shoals Community College: **Kaleb Gruskiewich and Veronica McWilliams

Reid State Community College: Kehonia Monae Bradley and Kim’Bresha Neal

Shelton State Community College: **Anna Brown and Kathryn Claire Herbert

Snead State Community College: Marissa Pope and Haley Powers

Southern Union State Community College: Millie Grace Greer and Levi Walker Patterson

Trenholm State Community College: *Destiny Medinus and Carlos David Roman-Diaz

Wallace Community College-Dothan: Kaylee Vaughn and Nashunni Williams

Wallace State Community College-Hanceville: Brooke Drummond and Matthew McLeroy

Wallace Community College-Selma: Na’Siya Billingsley and Carson Wilson

 *New Century Scholar recipient

**Coca-Cola Scholarship recipient

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“Annette’s time serving as interim of Chattahoochee Valley proved she is the right person for the job,” said Jimmy Baker, ACCS Chancellor. “She’s continued a stable presence at the leadership position which CVCC has become accustomed to and is continuing to keep the school’s momentum as an educational staple for east Alabama.”

Funderburk has served as CVCC’s interim president since December following the retirement of former president Jackie Screws. Funderburk transitioned to CVCC on an interim basis after serving seven years as president of Ingram State Technical College.

“Chattahoochee Valley has a strong, proud tradition of service to the East Central Alabama area. I look forward to building on that strong foundation,” said Funderburk. “In my short time as interim, I have come to know a dedicated faculty and staff and have met with many of our students and talked with the about continuing their hopes and dreams for a bright future of the college.”

At Ingram State, Funderburk led statewide and career technical education, Adult Education and GED programs at the state’s only 100 percent institutionalized educational provider to incarcerated individuals, overseeing 19 programs designed to equip individuals with the skills needed to successfully reenter the workforce and their communities.

Funderburk championed initiatives at Ingram State that helped students transition from incarceration to meaningful careers, including through the Prison-to-Workforce Pipeline. Ingram State celebrated its largest commencement class in its history in 2024.

Prior to her presidency, Funderburk maintained multiple leadership roles at the ACCS office, supporting governmental affairs, statewide workforce development initiatives and external partnerships.

Funderburk earned a Master of Public Administration from Troy University and a Bachelor of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Montevallo.

CVCC, which has enjoyed a 9% increase this academic year, serves Barbour, Bullock, Lee, Macon and Russell Counties.

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Phenix City, AL

The Hall of Fame Gala is the Foundation’s largest annual scholarship fundraiser and reflects the strong partnership between Chattahoochee Valley Community College and the communities it serves.

During the evening’s program, CVCC Interim President Annette Funderburk welcomed attendees and highlighted the impact of community support on student success.

“In 2025, the CVCC Foundation raised $111,330 and awarded $102,300 in scholarships to 101 students,” Interim President Funderburk. “Each of those scholarships represents a student whose educational journey was made possible through the generosity of our donors and partners.”

She also shared that Chattahoochee Valley Community College continues to experience strong momentum. The College saw an 8.6 percent enrollment increase in Fall 2025 and celebrated 391 graduates during the 2024–2025 academic year, including 189 associate degrees, 77 certificates, and 125 short certificates.

The College is committed to investing in its future. Adams Hall, recently acquired from Troy University, is currently undergoing renovations and is scheduled for completion by August. Once completed, the facility will expand instructional space and provide additional opportunities for students to thrive.

The CVCC Ambassadors, student leaders who represent the College at campus and community events, were recognized at the event along with the many sponsors and partners whose generosity makes scholarship opportunities possible for deserving students.

Special recognition was given to former CVCC President Jackie Screws for her leadership and dedication in strengthening the CVCC Foundation and expanding scholarship support for students.

The CVCC Foundation Hall of Fame Gala continues to play a vital role in connecting community investment with student success and expanding educational opportunities across the Chattahoochee Valley region.

For more information about the CVCC Foundation or to learn how to support student scholarships, please visit the CVCC Foundation website at https://www.cv.edu/foundation/.

Chattahoochee Valley Community College is an equal opportunity employer and equal educational opportunity institution. The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, disability, sex, religion, creed, national origin, age, or other protected classification under applicable federal and state law in its programs, activities, or employment.

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After about a year, Reaves entered East Alabama Health’s Pathways to Advancement program and joined a newly launched on‑site Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program in partnership with Chattahoochee Valley Community College. With tuition covered, full-time benefits maintained, and a flexible work schedule, the program made it possible for her to return to school while managing work and family responsibilities.

Despite the challenges of being back in school after nearly a decade, Reaves thrived thanks to strong peer support, instructors, and a collaborative, noncompetitive culture. Participation in a nurse apprenticeship program provided hands-on experience that boosted her confidence, improved her grades, and helped her meet clinical requirements.

After graduating, Reaves secured a coveted day-shift role in Psychiatric Services, which she describes as a dream opportunity. Looking ahead, she plans to pursue an RN bridge program. Her story emphasizes self-belief, perseverance, and the impact of employer-supported education, underscoring her message that it’s never too late to take a chance on yourself.

View the entire article at
https://www.eastalabamahealth.org/news-and-media/east-alabama-healths-lpn-program-creates-opportunities

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2026 Honorees:

Heath Taylor – Distinguished Service
Trevor Kieboom – Distinguished Athlete
Natalie Kirkland – Distinguished Alumni

The CVCC Hall of Fame Awards recognize individuals who exemplify excellence, leadership, and service. Each inductee represents the very best of the Pirate spirit and brings great pride to the College and its extended community.

The 2026 Hall of Fame Celebration will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Columbus Convention & Trade Center in Columbus, Georgia. The evening will begin with a social hour at 6:00 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m., and the induction ceremony at 7:40 p.m.

We invite alumni, friends, and community members to join us as we celebrate the accomplishments and lasting impact of these outstanding honorees.

Tickets are available online. Please visit our CVCC 2026 Hall 0f Fame Awards site to purchase your ticket for the event on March 5, 2026. Hope to see your there.

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Please click on the link below.

2025 Annual Report

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This significant milestone marked the completion of the program by the first group of students to train at the EAMC-based site. The partnership between CVCC and EAMC was established to expand access to nursing education and strengthen the regional healthcare workforce.

“The launch of this program and the success of these graduates exemplify CVCC’s commitment to meeting the needs of our community,” said CVCC President Jackie Screws. “Through partnerships like the one we have with EAMC, we can prepare skilled, compassionate nurses who will make a difference in the lives of patients across our region. We are proud of each of these students for their perseverance and dedication.”

The ceremony included remarks from CVCC and EAMC representatives, the traditional pinning of graduates, the recitation of the Florence Nightingale Pledge, and the presentation of special awards recognizing outstanding student performance.

Special Awards Presented:

Spirit of Nursing Award
JaKoya Ayana Robinson

Clinical Excellence Award
Leah Johnson

Florence Nightingale Award
Mia Andrea Pitts

Graduates Honored:
Rebecca Fox
Alex Henderson
Leah Johnson
Laurae Kaytlin Reaves
Jazzlyn Ciara Moon
Christina Nelson
Mia Andrea Pitts
JaKoya Ayana Robinson
Audrie Chaquita Simmons

This first class of graduates from the CVCC-EAMC nursing program represents a successful beginning for a collaboration that will continue to support and grow the region’s healthcare workforce for years to come.

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As part of the visit, a public meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. EST in the Instructional and Performing Arts Center, located at 2602 College Drive, Phenix City, Alabama. Members of the community, program stakeholders, and the general public are invited to attend.

In addition to the public meeting, individuals are encouraged to submit written comments regarding the programs. Comments must be submitted directly to ACEN by August 12, 2025. They can be sent via email to public-comments@acenursing.org or mailed to the following address:

Attn: Accreditation Services
Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN)
3390 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 1400
Atlanta, GA 30326

CVCC values community input and encourages participation in this important process to ensure the continued quality and effectiveness of its nursing education programs.

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In total, 33 students earned their credentials through CVCC’s Adult Education program this year. While not all were able to attend the ceremony, each graduate reached a significant milestone in their educational journey.

The event honored the hard work and determination of these students, many of whom balanced jobs, family responsibilities, and other challenges while pursuing their education. Faculty, staff, and loved ones gathered to show their support and encouragement as graduates crossed the stage to receive their certificates.

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