Student Thankful for Giles ACCE
ACCE November Column
Student Thankful for Giles ACCE
Giles County- Hopefully by now you have seen or heard someone talk about the Access to Community College Education (ACCE) program here in Giles County. This month, in particular, people take a moment to reflect on things they are thankful for. Soon, many will be joined at the table with friends and family to celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday. Of the 73 students involved in the ACCE program and many of those who took advantage of the Muddy ACCE Race (313 total participants) they are also thankful this time of year. Thankful for the opportunity to a college education that may have been much more difficult without the program, or thankful for the chance to test their strength and comfort levels at the Muddy ACCE Race event this past October. Each month for the next year, a featured person will share their story about who they are and what ACCE means to them. This month, meet program beneficiary, Morgan Hilton- read on for her story.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about yourself. A: “I’m Morgan Hilton and I graduated from Giles High School in 2016. I am currently attending New River Community College for general studies through the ACCE Program. After which, I plan on transferring to Virginia Western for their radiation oncology program.”
Q: How did you participate in the ACCE Program? Where you a runner, sponsor, student, parent, spectator? A: “For the Muddy ACCE Race, I worked at the otter slide and also worked one of the fueling stations handing out water and snacks.” [Picture of otter slide.]
Q: Why did you get involved with the Muddy ACCE Race? A: “One of the requirements to get ACCE funding is you must do community service and twelve of those hours were completed by helping with the Muddy ACCE Race.”
Q: What is the one thing you’ll take away from the ACCE program? A: “Not only do I get to come out of two years of college debt free, but I also get the opportunity to help my community out by doing my community service.”
Q: If you could share a sentiment to those considering the program- what would you tell them? A: “The ACCE program has impacted my family and I’s lives immensely. Not only do you get to go to college tuition free, but you also get to meet new people from your community, receive more opportunities, and you also have an amazing support system. It has taken a lot of the financial stress away, leave me more time to focus on my studies.”
If you are interested in learning more about the NRCC ACCE program in Giles, please visit www.gilescounty.org. For more information on the 2017 Muddy ACCE Race, www.gilesacceallin.com. The committee, staff, and volunteers thank the community for their support of our students and are thankful for the opportunities we have by living in such a community.
