We thank God for these gifted people who have completed major educational goals. When you see them, congratulate them.
Our pastor, Lacey Brown is graduating this weekend from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA. She is graduating with her Doctor of Ministry degree. Lacey’s final thesis was on the subject of grief and pastoral care. Her official title will now be The Reverend Doctor Lacey Brown but she wants to be called Pastor Lacey. She says being the Senior Minister of Community UCC is her highest honor.
Maya Cobeland is graduating from Enloe High School with an International Baccalaureate Diploma and will be studying nursing in the fall at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Gabrielle Bretz is graduating from Enloe High School. She is taking a gap year that will include a creative arts semester in Normandy, France. Upon return, she will attend Western Carolina University and will major in hospitality and minor in theater.
Libby Hooker completed a master’s in Social Work in one year, through NCSU’s Advanced Standing MSW program (she was able to fast track her course work because she also has a bachelor’s degree in social work). During her studies, she completed an internship with Equality NC and found a passion in advocating for LGBTQ+ youth! She’s hoping to find a job that will allow her to continue working on behalf of LGBTQ+ youth and the community. Either directly or in advocacy!
Leslie Shaip has graduated with a Masters of Library Science from NC Central University.
Charlotte Giesler, daughter of Amanda Jost, is graduating from Purdue Global University with a bachelor’s degree in Business.
Terry Worley, daughter of Jill Sherling, graduated from East Carolina University in December with a bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional City Planning. She has begun her career as a Long Range City Planner for the City of Wilson.
Greer Eckard graduated with distinction from UNC-Chapel Hill with a BS in Neuroscience and a minor in Chemistry. Greer is moving to Washington, DC, and will work as a medical assistant as she prepares to apply to physician assistant programs in the future.
And we want to celebrate exchange student Marcelo Carrillo-Castillo who has spent this school year living with the Powell-Nicholl family. Marcelo has attended many youth events and has been a delight and a gift to our gatherings. He especially helped us to bring authenticity to the creation of our memorial Ofrenda in October. Marcelo will return home to Merida, Yucatan, in the south of Mexico.