First Generation College Student Awarded Top Academic Honor

Lilia Martinez of Louisburg, a full-time student pursuing an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Web Technologies, has been selected as Nash Community College’s 2014-2015 Academic Excellence Award recipient. The award represents the highest academic honor at Nash Community College.

As a first generation college student, Lilia has maintained a 3.9 cumulative grade point average. She described her path to Nash Community College as one with a few turns. “In elementary school and middle school, I was an A and B student but as a high school senior, my life took a turn after I made a wrong decision,” she recalls. “I graduated with a disappointing grade point average and began working a full-time job that I did not enjoy,” she said. “I often drove by Nash Community College and wondered what it would be like to go to college. One morning I woke up and applied online. Days later, I had my schedule in hand.” Despite wanting to quit school, she persevered. “Nash Community College welcomed me, making me feel important and that they care about my educational goals in life.”

As the College’s Academic Excellence Award recipient, Lilia will represent the campus among the North Carolina Community College System Academic Excellence Award nominees. In 2015, the North Carolina Community College System will honor the Academic Excellence recipients at each respective community college celebrating academic achievements of students, faculty and staff. Lilia will be awarded at the Nash Community College Student Recognition Ceremony in the Brown Auditorium on April 22, 2015.

Lilia is the recipient of the David S. Morgan Computer Science Scholarship established in 2009 by family and friends as a tribute to Mr. Morgan’s commitment to education and his 25 years of service to Nash Community College. In addition to maintaining academic excellence, she assists with her family’s business. She also volunteers her time at Safe Space in Louisburg, an organization supporting women and children who are victims of domestic violence and helps plan events at her church.

“My hopes and dreams are being fulfilled at Nash. I have a strong commitment and drive to continue my education,” she explained. Upon graduation, Lila plans to pursue a degree in Advertising and Graphic Design. She hopes to own her own business one day. “The College has supported me every step of the way and I am thankful that I chose Nash.”