Kerri Taylor, an Army veteran and recent college graduate, has been named the recipient of the CFCC 2020 Academic Excellence Award, according to a news release.

Taylor graduated from Cape Fear Community College in May with her associate in arts degree, stated the release.

The award recognizes "outstanding academic achievements at the community college-level," stated the release. 

She recently received a $19,000 scholarship to attend Abilene Christian University in Texas. There, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in social work with a specialization in juvenile delinquency, officials said.

“Before CFCC, I was super reluctant about school,” Taylor said in the release. “Deciding to attend Cape Fear Community College was the best decision I’ve made and was the cornerstone of my life. Even when it was challenging, the instructors and staff continued to motivate me. Not only did CFCC give me an education, it gave me self-awareness and made me realize what my passion was.”

She was a member of CFCC's Honors Program and frequently visited the college's Veterans Center to help achieve her academic and career goals, officials said. 

“As an Army veteran and nontraditional student, Kerri's academic performance and work ethic have been a wonderful representation of the talent in the Honors Program,” John Metzger, CFCC's Honors Program coordinator and an English instructor, said in the release. “Having the honor of Kerri enrolling in two of my classes I have watched her academic and professional growth over two years. She has overcome insurmountable obstacles and is a wonderful example of how far our students can come when surrounded by compassionate staff and professors.”