RCC graduates Class of 2009 at Friday exercises

Forty-three years ago, the first students walked through the doors of Rockingham Community College with the dream of “changing their lives,” Barbara Moore, vice chair of RCC’s board of trustees, said. Today, RCC is still a place to “create,” “explore” and “succeed.” She called the college experience “a journey unlike any other” and recognized the graduates for their accomplishments.

“Graduates, this is your day, a day you carved out for yourselves. No one can take this day or the meaning of the day from you,” she said. “Savor it.”

Among the graduates at Friday morning’s commencement exercises was Jeana ElSadder, who delivered the graduation address. ElSadder will receive her associate degree in arts from RCC in July.

ElSadder has been president of her class since the sixth grade. ElSadder is a member of N4CSGA, the governing body for student government associations. She also is an experienced public speaker. She urged the graduates to keep a positive attitude and to learn how to handle their stress.

“Learn how to deal with stress,” she said. “It was not until this year that I learned how to let go and handle my stress.”

ElSadder also encouraged the graduates to be open to the unexpected events because they are all part of “life’s journey.” When you wake up in the morning, you have two choices, said ElSadder. You can choose to be in a good mood, or you can choose to be in a bad mood. Your attitude will impact those around you, and having a positive attitude could even influence an employer’s decision to hire you, she added.

“No one is in charge of your happiness except for you,” she said.

Now 21, ElSadder had a child at the age of 17. But she graduated from high school and went on to pursue her education. She told the graduates she wants young people to know that you can still get your education, even if you’ve had a child. ElSadder called her 4-year-old son her “biggest motivator.”

“He’s made me work that much harder,” she said.

ElSadder received a full ride to North Carolina Wesleyan College, where she will begin studying political science in the fall. She eventually wants to get her doctorate degree and teach in higher education. ElSadder’s father, Majdi ElSadder, received his associate degree in science from RCC about 10 years ago.

“He had a wonderful experience. He loved RCC,” said ElSadder. She recalls helping her father with her English homework. Majdi, who is from the Middle East, had trouble with English because it was not his first language. When ElSadder began attending RCC, she had some of the same instructors as her father.

Another student who received high honors was John Todd Stegall, the recipient of the 2008-09 outstanding student award. He will graduate with an associate’s degree in general occupational technologies in July. A displaced textile worker, Stegall enrolled in the air conditioning, heating and refrigeration program at RCC. After receiving his degree, Stegall continued to pursue his educational goals while working full-time.

At the graduation, Stephen Ross Castle and Linda Gray Cox received the academic excellence awards. Both are candidates for the associate’s in science degree. Castle is continuing his education at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Cox is continuing her education at University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

• Baines can be reached at or 349-4331, ext. 35.