“Work hard, be honest and dream big. Remember that America is great because Americans are good. A nation is only as strong as the measure by which its people are involved. Democracy is not a spectator sport, care about your government, vote and make a difference,” he said. “This is a land of opportunities and not guarantees, remember that a wise man makes more opportunities than he finds,” Gov. McDonnell said.

The class of 2010 had almost 900 students eligible to receive a degree, certificate or diploma. More than 400 chose to attend the formal ceremony and the crowd at SVCC Saturday was the largest ever, with more than 2,800 people in attendance.

Ariel Thomas, a 2010 graduate, sang the National Anthem to open the ceremony as the Brunswick High School JROTC under the direction of First Sergeant Frank Smith presented the colors.

Jean Clary Bagley of South Hill was presented with an Honorary Associate Degree in Humane Letters in recognition of distinguished achievement. In 1996 Jean Clary Bagley and her company, Century 21 Clary & Associates established CARES (Children Are Really Extra Special) adopted the kindergarten class (87 students) at South Hill Primary School to mentor and encourage through school. When these children arrived at the middle school, they were joined by children from other feeder schools across Mecklenburg County. Century 21 Clary adopted these additional students into the CARES program. With a goal of every child passing every grade and graduating high school, they mentored the students and the dream grew—to send every child to at least one year of community college.

With each realtor donating part of their commissions, company matches, and fund raising events, Century21 Clary partnered with Southside Virginia Community College and the Virginia Prepaid Tuition Trust Fund to establish a fund to make this dream a reality.

This is just one example of many that Jean Clary Bagley has done for the Southside community. Students named to the Academic All-USA Team were also recognized. The American Association of Community Colleges/Phi Theta Kappa/All-USA Team represents the best academic talents at the nation’s community and technical colleges. Four SVCC students were nominated for this prestigious award and they are Dustin Black, Jason Hagaman, Marvin Harris, Sr., and Adeelah Salaam. Black and Hagaman were also named to the Top Ten All-Virginia Team.

Graduates of the Honors Program were also recognized. Students accepted into this program have an opportunity to pursue a variety of honors courses, seminars and special projects and the program challenges and involves the student with high academic standards. Those graduating from this program are Will Hollingsworth, Dustin Black and Ryan Clary.

The college also recognized a total of 123 Dual Enrollment students who completed degrees or certificates from the college before their high school graduation. Students are allowed to take classes and receive both high school and college credit.

Dr. John J. Cavan, SVCC President, presented the degrees to each student at the ceremony.