RCBC Students Overcome Adversity, Earn Awards

Two Rowan College at Burlington County students will earn awards for overcoming adversity in their lives, the college said Wednesday morning.

Ca’Meshia Mitchell overcame an abusive relationship and decided to go back to school to provide a better life for herself and her children. She will receive the Alice Paul Champion Student Award and a $1,000 scholarship at an awards banquet on Thursday, March 31 at The Merion in Cinnaminson.

Althea Parker, began to pursue her college degree amid health issues that resulted in partial vision loss and the onset of other disabilities. She will receive the Andrew J. Murphy Award from the Advancing Opportunities Agencyat the Agency’s upcoming Spring Hoedown, scheduled for Saturday, April 30 at the Fieldhouse in Robbinsville.

“Life is full of obstacles and these students deserve the recognition they will receive for overcoming their hurdles and thriving at Rowan College at Burlington County and in their communities,” Rowan College at Burlington County President Paul Drayton said. “Their indomitable spirit inspires us all.”

Mitchell is currently enrolled at the college and is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She is looking to get a master’s degree in Human Resource Management.

She also helps other victims of domestic violence and advocates for women’s rights.

"It is truly an honor to be the recipient of the Alice Paul Champion Award and scholarship,” Mitchell said. “Because of leaders such as Alice Paul, I now have the opportunity to achieve any goal that I set for myself as well as help other young girls and women in their journeys towards success."

The Alice Paul Champion Student Awardis given in partnership with the Alice Paul Institute to a young woman who believes in the advocacy of the many issues still challenging women in the community.

Parker’s health issues did not stop her from enrolling at the college and in the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) program. She is committed to beating the odds and achieving her goal of earning Dean’s List last semester. She is on track to graduate in December.

“It is an honor to receive the award,” Parker said. “I am really grateful for all of the help I received at RCBC.”

The Andrew J. Murphy Awardis given in memory of a young man who did not let physical limitations prevent him from following his dreams.

The attached image of Ca'Meisha Mitchell was provided by Rowan College at Burlington County