[Clinton, N.C.] – Continuing an annual tradition, Sampson Community College (SCC) is highlighting upcoming Spring 2025 graduates who have received one or more scholarships from the SCC Foundation during their time at the College. One of those individuals is Victoria Devone, an Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) student who recently received the Whitfield-Newton Scholarship for 2024-25.

In 2015, Devone graduated from Union High School and enrolled in the ADN program four years later. A first-generation college student and mother of one, she explained that she wanted to serve as an example to her daughter and younger siblings by enrolling and graduating from the nursing program at SCC.

“When I first started, I felt excited but also nervous,” Devone recalled. “But my daughter gave me a reason to continue my education. I am a first-generation college student, so I also knew that my family, specifically my younger siblings, would be looking up to me.”

Devone currently works at Sampson Regional Medical Center (SRMC) as a nurse, in addition to caring for her almost four-year-old daughter. Because of her experience in the ADN program and at SRMC, she developed a passion for serving her town through the career she adores.

She explained, “I love being able to care for my hometown and community through my job. With school, work, and being a mom, I have my hands full. But I know it is going to be worth it. With my scholarship, specifically, I felt like it was a sign that I was doing what I was meant to do.”

During the 2024-2025 academic year, Devone was awarded The Whitfield-Newton Scholarship from the SCC Foundation. One of the newest scholarships at SCC, the award was established in October 2023 by Sampson County natives, Dr. and Mrs. John Thomas Newton in memory of their parents: Purington William Whitfield, Pattie Stancil Whitfield, John Bunyan Newton, and Ruth Doughtie Newton. It’s purpose is to assist deserving students enrolled in healthcare programs at SCC.

Devone thanked, “My scholarships have helped me be able to continue my education without extra stressors. They have given me the opportunity to focus more on school and have more time to spend with my daughter. Thank you!”

In addition to her donors, Devone also expressed her appreciation to Dr. Stephanie Springs, Kristina Cashwell, and Jacqueline Ammons, instructors in SCC’s nursing program who have assisted her greatly in her journey towards becoming an RN.

“They have been some of my biggest supporters during nursing school here at SCC. They are always available and willing to help and lend an ear. They are so much more than educators, they are truly good people with a passion for nursing and pushing people to be their best.”

In the future, Devone plans to continue pursuing her love of bedside and critical care, eventually earning her Bachelors of Nursing degree.

Looking back, she voiced that she would wholeheartedly recommend the ADN program to other individuals looking to begin a nursing career. In her eyes, SCC and its instructors strive to ensure that all students have access to the resources they need to be successful in class and after graduation—truly putting the “community” in community college.

Devone closed, “The dedication of the faculty and staff to ensuring student success is what makes SCC so special, allowing students to truly: ‘Begin Here, Go Anywhere.’ This school really puts forth effort to have resources available for all types of students. They actively work to let their students know what resources they have and try to accommodate whoever needs it. The people here really care and want to put out well rounded humans to serve the community. It is truly a community college.”

Sampson CC very proud of Victoria for her accomplishments at the College thus far. The Foundation loves seeing the impact scholarships have on students and looks forward to seeing all she will continue to do throughout her education and healthcare career.

The deadline to apply for scholarships each year is April 15. Over 100 opportunities are available with just one application. Apply today at www.sampsoncc.edu/scholarships.

For more information about the SCC Foundation, visit www.sampsoncc.edu/foundation.

About Sampson Community College:  Sampson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, located in Clinton, NC in Sampson County. The college offers many programs to include two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options and early college education. SCC is committed to the principles of equal educational and employment opportunities for all.