[Clinton, N.C.] –Sampson Community College (SCC) is continuing to highlight 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 Sarah Melton, a recent Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) graduate who received three scholarships for the 24-25 academic year: The Dr. Clifton W. Paderick Memorial Scholarship, The James & Norma Jones Nursing Scholarship, and The Carlton and Lynelle Martin Scholarship.

In 2009, Melton graduated from a small high school in Northeast Tennessee, before enrolling in SCC’s ADN program in January 2023. Originally planning to begin nursing school in Texas, Melton’s husband soon received military orders to Fort Bragg, NC– where they ultimately relocated, bought a home in Salemburg, and she enrolled in SCC’s nursing program instead.

Melton reminisced, “One of the reasons we picked living in Salemburg was how close SCC would be for me. I was a little nervous at first, because it had been a long time since I had taken face to face classes and I wasn’t sure what to expect with nursing school. But, even though I was new to the area, SCC felt like home.”

Melton currently works at Sampson Regional Medical Center in their TOP RN program, in addition to caring for her daughter and husband—who she described as the sole motivation behind finishing her degree. After graduation, she plans to continue working at SRMC and eventually pursue her BSN and perhaps even her MSN.

“I wouldn’t have been able to make it without my husband,” Melton shared. “He has been so supportive, and he and my daughter kept me going and pushing forward throughout my nursing school journey. I will be working at SRMC after graduation, and I can’t wait to serve our community there!”

During the 2024-2025 academic year, Howard was three nursing scholarships by the SCC Foundation. The Dr. Clifton W. Paderick Memorial Scholarship was established in 2001 in honor of Dr. Paderick, former SCC President and a firm supporter of affordable education. Similarly, the James and Norma Jones Nursing Scholarship was created in 2012 to assist nursing students at SCC who demonstrate outstanding academic promise. Finally, The Carlton and Lynelle Martin Scholarship was established in 2010 to help deserving students in their educational pursuits at SCC.

Melton thanked, “I was so elated and very thankful to receive them. The scholarships helped me pay for my classes without needing to take out student loans. Thanks to my donors I was able to not worry about how I would be paying for my classes. I was able to focus on school and didn’t have to work while in the program which was a huge relief. I am forever grateful to my donors and because of their help, I get to help members of our community in my new career.”

Reflecting on her time in the program, Melton remarked that all of her instructors were “phenomenal,” helping her learn “so much” in both the classroom and clinical settings. Overall, Melton voiced that SCC is a “great place to learn and grow,” especially when seeking a fresh start in life through new careers, new houses, or new schools– like she did.

Melton closed, “The ADN program wasn’t easy, but it was 100% worth it. I feel confident thanks to all my instructors, they gave me the tools I need to be successful. SCC has taught me to always keep pushing and always keep learning—that it’s never too late to start over in a new field. I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else. I can’t wait to get started in my new career.”

Sampson CC is very proud of Sarah for her accomplishments at the College. 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.