“Scholarships are still critically important,” Cape Cod Community College President Dr. John Cox said as he spoke about the new Massachusetts free community college tuition program. He was addressing an enthusiastic crowd at the annual Advocates for a Community College Education wine tasting and auction fundraiser held September 7 in Yarmouth.
Dr. Cox explained that due to numerous eligibility requirements and provisions that call for students to pay the state back if education is interrupted, ACCE remains very relevant when it comes to helping local high school students succeed at the college.
Among highlights of the evening, supporters provided donations in exchange for 96 bottles of Josh Cab wine, each bottle autographed by Joseph Carr, owner of Josh Cellars winery and a long time supporter of ACCE. Between a live auction, silent auction and Go Fund Me, ACCE raised nearly $62,000 which will help fund tuition and related expenses for our scholarship recipients attending 4Cs.
ACCE scholarship recipient Trey Peters, of Mashpee, received a standing ovation for telling his story of how ACCE helped him get on track and succeed at the community college as he aims for a writing career. Former scholarship student Sara Dionisio, who supplied written testimony of how ACCE helped her to become a nurse, and who is now pursuing a graduate degree, said in her email, which was read to the audience, “Without my mentors and the scholarship that allowed me to start this journey in the first place I would never be able to accomplish my dream.”
With the continuing support of volunteers and donors, who have been generous with their time and money, ACCE will keep on providing for the development of successful members of our community. We appreciate your generous support.