The Fifth Annual Director’s Scholarship Luncheon was held on Thursday on the Reserve campus.

The support of both the community and Industry was widespread and awe-inspiring. A crowd of 85 people filled the Media Center to celebrate the occasion.

Over $12,000 was raised to assist local students in completing their programs.

The money raised will be offered to students through the River Parishes Community College Foundation Scholarship program.

With 80 percent of students being working parents, it is so important to be able to offer that extra hand on their way up.

The future of our communities include these young people learning skills they need to take their place in the workforce right here at home.

These are the very people who will be able to stay near home to raise their families and build their future.

What makes this event successful each year is the generous giving and commitment of local Industry, Small Businesses, Chamber of Commerce and local government.

These entities all come together to share a meal and celebrate the successes they have built together.

In this room there are no competitors, no adversaries, just people with a common goal to improve the community in which they live.

Fall is a special time of year when the weather cools and the Holidays come one after the other.

It is a time for many students to complete their programs and be celebrating graduation by Christmas.

Thursday, Oct. 25 is the annual Career Fair for the Reserve Campus. Over 30 Industry partners will be available to speak with students regarding the local employment opportunities.

The fair is open to all current students and previous graduates.

Registration will open on Nov. 1 for the spring semester. Classes are offered in all programs and the new “transfer degree” programs are becoming very popular with local students able to complete course work before transferring to any State University that will transfer with them.

This reduces the cost and time spent away from home pursuing a degree.

For more information, contact us at www.rpcc.edu.

Penelope Shumaker is Campus Director for the Reserve Campus of River Parishes Community College. Email her at pshumaker@rpcc.edu.