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University of Maryland Eastern Shore student (UMES) at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG), Cheron Hunt Ellison, delivered the student address at Prince George’s Community College’s (PGCC) 52nd Commencement Exercises on Thursday, May 26, 2011. Cheron was selected to address the graduates because of her determination and commitment to success – despite spending more than two decades away from formal education.
“The school’s marketing tag line ‘You Can Do This!’ was a great motivator to me when I returned to Prince George’s Community College after a 25 year hiatus,” said Cheron Ellison in a statement before her speech. “The message I will convey to freshman, seasoned, returning and graduating students is that it’s never too late to fulfill your dreams or pursue your goals.”
In 2009, while working as a legal secretary, Cheron learned about a grant available for prospective and current PGCC students in culinary arts or hospitality management and decided to return to college. At PGCC’s Commencement Exercises, she received an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Hospitality Management and a certificate in culinary arts. After being dual-enrolled in PGCC and UMES during the Spring 2011 semester, Cheron will continue to pursue her Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from UMES at USG this Fall.
Cheron’s achievements at PGCC include receiving a Gaylord STARS scholarship, receiving dean’s list honors twice and graduating with a 3.65 grade point average. In addition, Cheron has been involved in volunteering with area hunger relief efforts and as a tutor at Thurgood Academy High School.
"Cheron is an individual who has set high goals for herself and she achieves them with determination, hard-work and a can-do pleasant, professional approach to life, work and the many challenges the journey brings," said Judy Streeter, Program Director, UMES Hotel and Restaurant Management at USG.
This summer, in addition to her full time position in a law office, Cheron is completing an Internship at Six-Flags. Way to go, Cheron!