Ramos signs Future Teacher Scholarship agreement at SCC
Embodying the spirit of “growing our own,” Viridiana Ramos, a Nakina native, made a pledge to become a teacher while being awarded the Columbus County Schools Future Teachers Scholarship. On June 23, she signed an agreement to transfer from SCC to UNC Pembroke to earn her bachelor’s degree in elementary education and return to CCS as a fully-credentialled elementary school teacher.
When Ramos discovered her love for helping her younger brother with his homework, she said that teaching 1st grade was the “perfect career path” for her.
“I want to support children and show them that teachers are great supporters who care about them,” Ramos said. “I want to make learning fun.”
Ramos completed the requirements for the associate in science degree at SCC in May this year, and she recently earned her high school diploma from Columbus Career and College Academy. CCS selected her for the Future Teachers Scholarship that will cover expenses for her next two years at UNCP.
At the signing ceremony and scholarship presentation, SCC President Dr. Chris English welcomed the audience that included leadership and staff from SCC, CCS and UNCP, in addition to Ramos’ family.
“The strength of our community is in education,” English said. “How we advance in economic and workforce development is through education, and this is a prime example of creating the pipelines for teachers.”
CCS Superintendent Eddie Beck said that “days like today make my heart smile” as he made remarks at the ceremony. Walking the same path that Ramos is about to take, Beck was pleased to offer her the Future Teachers Scholarship on behalf of CCS.
“We’re at the point where we have to grow our own teachers,” Beck said. “And we’re doing a great job doing that. This scholarship came into fruition a couple of years ago, and we’re excited to start getting our previous scholarship recipients back into Columbus County.”
CCS’s Human Resources Director Shonna Garrell said Ramos’ desire to teach sprouted from her former masonry teacher, the late Fred Mason. Mason’s patience, encouragement, and belief in students left a profound impact on Ramos and her career goals.
“Mr. Mason taught Viridiana the importance of perseverance, having confidence in yourself and striving to reach your full potential,” Garrell said. “Viridiana hopes to create a classroom where students feel safe, valued, and supported. She believes that teachers are more than just instructors. They are mentors, role models and advocates to help students believe they can achieve anything.”
Garrell explained that the scholarship signing was a celebration of strong partnerships between CCS, SCC, and UNCP. The partnership signified an investment in Columbus County’s future by developing the next generation of educators.
SCC Executive Vice President Dr. Brandon Jenkins concluded the event by congratulating Ramos on her scholarship and commitment to returning to Columbus County as a teacher. He said that attracting talent and keeping talent was critical to the success of small communities.
“This room is full of educators, and I don’t think you could go wrong in choosing to pour into young people for the rest of your life as you grow into a wonderful teacher,” Jenkins said.
In her spare time outside of school, Ramos enjoys drawing, listening to music, and dancing.
Interested in starting your teaching journey at SCC like Viridiana? Contact Student Services at 910-788-6247 to connect with a Student Advisor!
