Southeastern Community College celebrated its fifth graduating class in the Truck Driver Training program in the SCC auditorium on Oct. 1, when eight students earned their commercial driver’s license and class completion certificate. Angie Ransom, Dean of Business Careers and Technical Training, said that within SCC’s 60th anniversary year-long celebration, more technical programs have been introduced with truck driver training being one of them.  

The partnership with Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute and the town of Fair Bluff makes the program possible, Ransom explained. With CCCTI providing the instructors, equipment and curriculum and Fair Bluff providing a concrete training pad to drive on, truck driver students enrolled at SCC are getting the needed credentials close to home.   

“We plan to continue this partnership because it’s beneficial to all of us,” Ransom said. “But we’re here to celebrate and recognize your family and friends who are sitting on this stage because it marks the completion of something started 10 weeks ago. They made the commitment to be in class Monday through Thursday and to be online on Fridays each week.” 

Lead Instructor Harold Curtis said that since CCCTI created its truck driver training program in 1992, it has impacted many lives and allowed people to “make a good living.” He commended the graduates for facing sacrifices they will endure while driving trucks and being away from home for extended periods of time.  

“You’re going to miss birthdays and time with your kids and family, but you got to realize what you’re out there doing,” Curtis said. “While all this stuff is going on, the truck drivers are still running. They’re still hauling groceries, oil, dairy products and water. I am so proud of you guys.”  

Brandon Parks, founder and partner of Parks Trucking Company, was the keynote speaker for the ceremony. Parks was born and raised in Riegelwood and lives in Delco. He founded Parks Trucking Company 24 years ago and now employs a staff of 30 with 25 trucks. Parks earned his commercial driver’s license 32 years ago.  

Parks said his three passions in life were Jesus, family and trucks. He told the graduates that by 2028, there will be more than 82,000 truck driver jobs in North Carolina.  

“That’s where you guys come in because we need young guys in this industry,” Parks said. “I know I’m biased, but I think it is the best job in the world.” 

Parks advised the graduates to value and protect their CDL with the utmost care. As long as he had his CDL in his back pocket, Parks knew he could always provide for this family. Parks told the graduates to always maintain professionalism in actions and appearance while on the road. Parks also advised graduates to not fear the truck but to respect it. 

“Respect it because it will give you clarity to make good decisions,” Parks said. “Realize that when you’re driving down the road, you could take out lives. Be safe at all times.” 

Graduates included Albert Boler, Tralique Coleman, Jeffrey Cribb, Jerod Gore, Richard Green, Sean Leggett, Kayshawn McCollum and Dyron Smith. Three of these students were able to take the course thanks to funding from the NCWorks Career Center. Other instructors for the class were Roger Chester, Jeff Curtis and Jones Matthews. 

The next truck driver training class begins Jan. 6, 2025. Contact Valerie Register at 910-788-6397 for more information about orientation.  

See more ceremony photos here