March 7, 2007
NETC Students Receive State Recognition in Columbia

Michael Shaw, of Pageland, and Matthew DeBerry, of Rockingham, recently traveled to the South Carolina Statehouse in Columbia where they received recognition for their performance while students at Northeastern Technical College. 

The students were recognized by the South Carolina Technical College System (SCTCS) during a ceremony held in the rotunda before more than 200 people including members of the South Carolina Senate, House of Representatives, presidents of colleges and leaders of the technical college system, fellow students, friends and family.

Shaw and DeBerry were selected for this honor by the technical college presidents on the basis of their academic performance, leadership accomplishments, and service to their college and to their local community. 

They were appointed to represent South Carolina on the All State Academic Team in Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society of community and technical colleges.  In addition, these students will participate in the annual All-USA Academic Team competition, which is an annual competition sponsored by the USA Today, the American Association of Community Colleges, and Phi Theta Kappa.  Winners will be featured in an April edition of the USA Today.

DeBerry (pictured right with Dr. Jimmie Williamson, president of NETC) is currently enrolled in NETC’s INA Apprenticeship Program, where he will earn his Associate Degree in Industrial Technology.  He has earned his Machine Operator Certificate and is actively involved in the Student Government Associate as president.  He is also on the President’s List and Dean’s List for his academic excellence.  DeBerry lives in Rockingham, N.C., with his parents, Donnie and Crystal DeBerry, who traveled to Columbia to watch their son receive the State recognition.  Tasha DeBerry, also of Rockingham and one of BeBerry’s older sisters, attended the ceremony as well.

Shaw (pictured right with Williamson) recently graduated from NETC with an Associate Degree in Industrial Technology.  He quickly found employment at Tucker Lumber in Pageland, S.C. supervising a staining and stick lumber crew of ten people. While a student at NETC, Shaw was active in Student Support Services, supporting the planning of NETC Field Day festivities, and was named to the Dean’s List and the National Honor Roll for his academic excellence. Shaw is the proud father of three children, Michael Traevon Shaw, 12, Tyesha  Latrelle Shaw, 10, and Tyrek Antino Shaw, 6.  He is also a member of the Parent Teacher Association, is actively involved coaching for the Pageland Recreation Department and in AWANA, a Bible-based learning program for children.

After the ceremony, Shaw and DeBerry were personally congratulated by NETC’s president,  board members, and Senate and House members who represent Northeastern Technical College’s service area including Chesterfield, Marlboro and Dillon Counties.  Standing in the photo from left to right on the first row are: Michael Shaw, Matthew DeBerry, Crystal DeBerry, and Dr. Jimmie Williamson.  Standing in the photo from left to right on the back row are: Dan Bozard, NETC Board member, Herbert Watts, NETC Board member, Senator Vincent Sheheen, Donnie DeBerry, Tasha DeBerry, House Representative Doug Jennings, Senator Kent Williams, and House Representative Ted Vick.

The students were also later recognized from the floor of the S.C. State House of Representative by Representative Ted Vick for their success and representation as ambassadors for Northeastern Technical College.

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