Moira Hamilton recognized as an NPC Outstanding Graduate

2015 May 6

From the 608 students applying to graduate this year, only five were selected to be the 2015 outstanding graduates in their respective degree programs at Northland Pioneer College.

Moira Hamilton, of Concho, is the top Associate of Arts graduate. Christina Scott-Ford, of Holbrook/Mesa, will represent the Associate of Business recipients. Duane Harris, of Show Low, is the top Associate of Science graduate. Isaac Schimmel, of Pinetop, will represent the Associate of General Studies students. Tammy Brown, of Show Low, is the top Associate of Applied Science graduate.

As Moira Hamilton, (A.A. degree) transitioned from busy chef to mother of three adopted children, Hamilton felt the need to pursue another fulfilling goal in her life, education. As she began with art and philosophy classes, Hamilton went from just experimenting with college to now wanting to obtain her doctorate. She has fallen in love with the arts, especially with Anthropology, and can't wait to pursue her bachelor's in that field. "One thing I've learned is that anybody can do anything and that there is a way. Whether you're in a tough financial situation, or even if you think you're not smart enough, there are programs, wonderful teachers, and all sorts of study groups to help you here at NPC," Hamilton said. "If you're going to school, keep doing it, it's worth it. You can never accomplish anything if you give up on your dreams and the opportunity is here for you to do something you absolutely love."

With an eye on business, Christina Scott-Ford, (A.Bus. degree) reflects back on the obstacles she had to overcome to graduate. "I'd say there were many challenges I had to go through. There was balancing time with children; I'm a type 1 diabetic; there were money issues; etc." But Scott-Ford says that it was through family support and "consistent, genuine, effort" that helped her get to where she is today. "The support from my family were a key factor in helping me graduate, " said Scott-Ford "I know if I can get a degree with the challenges I've had stacked up against me, I believe anyone can. Just stick with it every day and give consistent, genuine effort."

Duane Harris, (A.S. degree) began attending NPC 10 years ago, but with crashes in the economy, Harris found himself taking a break from school and possibly never going back. But eventually with the friendly support from his dad and girlfriend, Harris came back to school and is now planning to pursuing a bachelor's in Mathematics and Computer Sciences. When asked what advice he would give to other students, Harris says, "The most important thing someone can do is to stick with it. It may take you 10 years just like me, but you can graduate if you just stick with it."

Issac Schimmel, (A.G.S. degree) wants to save lives. Completing the Fire Academy and the Emergency Medical Training program at NPC helped put him on the path of achieving his goal. Originally with plans of joining the Coast Guard after graduation at NPC, Schimmel recently received an All Arizona Academic Team tuition waiver to attend Northern Arizona University [NAU] and has postponed joining the service. The scholarship was based on Schimmel's top-ranking GPA scores and service to his community. Schimmel plans on obtaining his bachelor's in Emergency Management from NAU and now plans to enlist with the Coast Guard after completion.

While at NPC, Tammy Brown, (A.A.S. degree) chose accounting as her field of study to help her with her career opportunities, but also to follow what she enjoyed most. "Math was one of my favorite subjects in high school... Knowing myself and how little I enjoyed writing, I picked the path of numbers," said Brown. With her training and new experience in accounting, Brown's career has reach new heights as she now manages the finances of a local business. Brown plans on going back to NPC for a second degree, preferably an associate's in business to further help her career. Brown counsels other students in similar situations to "just do it! The teachers and staff at NPC are great. I have gained so much confidence in myself and in my job. If a woman in her late forties can do it, so can you!"

The Outstanding Graduates are specially recognized at graduation and address their peers during the graduation ceremony.