2 BC3 students are honored in Hershey
BUTLERTWP — Lauren Bennett realized she didn't want to make her retail job a career.
Joanne DeCola decided she wanted to lead the school where her children went to preschool.
These two award-winners from Butler County Community College took a leap when they decided to return to school. Now, both women will go to a four-year school on a full scholarship because of their hard work at BC3.
That work earned both of them a spot on the 2006 All-Pennsylvania Academic Team. Winners are chosen from each of the state's 14 community colleges and were honored at a dinner April 10 in Hershey.
Bennett of Worthington said her years at BC3 transformed her personality from shy to extroverted.
When she started at BC3, "I registered for speech and had to drop out because Iwas so nervous," she said.
As she worked toward a general studies degree, she was involved in organizations including the Associated Artists of Butler County and the steering committee for the group that accredits the college.
"I never did anything in high school," she said. "I went home and painted."
Bennett continued painting after she graduated in 1999. She took a job at Country Pools and Spas, but she said she always knew she would return to school. She said she finally felt ready in 2003 but was nervous about going to a four-year school, which is why she started at BC3.
DeCola of Center Township spent more years away from school than Bennett and said she knew she wasn't ready for a four-year school.
DeCola sent her two children to Butler Montesorri School for preschool. The organizational skills they learned made her a believer in the Montesorri method, so much so that she decided she wanted to teach there.
"I believe in the school so much I want to keep it going," she said.
She is on the board at the school. Eventually, she would like to be its director.
She has majored in elementary education and expects to attend Slippery Rock University to earn her bachelor's in the same field.
Bennett has narrowed her college choices to either Chatham College or Point Park University, both in Pittsburgh. She will study art administration so she can open a gallery featuring artists.
Both students were involved in Phi Theta Kappa, the two-year college honor society.
The women wrote essays for their nomination forms in February. A committee that included BC3 faculty and the president chose the winners based on their involvement, community activities and grades.
