97ɫ��

97ɫ�� student Jeremiah Artacho has been named the Region 4 Governor Robert Scott Leadership winner. He was one of six Region winners selected. The state winner will be named March 22.

Created by the North Carolina Association of Community College Presidents in 2004, the Governor Robert Scott Leadership Award recognizes leadership by a curriculum student on a statewide level. The late Gov. Scott served as the state’s chief executive from 1968-1972 and then as president of the North Carolina Community College System from 1983-1995.

Artacho, in his final semester at 97ɫ��, is earning his associate in arts with a major in journalism. In fall 2025, Artacho will transfer to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he plans to take media and journalism courses to pursue a career in sports journalism.

“The importance of education was prominent in my family,” Artacho said. “There were times I would get in trouble if my grades were low. I do remember that well, so I learned to put learning at the top of my daily to-do list. I enjoy finding new ways to grow as a student and as a human.”

Born and raised in 97ɫ��, Artacho knew some about 97ɫ�� prior to becoming a part of the College.

“I knew it was a community college. My perception was that community colleges don’t offer what a university can and that mostly older people attend community colleges,” he said. “My perception was incorrect, and I learned that quickly as I became part of the 97ɫ�� community.”

Artacho says that the College offered just what he needed at the time he needed it and has prepared him for a four-year university. Artacho says 97ɫ�� is extremely diverse in terms of ages and student backgrounds.  

“I went from being worried about being the youngest on campus to realizing I would not be and then to taking so much from older students,” he said. “The wisdom gained from each of my classmates is invaluable and not lost on me. I am appreciative and it is one more way I grow daily.”

Artacho not only excels in the classroom, but also in extracurricular activities.

“I never dreamed of being well-rounded and involved in so much, but there is so much great stuff at 97ɫ��,” he said.  

Artacho was nominated by Dway Stover, the coordinator for student engagement, student enrichment and resources.  

“When ‘Do Great Things’ comes to mind, or even if 97ɫ�� had an MVP, Jeremiah is the student that comes to mind. He's always willing to help, be present and is a reliable and dedicated self-starter,” Stover said. “Jeremiah's commitment to mindfulness, inclusivity, growth and professionalism is sure to take him far. His passion for networking, adapting to current culture for engagement and communication, and his business-minded thinking allow him to thrive with his peers and professional staff and faculty. He is a remarkable young man, and I believe that he will be a force in any endeavor that he pursues.”

Artacho said he could not believe the nomination.

“I thought, ‘Why me?’ I try to help others when I can, it brings me great happiness. I try to set a good example because that is how I continue to grow, but still I was surprised.”