Judging has been completed for the Randolph Community College Foundation's sixth annual photography competition and the public is invited to view the winners by purchasing a ticket to the Scholarship Auction & Gala Dinner on May 2. Thirty-one photographers entered 104 photographs in this year's competition.
The finalists (in alphabetical order) and their photos are Eric Abernethy of Asheboro – "Chipmunk" and "Dismantle"; Kristin Backhaus of Raleigh – "Inter Loop"; Steven McBride of Asheville – "Dreaming of Tarzan"; Dan Routh of Franklinville – "Climax," "Julian Seed Cleaner," and "Wheelbarrow"; Kristi Thomas of Randleman – "Prism"; and Jacqueline Willis of Randleman – "Sleeping Cat." Some honorable mentions also were awarded. In addition to Abernethy and McBride, Amber Gerberich of Wilmington also received an honorable mention. Abernethy, McBride, Routh, and Willis, as well as Amanda Varner of Asheboro, had photos selected as Viewers' Choice.
The judges for this year's competition, all Randolph Community College Photographic Technology graduates, were Erin Arsenault, Laura Wessell, and Jerry Wolford. Arsenault is a portrait photographer and owner of Erin Arsenault Photography in High Point. Wessell is a portrait and wedding photographer and owner of Laura Wessell Photography in Hillsborough. Wolford is a multimedia photojournalist with the News & Record in Greensboro.
The placement of first, second, and best in show winners will be revealed at the Scholarship Auction & Gala Dinner to be held at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, at Pinewood Country Club. The evening will begin with dinner and a program, and will end with the photography awards and auction. The Viewers' Choice photographs will be custom matted and framed and available for purchase during the auction. In addition, several other items will be offered in both live and silent auctions, including pottery, original artwork, furniture, vacation homes, and a flower arrangement for a month. All winning and honorable mention photographs will be displayed during the Gala.
All proceeds benefit the RCC Foundation's Community Scholarship Fund. "Scholarships provided by the Foundation make it possible for many students, who could not otherwise afford an education, to attend RCC," said Joyce Wolford, executive director of the RCC Foundation. "The need for scholarships will be even greater next school year. Gala attendees will learn about the importance of Foundation scholarships to RCC's students and they'll have an opportunity to help by purchasing auction items or making a pledge to the Community Scholarship Fund." These scholarships are awarded to Randolph County students, and preference is given to students who are the first in their families to attend college.
Tickets for the Gala are $50 per person and include dinner, beverages, the program and auction. Purchase tickets by sending your check payable to RCC Foundation to Joyce Wolford, RCC Foundation, P.O. Box 1009, Asheboro, NC 27204-1009. You may also order tickets or get more information by contacting Joyce at (336) 633-0295 or jbwolford@randolph.edu.
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The RCC Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation chartered to provide support to Randolph Community College. It is overseen by a volunteer board of directors made up of community leaders from throughout Randolph County. The Foundation raises money for scholarships and program support; provides College Innovation Fund mini-grants to staff, faculty and student teams; hosts an annual employee/retiree appreciation event; and funds high school achievement scholarships and the RCC Foundation Ambassador program.
