LRCC Co-Valedictorians

6/12/09

LRCC Co-Valedictorians 2009

Photo: LRCC 2009 Valedictorians, left to right, are Ben McGowan, Kerri Lowe, and Maureen Ballester. The photograph was taken following the 40th Commencement Ceremony at Meadowbrook Musical Arts Center last month. McGowan studied Computer Technologies; Lowe majored in Human Services; and Ballester was an Accounting student.

For the first time in the 40-year history of Lakes Region Community College (LRCC), three graduates from three completely different areas of study earned perfect 4.0 grade point averages and were designated Valedictorians. The three were Computer Technologies major, Ben McGowan (Laconia); Human Services professional, Kerri Lowe (Laconia); and Accounting high honors student, Maureen Ballester (Gilmanton).

Another interesting fact is that McGowan is half the age of Lowe and Ballester, yet every bit as dedicated to his studies as the ladies. "I was scared that I was not going to succeed in college," says McGowan who has been employed full-time with New Hampshire Ball Bearing, Laconia, for three years. "I was afraid that I couldn’t handle it."

Lowe and Ballester were also concerned that they could not succeed in college. "Being out of school for 20 years, I didn’t feel that I would be successful as a student," says Lowe, who was a full-time Case Manager at Lakes Region Community Services, a full-time student, and cared for her five children while in school.

"I was scared to death when I started college," says Ballester. "My first class was Introduction to Business and I was the only older student in a class of 25. Younger students were more fluent on computers, but I caught up quickly."

Words of wisdom come from each of the LRCC Valedictorians. "Change is definitely possible," says McGowan who started college once before, dropped out, and made a different choice the second time at LRCC to achieve success. "One must be willing to sacrifice for success."

"As one can see right here with LRCC’s 2009 Valedictorians, it is never too late or too early for success in college," Lowe continues. "When a person is ready to do well, he or she will do well."

"The commitment of LRCC faculty and staff makes students want to succeed," says Ballester. "These are some great people!"

McGowan, Lowe, and Ballester represent the best America has to offer. They deserve a significant place in LRCC’s 40-year history.