Erica Parini of Sandwich, MA, one of the first graduates from the Cape Cod Community College (CCCC) Aviation Maintenance Technology program, and who will receive her Associate of Applied Science degree in Aviation Maintenance during CCCC’s Commencement Ceremonies on May 24th, 2018, has been named one of the best of the best in Massachusetts’ Public Higher Education, one of the "29 Who Shine" for 2018, and was so honored in ceremonies at the State House Friday, May 4, 2018.
CCCC President John Cox, and Aviation Maintenance Technology faculty member Robert Nelson joined in praising Parini at the Commonwealth's annual event that recognizes graduates from each Massachusetts higher education campus. Governor Charlie Baker, education leaders, and legislators, gathered with faculty, students and families at the base of the Grand Staircase at the Massachusetts State House for the afternoon ceremonies.
In honoring the soon-to-be-2018 graduate, President Cox expressed the pride of the entire College in her academic success, technical excellence, community leadership, and personal accomplishments.
"I am extremely proud to see Erica’s academic as well as technical program excellence recognized, along with her strong leadership ability and links within her discipline and industry. She completed a very intense airframe and power plant educational and training program with straight “A’s” and will complete her Associate of Applied Science Degree with the same outstanding academic achievement. She is an excellent example of the best within Massachusetts Higher Education, and “shines” as an example for others, in whatever higher education pathway they select,” noted President Cox in comments about the recognition.
Each of the “29 Who Shine” named a mentor to join them at their ceremonies. Along with her family around her she selected AMT Program faculty member Robert “Bob” Nelson, himself a highly honored aviation maintenance professional. In making that choice she stated, “He has always had every ounce of confidence that I will do nothing but the best. He has always pushed me to do more, and better, and not doubt myself…Bob, with his wealth of knowledge, experience, his passion and devotion to teach, and his advice, and his connections, it is apparent as a student, Bob puts his heart and aviation soul into giving us all the information he can to help us along the way.”
Erica was selected from among a number of outstanding CCCC nominees, based on very specific criteria established by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education. This year’s honorees were required to be residents of Massachusetts who:
- show exceptional promise as a future leader in civic affairs or in business or professional activity in the state;
- have demonstrated an ability to contribute to the civic and economic wellbeing of the Commonwealth;
- have a strong record of academic achievement and civic engagement;
- intend to pursue a career track or interest for which there is a demonstrated need in the Commonwealth,
- plan to continue living and working in the state upon graduation.
- will complete his/her degree or certificate requirements at a Massachusetts community college, state university or UMass campus within the 2017-2018 academic year.
More about the entire class of 2018 "29 Who Shine" can be found here: www.mass.edu/29whoshine/
