Oct. 24, 2008
GETTYSBURG – Sherry McLatchy-Scarlett has been a high school dropout, single teen parent, farm worker and welfare recipient who progressed from van driver to deputy of training and employment with Rural Opportunities Inc., a statewide position.
Now the 2000 graduate of HACC-Gettysburg Campus has another designation to her many roles: HACC Alumni Association Circle of Distinction 2007 award winner.
McLatchy-Scarlett, who earned an associate degree in criminal justice after enrolling as a part-time student in 1992, said her graduation from HACC was the proudest moment of her life.
“It gave me confidence to know that I could do anything I put my mind to,” said McLatchy-Scarlett, who is among six alumni to achieve the award given annually to HACC graduates whose professional pursuits have demonstrated quality, values and skills that were cultivated from their education at HACC. All of the honorees are an inspiration to students and alumni and have had an impact on the community.
“My experiences at HACC have given me the confidence to accomplish and achieve any milestone … I learned from faculty who worked in the fields they teach, who will challenge and inspire you,” said McLatchy-Scarlett, who was working full time with ROI when she enrolled at HACC.
During her ROI career she has progressed from van driver and ESL classroom aide to employment and training caseworker, employment training specialist, and regional administrator to her current role serving residents in Adams, Franklin and Erie counties.
She also is continuing her studies at HACC-Gettysburg in the American Management Association program.
Grateful for all of the help she has received, McLatchy-Scarlett said believes in giving back to her community to make it a better place. Over the years, she has been an active volunteer for the Adams County Heritage Festival, Adams County Human Relations Council, Fruit Belt Farm Worker Christian Ministry, Chambersburg Hispanic Association, Survivors Inc., SCCAP, Gettysburg Recreation Board, Third Ward Concerned Neighbors, Adams County Migrant Coalition, World Food Hunger Drive, Martin Luther King Jr. Committee, Healthy Adams County, Adams County Latino Taskforce, Adams County Children & Youth mentoring program and Big Brothers and Sisters.
In addition to McLatchy-Scarlett, five other HACC alumni were honored with Circle of Distinction awards at the third annual ceremony held recently at the Harrisburg Campus. Recipients also included Sheila J. Himes, vice president of operations for the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC; James Michael Brill, owner and president of J. Michael Brill and Associates Inc.; Karen Morris-Priester, M.D., who is doing her anesthesia residency at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston; Christopher Painter, Advanced Insurance Solutions, and Andrew Helmer, a managing director in the human resources department at HERCO.
“HACC alumni are always striving for excellence in both their professional and personal career paths,” said Kimberly Grundon, president of the HACC Alumni Association. “It comes as no surprise that HACC graduates continue to make significant accomplishments in the surrounding communities.”
Lynne E. Dillard, director of Alumni Affairs, said, “To have the opportunity each year to honor some of the many distinguished HACC alumnus is so rewarding. It really gives the college staff and the leadership of the Alumni Association a chance to acknowledge the outstanding work of these alumni. It also allows us to show the current students what can be, to show students how hard work and perseverance can really make a difference in your life.”
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