Ambrosio-Reyes presented COA President's Service Cup

The president of College of The Albemarle’s Student Government Association and a student at COA-Edenton-Chowan is this year’s recipient of the President’s Service Cup, the most prestigious honor presented to graduating students at the college.

Damaris Ambrosio-Reyes received the award during the college’s graduation ceremony on May 8 at COA-Elizabeth City. The award “recognizes excellence in the classroom and significant service contributions to the college, activities, and local community,” according to a press release.

Ambrosio-Reyes, who served as vice president of the SGA last year, is active in her community and church in Chowan County, helping members of the Hispanic community who have questions about attending college. She plans to pursue a career in law and is considering attending UNC-Chapel Hill, COA said.

The college also handed out Campus Cups to the President’s Service Cup nominees at its four campuses. They included Austin Thompson of COA-Currituck; Gazelle Enciso-Ramirez of COA-Dare; Sevil Gulmammadova of COA-Elizabeth City; and Ambrosio-Reyes of COA-Edenton-Chowan.

Ambrosio-Reyes also received one of three Scholar of Global Distinction Awards during the cermony. The award is presented to students in the N.C. Community College System who participate in the North Carolina Scholar of Global Distinction Program and “demonstrate exceptional knowledge and understanding of global issues and cultures,” according to a press release. The program “prepares students to be globally competent and engaged citizens in an increasingly interconnected world.”

NCSGDP participants who successfully complete the program receive “Graduated with Global Distinction” on their transcript, an honors graduation stole, and a joint certificate from COA and World View at the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill. COA’s criteria for the award includes completing at least 15 credit hours of globally intensive courses; participating in eight international activities and dialogue; global experience (30 hours of participation in either study abroad or a domestic intercultural experience); and giving a “capstone” presentation related to their global learning participation.

Crystal David received the award for the fall 2023 semester; Ambrosio-Reyes and Erin Kelley received it for the spring semester.