The award was presented at the North Carolina Comprehensive Community College Student Government Association 2015 Spring Conference held at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel & Convention Center in Durham last week.

The award was presented in recognition of one’s work that has enhanced the growth of others in their organization, increased teamwork and personal involvement, while helping the organization reach its potential.

The student recipient exemplifies a desire to lead by serving others in their community, on their campus or in the community college system. HCC Associate Counselor Jennifer Jones, who also serves as SGA advisor, nominated Richardson for the award.

Richardson, a resident of Conway, competed with more than 60 students for the award. Jones wrote in her nomination of Richardson, “Through leadership activities, a young man searching for his path in life found meaning and himself ... He demonstrates his compassion for others in his volunteer work through Special Olympics and church activities. He is a worthy role model for our students and the community in general.” Richardson also recently completed the North Carolina Community College System’s Student Leadership Development Program.

A graduation ceremony was held on March 20-21 in Raleigh.

The program assists community college students in reaching their leadership potential.

Participants must be nominated in order to participate.

Richardson will graduate from HCC with an associate’s degree this May.