David Broyles/The News
Betty Kay Vaughn, fifth from right, poses with her husband Richard and other family members in front of the Betty Kay Vaughn Clock Tower that was dedicated in her honor Monday at Surry Community College.
David Broyles/The News
Rick Vaughn and Carol Surratt, children of Betty Kay Vaughn, speak about their mother’s 23 years of service to Surry Community College. They said her passion for the school was second only to her passion for her family.
David Broyles/The News
Five presidents of Surry Community College attend the dedication and reception of the Betty Kay Vaughn Clock Tower on the school’s campus in Dobson. Pictured are SCC President Dr. David Shockley and past presidents Dr. Deborah Friedman, Dr. Jim Reeves and Dr. Swanson Richards.
David Broyles/The News.
State Employees Credit Union Senior Financial Services Officer Karen Hall and SECU Advisory board member Tony Martin present Briana Brooke Chattin and Kyle Beasley Moser with People Helping People Scholarships.
DOBSON — The Surry Community College Board of Trustees Monday dedicated the school’s new clock tower to Betty Kay Vaughn in recognition of her 23 years of service to the school.
Vaughn was appointed to the board in 1984 by the governor of North Carolina and remains as a governor appointee throughout her tenure on the board. The new tower was paid for by Vaughn’s family. SCC Educational Foundation spokesperson Marion Venable gave the opening speech of the dedication.
“The continued support of families such as the Vaughns, industry and businesses are critical to our success,” said Venable. “Thank you for being part of our past and part of our future.”
“The next two speakers at the event were Vaughn’s son, Rick, and her daughter, Carol.
“Thank you for everything, Mom,” said Rick Vaughn, noting his mother’s reluctance to take credit. “This is your day whether you like it our not.” He noted that the central location of the tower was symbolic of her importance to the college and to her family.
Vaughn recognized Tony Chilton for his contribution to the design of the tower and Justin Brinkley for overseeing the construction of the clock tower.
“This project started several years ago to recognize my mother’s other favorite passion other than her family. Her friends can attest to this. While attending an important meeting in Raleigh, she totaled her car and got a citation for the accident. She talked the patrolman into taking her to the meeting so she wouldn’t miss it.”
“This needed to be done instead of a plaque. If mom wrote her own autobiography, she would not mention herself. I know you (Betty) would not want us to do this, but you have served 23 years with five (college) presidents. This is the first time we have disobeyed her ever, but it was the right thing to do.” Carol Vaughn Surratt told the group she had hoped to speak but chose not to because she would have broken down into tears.
Surry Community College President Dr. David Shockley concentrated on Vaughn’s legacy.
“You just never know the impact this (the clock tower) will have,” said Shockley. “We celebrate the service of Betty K. Vaughn to Surry Community College.”
Board of Trustees Chairwoman Deidre Rogers recalled her memories of Vaughn to the crowd.
“She (Betty) goes over, above and beyond,” said Rogers. “How many would remained focused on their meeting after totaling their car?” asked Rogers. “Betty Kay is one of a kind. She is the very definition of one classy lady. We honor her whole heart, her love and her dedication.”
Former college presidents present at the ceremony included Dr. Deborah Friedman, Dr. Jim Reeves and Dr. Swanson Richards. Family present included grandchildren as well as Vaughn’s husband Richard, her brother Chip Separk, Charles and Charlotte Bokesch, former trustee Jewel Jarrell, and Todd Surratt.
The State Employees Credit Union Scholarships also were awarded to two students at the regular board meeting before the dedication of the Betty Kay Vaughn Clock Tower.
SECU Advisory board member Tony Martin and Senior Financial Officer Karen Hall presented the scholarships on behalf of the union’s foundation. The scholarships are in the amount of $5,000 for each student.
The first recipient of the SECU People Helping People Scholarship was Briana Brooke Chattin. She is a 2012 honor graduate of Surry Central High School. Chattin was inducted in both the National Honor Society and Vocational Honor Society. She was the first student in Surry County to completed the requirements to become a Microsoft Office specialist and also earned ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification and a Gold Certification in Career Readiness.
Chattin has been involved in Girl Scouts of 10 years, earning both Bronze and Silver awards. She is pursuing a degree in accounting. She is the daughter of Scott and Monette Chattin.
The second recipient of the People Helping People Scholarship was Kyle Beasley Moser. He is a 2012 honor graduate of North Surry High School. He was inducted in the National Technical Honor Society and received the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award. He is a documented Eagle Scout of Boy Scout Troop 553 and earned a total of 52 merit badges and six eagle palms. He is a brotherhood member of Wahissa Lodge 118-Order of the Arrow. He is pursuing an Associate in Arts degree. He is the son of Kent and Karen Moser.
Reach David Broyles at dbroyles@heartlandpublications.com or 719-1952.
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