2022 winner and nominees recognized at fourth annual luncheon
SMITHFIELD – The Johnston Community College Foundation hosted the fourth annual Linda Vann Lassiter’s Women’s Society luncheon on May 5, 2022 at The Farm at 95.
The celebration recognizes the nominees and winner of the 2022 Philanthropist of the Year Award. This honor is awarded to an individual who has made a positive impact in the community and whose philanthropic leadership sets an inspiring example for all.
This year’s winner is Janet Daughtry of Selma. Daughtry has led various mission efforts for nearly 20 years. She and her husband, Scott, have worked as team coordinators for Baptist On Mission. They have funded and led disaster recovery efforts across the country and abroad, while ministering to those in need. Mrs. Daughtry is also a master basket weaver and has taught others to weave as a source of income. She is an active member of the Johnston County Shrine Club and has contributed to numerous charity projects at the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Philanthropist of the Year Nominees this year also included Carol Arnn, Sarah Edwards, and Joy Holland Woodard.
The guest speaker at the event was IBM Quantum Operations Leader, Kristal Diaz-Rojas. Diaz-Rojas spoke about the opportunities afforded to young people through philanthropic giving, particularly to colleges.
One of Johnston Community College’s Ambassadors, BJ Alvares-Herrera, shared his story of perseverance with the guests at the luncheon. Despite being orphaned, Alvares-Herrera has been able to pursue his degree at JCC thanks to scholarships and a support system he has found at the college.
The Linda Vann Lassiter Women’s Society was established in 2019 to honor the late Linda Vann Lassiter, who served on the board of the Johnston Community College Foundation. Members of the Society share gifts of their time, talents, and annual financial contributions to the Linda Vann Lassiter Women’s Society Endowment Fund, which currently stands at more than $600,000.
The long-term goal of the Endowment Fund is to ensure every rising eighth grade student in Johnston County will be eligible to receive the LVLWS Scholarship and attend JCC upon graduation from high school.
“The annual luncheon is the culmination of the work the JCC Foundation Board of Directors and staff as well as the family and friends of Linda continue in her memory. It is our goal to continue the lifelong work of Linda. She was a true servant leader who recognized the importance of education,” states Dr. Twyla Casey Wells, vice president of Institutional Advancement and Community Relations. “Our goal to ensure every eighth grader has scholarship funding waiting for them at JCC is lofty, but certainly attainable!”
Find out more about the Linda Vann Lassiter Women’s Society and how you can get involved by visiting: https://www.johnstoncc.edu/foundation/lvl/.
What a great choice. Congratulations