From MCC President Dr. Sarah H. Pappas

The half-century mark is an occasion to celebrate, and that’s what thousands of Manatee Community College supporters have done during our 50th anniversary year. More than 31,000 people have graduated from MCC, and I’ve been privileged to meet many of them in my 10 years as president. Everywhere I go -- grocery store, Tiger Bay, art gallery, restaurant, doctor’s office – I meet current students excited about their MCC experience, graduates who share how much MCC meant to them and business partners who credit MCC with helping their companies prosper.

These unsolicited testimonials inspired the Foundation for MCC to host an essay contest in which the public was invited to complete the phrase, “Thank you, MCC, for …”. More than 100 essays were submitted, and they were all winners to us. A committee, following a blind selection process, had the task of choosing winning essays. Their selections reflect the scope of Manatee Community College’s life-altering positive impact and convey why MCC is the community’s college.

First-place award winners received $2,500 to present to the MCC department of their choice. Donor sponsors were Graci and Dennis McGillicuddy and media sponsor was the Herald-Tribune Media Group.

Read winning essays as published in the Herald-Tribune.

Essay Contest Entry Guidelines