The holiday spirit came alive on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, as Northeastern Technical College welcomed community members, students, families, faculty, and staff for a special performance of A Christmas Carol presented by the NETC Theater Department.

Held in the auditorium on the Cheraw campus, the evening opened with a warm buzz of excitement as doors opened at 6:00 PM. By showtime at 6:30 PM, the auditorium was filled with an impressive turnout that reflected the community’s support for the arts and the growing enthusiasm surrounding NETC’s student-led productions.

This year’s performance of the timeless holiday classic showcased an extraordinary collaborative effort. Students, faculty, and staff worked side by side to bring Charles Dickens’ story to life, demonstrating the creativity, dedication, and talent that continue to define NETC’s arts programs. The production highlighted not only theatrical skill but also the college’s commitment to offering meaningful cultural experiences to the region.

The production was guided by Director Lisa Morman Patterson with support from Cleeve Baxley, whose leadership and organization played a key role in bringing the show to the stage. Together, they helped the cast deliver a heartfelt interpretation of Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey from bitterness to generosity. The message resonated strongly with the audience as the holiday season approaches.

The event also served as a fundraiser for the NETC Theatre Club, with a five dollar admission that directly supports future productions, equipment needs, and student opportunities within the arts.

From the enthusiastic applause to the lively conversations that filled the lobby after the show, this special performance of A Christmas Carol became a celebration of community, creativity, and the holiday spirit shared across the NETC campus.

Cast and Production Team

Nicholas Berry

Cassidy Jordan

Carlie Patterson

Matthew Vincett

Dennis Rowe

Jayla Patterson

Tristan Moore

Mary Davis

Olivia Samuel

Jordan Gordon

Careatha Brunson

Wesley McDowell

Landon Hollis

Laniazha Brunson

Kris Peacock

Elizabeth Rowe

Reagan Griggs

Leamon McDonald

Dorothy McDonald

Sara Leak

Mallory McDonald

This Thanksgiving, the NETC family came together to share a wonderful potluck filled with delicious food and festive flavors. The table was a true celebration of community, friendship, and gratitude.

Classics and Savory Sides

• Turkey (Prepared by our Culinary Instructor and Students fried and baked)
• Cranberry Sauce
• Macaroni and Cheese (crockpot and baked)
• Corn
• Green Beans
• Mashed Potatoes
• Gravy
• Dressing and Stuffing
• Collard Greens
• Potato Salad
• Sweet Potato Casserole
• BBQ Meatballs
• Rolls
• Deviled Eggs

Desserts

• Louisiana Crunch Cake
• Chocolate Cake
• Cakes
• Sweet Potato Pie
• Pie

Beverages

• Tea, sweet and unsweet
• Soft Drinks including Dr. Pepper and Sprite
• Lemonade

Every dish and drink brought warmth to the table, making the NETC Thanksgiving Potluck a memorable celebration of togetherness, gratitude, and delicious food.

Marlboro Academy’s Sumner McLaurin Named “NETC” Female Student Athlete of the Month

Bennettsville — Sumner McLaurin is a senior who plays volleyball and soccer at Marlboro Academy.

McLaurin said she started playing volleyball in the seventh grade, which is her favorite sport, and she also began playing soccer in the 9th grade. Being a two-sport student athlete, McLaurin said,” My favorite part is being on a team with friends.” 

After high school, she plans to focus on education, and she will pursue a degree in health sciences. Her first choice for college is Clemson and possibly playing at the club sport level.

Taking two classes from two schools, plus sports, she had this to say about making it work; “It helps me with planning my study time, and practice time,” she said. “Taking online courses from the “NETC” helped me to develop my time management skills.” McLaurin’s has done well managing academics and athletics in her life and she currently carries a 5.220 GPA.

For all her athletic and academic accomplishments, McLaurin has been chosen the “NETC” Female Student Athlete of the Month.”

This honor is bestowed through a partnership between the Northeastern Technical College and “The High School Sports Report” with the publication communicating with athletic directors at high schools in the counties of Dillon, Marlboro, and Chesterfield, where NETC serves the needs of high school students seeking to earn dual credits in various subjects that can be transferred to colleges after a student’s high school graduation.

The “NETC” is currently offering over 44 online dual credit courses for the 2025-26 school year to students in the three counties they serve. Currently, McLaurin is enrolled in two dual credit online courses offered by NETC. She started taking classes in her junior year. She has already completed many basic requirements for her freshman year of college like Spanish and English. She says she took Music Appreciation first to get an idea about the online learning experience.

When asked about how the “NETC” experience helped prepare her for the next step in her education, she said, “Taking NETC classes helped my communications skills with my professors, and introduced me to the stricter schedule of college and to complete the work on time.

“The class experience with NETC was good and I have really good professors,” said McLaurin. “They helped me learn how to prepare my assignments, follow the discussion boards, and improve my ability to communicate at the college level. By taking these NETC online classes I will be well ahead towards my major in college.”

With all the demands for her time, between academics, sports, plus family and friends, McLaurin said, “Setting priorities is a must; school first, Marlboro Academy classes, practice, NETC classes are next, then making time for family and friends. It helps that a lot of my friends are on the volleyball team.” 

Nearly have way through her senior year, McLaurin was asked to reflect on a memorable moment she had experienced in sports. “At senior night, we played Lee Academy, and the game was about the great teamwork and friends on the team. I really enjoyed the camaraderie and sportsmanship of team play this season.”

Marlboro Academy’s Beckham Jacobs Named “NETC” Male Student Athlete of the Month

Bennettsville — Beckham Jacobs is a senior four-sport athlete at Marlboro Academy, where he earned all-region honors and All State honors this past baseball season. He just finished competing at the SCISA State Cross Country meet and he also played on the boys Volleyball team.

He is looking forward to the start of basketball season, and in the Spring, he will participate in baseball.

As a student athlete, he ran on the Marlboro Academy Cross Country team this year, played on the inaugural boys’ volleyball team, and looks forward to the basketball season. In the Spring, baseball will close out his high school athletic career.

When asked about a favorite sport, Jacobs said, “Baseball is my favorite since I starting played T-Ball when I was big enough to swing a bat,” he said. Last season he earned All Region and All State honors playing baseball. “This was our first year having a boys volleyball team and that was fun also.” In terms of the opportunity to play baseball at the next level, Jacobs replied, “If the opportunity arises that would be great.”

In the classroom, he carries a 4.5 GPA, and he plans to major in Electrical Engineering at the University of South Carolina.



For all his athletic and academic accomplishments, Jacobs has been chosen the “NETC” Male Student Athlete of the Month.”

This honor is bestowed through a partnership between the Northeastern Technical College and “The High School Sports Report” with the publication communicating with athletic directors at high schools in the counties of Dillon, Marlboro, and Chesterfield, where NETC serves the needs of high school students seeking to earn dual credits in various subjects that can be transferred to colleges after a student’s high school graduation.

The” NETC” is currently offering over 44 online dual credit courses for the 2025-26 school year to students in the three counties they serve. Jacobs is currently enrolled in two dual credit online courses offered by NETC. He started taking classes after a conversation with his sister who took advantage of the NETC program when she was in high school.

“She recommended I can take classes now, for dual credit, because I’ll have to take them at some point,” said Jacobs. He plans to continue taking dual credit classes next semester, and has already completed English 101 and 102, plus a Personal Finance class and Public Speaking.

When asked about managing his time to be successful academically and in sports, Jacobs had this to say; “Time management can be hectic, but you just have to plan ahead and stick to you your schedule,” he said. “With so many time commitments between school, sports, and having a social life, time management is very important.

“It may look a little hectic, but plan ahead and take it as it comes,” said Jacobs. “This way, you can stay ahead.” He went on to say this about the classes he’s taken, “Hopefully, this will knock out a few freshman classes, and the Public Speaking is really helping me with my ability to communicate.

“Taking online courses through the “NETC” I feel like I am being prepared for what my actual experiences could be once I get to college,” said Jacobs. “I am really enjoying the two online courses I am involved with right now, and I plan on taking two more online courses from the “NETC” next semester.”

Getting back to sports, when asked about a favorite memory, Jacobs noted that even with baseball as his favorite sport, the standout memory is this year’s Cross Country meet, partly because he last ran Cross Country in the sixth grade and did not have any expectations for this season. He noted, “In the state championship, I wasn’t expecting this, but I posted a personal best for the three-mile with a 16th place time of 20.50 time. That was special for me to do that at State.”

Northeastern Technical College marked a spectacular milestone with its first-ever Foundation-sponsored gala on Thursday, November 20, 2025. The 55th Anniversary Emerald Evening Gala brought together students, alumni, community members, and supporters for a night full of laughter, elegance, and celebration.

Held at The Skye in Bennettsville, South Carolina, the evening featured a social hour, a delicious dinner, and a performance by nationally touring comedian Tara Brown, presented by East Coast Entertainment. Guests enjoyed an unforgettable night filled with entertainment, camaraderie, and the opportunity to reflect on NETC’s 55 years of progress, people, and possibilities.

Attendees praised the fantastic atmosphere and seamless event experience. The gala offered a perfect way to honor the college’s history, celebrate its achievements, and look ahead to an exciting future.

The 55th Anniversary Emerald Evening Gala was more than just a celebration. It was a reminder of the vibrant community that makes NETC special and a testament to the dedication of everyone who has contributed to its success over the years.

For those who were unable to attend, the event provided a glimpse into the exciting events and initiatives that the NETC Foundation is bringing to the community. With such a fantastic night of connection and celebration, this inaugural gala set the bar high for future gatherings.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups dried macaroni
• 1 whole egg
• ½ stick salted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2½ cups whole milk
• 2 tsp heaping dry mustard (add more if desired)
• 3 lb cheese (e.g., cheddar, Colby Jack, mozzarella) — mix all cheeses together, reserving half for topping
• ½ tsp kosher salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp seasoned salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• Cayenne pepper, paprika, and/or thyme (optional)

Directions:

1. Cook the macaroni: Boil the macaroni until very firm, then drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the roux: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 5 minutes, making sure it doesn’t burn.
3. Make the sauce: Gradually pour in the milk and add the dry mustard, whisking until smooth. Cook for about 5 minutes, until thickened, then reduce the heat to low.
4. Temper the egg: In a small bowl, beat the egg. Slowly whisk ¼ cup of the hot sauce into the egg to prevent it from cooking. Then, pour the egg mixture back into the sauce, whisking constantly until fully incorporated.
5. Add cheese and seasonings: Stir in the cheese until melted. Add kosher salt, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Optional: add cayenne, paprika, or thyme for extra flavor.
6. Combine with macaroni: Pour in the cooked macaroni and stir until evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
7. Bake: Transfer the mixture into a buttered baking dish. Top with the reserved cheese and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
8. Serve: Let cool slightly, then enjoy!

Nursing students at Northeastern Technical College are building essential knowledge and confidence as they progress through their Pharmacology coursework under the guidance of Professor Hope Pigg. The class provides a critical foundation for safe and effective patient care by focusing on medication classifications, dosage calculations, drug interactions, and proper administration techniques.

Professor Pigg incorporates hands-on activities and real-world examples that help students connect classroom learning to clinical practice. These experiences strengthen clinical decision-making and prepare students for future nursing courses and clinical rotations.

NETC is proud of these dedicated students and grateful for the leadership and expertise that Professor Pigg brings to the program as she helps shape the next generation of compassionate and competent nurses.

Northeastern Technical College hosted a highly successful Hiring Event and Information Session on Tuesday, November 18, bringing together regional employers, community members, and future students at the NETC Pageland Campus located at 815 S. Pearl Street in Pageland, SC. The event ran from 2:30 to 5:30 PM and offered a dynamic environment for networking, career exploration, and educational opportunities.

The event connected local talent with top employers representing a wide range of industries. Attendees had the opportunity to speak one on one with hiring managers, learn about open positions, and explore pathways that lead to rewarding careers. Participating employers and organizations included:

• Walmart Distribution
• CHESCO
• Screwmatics
• Titan Stainless
• TrueRock
• Pageland Police Department
• Darling Ingredients
• ATI
• Northeastern Technical College
• Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center
• McLeod Regional Medical Center
• Sandhill Medical
• Tender Care Home Health of SC
• CareSouth Carolina

Along with employment opportunities, the event offered additional services that helped attendees prepare for their next career steps. Free health screenings were provided, including blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol checks. SC Works representatives offered on-site resume assistance for job seekers who wanted to update their resume or create one during the event.

Participants were encouraged to bring a resume or take advantage of the resume support on-site. The strong turnout and active engagement throughout the afternoon showcased the community’s commitment to growth, workforce development, and accessible education.

The event marked another successful effort by Northeastern Technical College to support local workforce needs and empower individuals to pursue their career goals.

NETC Enrollment Specialists were also available to discuss training programs that lead to industry-recognized credentials. Programs featured included:

• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Welding
• CNC and Machine Tool Technology
• Phlebotomy
• Nurse Assisting (CNA)

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