As a tribute to all families of NC State students, the University recognizes one outstanding family during Parents & Families Weekend each year. Students can nominate their family through an essay contest coordinated by the Office of Parents & Families Services in the Department of Campus Activities. This year's award goes to the family of Jessica Chaplin, a sophomore in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Jessica’s essay -- which honors her mother Tammie Cox, her stepfather Cleveland Cox, her grandmother Marie Jones, and cousin Tavarr Jones -- was chosen from 13 entries. Jessica describes her family’s undying support and enthusiasm for the University. Her family’s dreams, as well as her own, were fulfilled when she was admitted and enrolled at NC State. Jessica’s mother and grandmother have been her personal cheerleaders as she has worked to achieve personal and professional dreams. In an exclusive article written in the September 27th edition of the NC State student newspaper -- Technician, Jessica’s mother is described as being “extremely proud of her daughter, and that she has been taking Chaplin's essay around and letting friends read it.” Jessica and her family were treated to a Wolfpack weekend including being guests in the Chancellor’s box for the NC State v. Boston College football game. "Everybody treated us like royalty," Cox said. "From the time we checked in until the time we ate breakfast Sunday, everything was nice.” Jessica is majoring in Biochemistry and Pre-Med. She is very active in leadership positions and in campus organizations. She works on campus as a Resident Assistant in Avent Ferry Complex. Jessica is also a member of the Student Senate and the Student Diversity Council. She is active in WISE (Women in Science & Engineering) and recently became a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority.
Jessica's family was recognized with a presentation during the Parents & Families Weekend NC State v. Boston College football game on Saturday, September 23. Chancellor Jim Oblinger and Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Tom Stafford presented Jessica's family with a commemorative plaque and $300 book scholarship. 2006 Family of the Year Photo Album Previous "Family of the Year" Award Recipients have included: 1999 - The Wagoner Family 2000 - The Killough Family 2001 - The Shepherd Family 2002 - The Bowens Family 2003 - The Allen/Daniels Family 2004 - The Majchrowicz Family 2005 - The Mendys Family |
