[Clinton, N.C.] – On Friday, November 1, the Sampson Community College (SCC) Foundation held its 22nd annual Sampson Classic Golf tournament at Lakewood Country Club. The event brings local sportsmen and businesses together to raise funds and support for student scholarships, staff and faculty development, and other campus programs at SCC.

Created in honor of William M. “Bill” Johnson, Jr., an avid golfer and longtime supporter of the SCC Foundation, the Sampson Classic is one of the first major donor events of the Foundation’s new fiscal period.

Thanks to the generosity of donors and participants, the 2024 tournament saw 45 sponsors, 25 teams, 100 players, and over 20 volunteers come together in support of students.

Group Benefits2
Winner of Flight One- Group Benefits, composed of Brooks Barwick, Jonathan Williams, Todd Williams, and Brandon Williams.

This year’s major corporate sponsors were Merrill: A Bank of America Company Purcell Group, Hog Slat, Prestage Farms, and Smithfield Hog Production Division.

Gold sponsors were David H. Hobson Attorney at Law and Crumpler Plastic Pipe.

Silver Sponsors were First Citizens Bank, Han-Dee Hugos & Sampson-Bladen Oil Company, Ezzell Trucking, Huntington Commercial Bank, Butler & Faircloth Real Estate, Star Communications, Systel Business Equipment, GO Automotive, Lakewood Country Club, Tyson Five, CMS Farming Company, Robert A. Lee Insurance & Financial Services, Daniels & Daniels Construction, Smithfield Foods, Ivanhoe Blueberry Farms, Neal and Jonelle Strickland, Michael & Ceclia Warren.

Winner of Flight Two- Star Communications, composed of Dickie Walters, Kyle Randleman, Lucas McNeill, and Joe Andrews.

Team sponsors were Bill & Alta Starling, Group Benefits, Nethercutt Family, Kotography, Par-Tee Pack, Pat Jones Family, SCC Maintenance, Rosin Hill Automotive, and Strickland Wolfbackers.

Hole-in-One sponsor was Deacon Jones Automotive of Clinton.

Tee Sponsors were Ag Carolina Farm Credit; Chestnutt, Johnson, & Tyson, PA; Mr. & Mrs. Clay and Gina Strickland; Concrete Materials; Daughtry, Woodard, Lawrence & Starling Attorneys; EGS Cabinet, Inc.; Howard and Carr, PLLC; Mr. & Mrs. Lyman and Penny Horne; Sampson Orthopedic Group; Simpson & Holland Appraisal Service; Southern Bank; B.J. Williamson Gas Company; Jason Aycock Home Inspections; and Huff Orthopedics & Sports Medicine.

With prizes awarded in each of the four flights, winners for the day included:
Flight One: 1st– Group Benefits, 2nd– Butler & Faircloth Realty
Flight Two: 1st– Star Communications, 2nd– David H. Hobson Attorney at Law
Flight Three: 1st– Smithfield Foods, 2nd– Par-Tee Pack
Flight Four: 1st– Deacon Jones, 2nd– Strickland Wolfbackers

Winner of Flight Three- Smithfield Foods, composed of Neil Armstrong, Dennis Pinckett, Rolando Segura, and Mike Reinfore.

Every year, the SCC Foundation & Advancement team coordinate efforts to create a successful event for all, with the ultimate goal of raising support for students in mind. Volunteers for this year included: Katelyn O’Neal, Jordan Harter, Michelle Milliken, Jonelle Strickland, Frankie Sutter, Megan Bednar, Bill Starling, Blair Hairr, and Gabriel Brown, who were led by Lisa Turlington, Executive Director of the Foundation & Dean of Advancement; Dylan Warner, Advancement Coordinator; and Brett Feight, Director of Marketing.

The Foundation Golf Committee also assisted with planning and coordinating the event: Jeff Nethercutt, Kendall Tyson, Reid Butler, Jonathan Williams, Brooks Barwick, Bill and Melissa Fulton, David Hobson, and Jason Walters.

Winner of Flight Four- Deacon Jones, composed of Curt Smith, Jeff Vanetten, Bill West, and Eddie Richardson.

“It is always a pleasure to spend a day with friends of the College on the golf course,” shared Turlington. While many of the sponsors, players, and volunteers have been a part of the Sampson Classic since the first one was played in 2002, there are also some new faces joining forces with the College. Proceeds from the tournament go to support student aid as well as academic and workforce programming. The tournament also gives us a chance to celebrate the memory of our longtime friend and supporter, Bill Johnson.”

Warner echoed, “We had a fantastic time at the Sampson Classic this year! It is always a pleasure getting to interact with the folks in our community. This yearly tournament helps the SCC Foundation impact as many students as possible”

The College extends their vast appreciation to each of the donors, sponsors, players, volunteers, and board members who made this day possible. Because of their generous support, the SCC Foundation hopes to continue awarding over $200,000 to over 100 students through scholarships, as they did during 2023. Support for the SCC Foundation through events such as the Sampson Classic truly help all students at SCC to ‘Begin Here, Go Anywhere.’

For more information about the Foundation or how to contribute to student scholarships, visit www.sampsoncc.edu/foundation.

Event photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ujYE6wcMnqGnrFaH8

About Sampson Community College:  Sampson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, located in Clinton, NC in Sampson County. The college offers many programs to include two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options and early college education. SCC is committed to the principles of equal educational and employment opportunities for all.