Contact Tameka Kenan-Norman
Executive Director of Public Information and Institutional Advancement
Edgecombe Community College
2009 W. Wilson St.
Tarboro, NC 27886
(252) 618-6560
kenannormant@edgecombe.edu

Rocky Mount Rotary Club presents $40,000 to Edgecombe Community College

Shown from left are RM Rotary and ECC representatives Trey Lewis, Jordan McLeod, Sherlock McDougald, Lyn Brown, Kristen Brabble, Dr. Greg McLeod, student Mia Velez, Samanthia Phillips, Tameka Kenan-Norman and Daryle Coppedge

The Rocky Mount Rotary Club presented a check for $40,000 to Edgecombe Community College during the club’s annual Tackle the Tar Celebration. 

“The Rocky Mount Rotary Club is not only giving us the financial support to provide scholarships to students,” said Dr. Greg McLeod, ECC president. “What you all are doing is also giving us more encouragement to be all we can be.”

During the Oct. 28 event, Rotary leaders awarded $120,000 to support local students attending Edgecombe Community College, Nash Community College and NC Wesleyan University. The funds were raised through the Rocky Mount Rotary Club sponsored event, Tackle the Tar, an annual 5K obstacle course race.

Mia Velez, a first-year student at ECC and a Tackle the Tar scholarship recipient, praised the club for their support.

“This scholarship means more than financial assistance,” stated Velez. “It represents belief, opportunity and hope.  Your generosity reminds students like me that we have a community standing behind us, cheering for our success.”

A first-generation college student and the daughter of a single mother, Velez dreams of becoming a radiologist.

Since the Tackle the Tar event started in 2016, the Rocky Mount Rotary Club has awarded more than $720,000 in college scholarships to local students.

The next Tackle the Tar will be held May 16, 2026. For more information, visit tacklethetar.com.