RCC Alumni

Talent Meets Opportunity: A Student’s Persistence Pays Off

When Rappahannock Community College (RCC) alumnus Shane McElhenney walked across the stage at the historic Altria Theater on May 8, 2026, to receive his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Kinetic Imaging from Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts, it marked far more than a college graduation. It was the culmination of years of perseverance, creativity, and support from a community that believed in his talent.

Shane’s artistic journey began with uncertainty. As a high school student at West Point High School in 2021, he was unsure what path to pursue after graduation. While he had a passion for art, many encouraged him to consider more traditional career options that seemed more practical or readily available in the region.

But RCC staff members saw something different.

Through RCC’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program and the Office of Career and Transition Services (OCATS), Shane began exploring his future with encouragement to pursue his strengths and creativity. A first-generation college student raised by a single mother, Shane faced financial concerns and personal obstacles, including his mother’s serious health challenges during the process. Still, with guidance and support, he continued moving forward.

He participated in RCC’s WIOA, PowerUp, and TRIO programs, gaining confidence through career exploration, college coursework, and mentorship. Along the way, Shane built a portfolio, refined his artistic voice, and connected with mentors who encouraged him to pursue his dream rather than view art as simply a hobby.

After transferring to VCU, Shane flourished. “Attending RCC first prepared me mentally and financially for VCU,” Shane said. “It was a great way for me to see what college would be like, get some of my prerequisites out of the way, and find out what I wanted to do.”

His yearlong BFA Capstone project was selected for inclusion in “Stranded in the Edit,” the School of the Arts’ annual senior screening event hosted at the Institute for Contemporary Art. The showcase featured outstanding student work in video, animation, and multimedia art.

Those who supported Shane from the beginning say his success reflects the power of believing in students and helping them discover their potential.

“Shane thrived at RCC and then at VCU thanks to the connections and support he received here,” said Theresa Sirles, OCATS Program Manager, who first met Shane while representing RCC at his high school. “Every milestone he achieved reinforced that students succeed when they are encouraged to pursue their passions and supported along the way.”

Today, Shane’s story continues to inspire others — including his mother, who is now considering enrolling at RCC herself after witnessing the support and opportunities her son received.

For Shane, the road to success may have been unconventional, but it proved that passion, persistence, and the right support system can open extraordinary doors. “If you want to go to college but aren’t sure what you want to do, I recommend starting at RCC,” he added.

RCC Alum Georges Saison Heads to the Ivy League

From a young age, Georges Saison has been driven by curiosity about the natural world. Whether exploring the mysteries of the deep ocean or learning about space, his passion for science has been a constant. Growing up surrounded by the natural beauty of Virginia only deepened that interest, eventually guiding him toward a future in veterinary medicine.

That path felt almost destined. Georges’ home was always filled with animals—dogs, cats, guinea pigs, even a 100-gallon saltwater aquarium—and he quickly developed a natural connection with them. “Animals that are usually hostile tend to warm up to me,” he shared. “Even wild animals seem unusually calm around me.” His mother first suggested he might become a veterinarian when he was just 10 years old, and the idea stuck.

In middle school, Georges began volunteering at a local animal shelter in Richmond County. One experience in particular left a lasting impression. Two large dogs, labeled as “menaces,” were often overlooked for adoption. Georges saw something different. He spent time with them, recognizing their gentle nature, and later wrote a heartfelt letter to a prospective family describing their true personalities. That letter helped secure their adoption and a new life in a loving home.

“That moment showed me how much of a difference compassion and advocacy can make,” he said.

His passion for animals and the environment continued to grow through hands-on experiences. At the Rappahannock River Basin National Wildlife Refuge, Georges worked alongside a park biologist studying vernal pools—temporary ecosystems critical to amphibian life. The experience sparked a deeper interest in conservation and environmental stewardship.

Georges also became an active leader in his high school’s FFA chapter, where he competed in public speaking and leadership events, often advocating for environmental protection. Through FFA, he traveled across the country, sharing his knowledge and connecting with peers, while developing the leadership skills that continue to shape him today. He now serves as chapter vice president.

That combination of passion and initiative led Georges to launch his own small business, “Paws and Claws Pet Concierge Services.” After recognizing a gap in local pet care resources, he began offering in-home pet sitting, dog walking, medication administration, and transportation to veterinary appointments. The business has not only served his community but also strengthened his hands-on experience in animal care.

Academically, Georges challenged himself by enrolling in dual enrollment courses at Rappahannock Community College (RCC) while still in high school. With guidance from RCC Navigators—who help students select courses, stay on track for graduation, and identify scholarship opportunities—he mapped out a clear path forward. That support allowed him to confidently pursue both his high school diploma and an Associate of Science degree at the same time.

“Before meeting with my navigator, I wasn’t sure what classes I needed,” he said. “Afterward, I felt confident I was on track—and I also learned about scholarships I might have otherwise missed.”

RCC’s academic environment further prepared him for what comes next. “RCC classes pushed me, but they also gave me confidence,” he said. “They showed me I could handle college-level work and succeed.”

His college search expanded in a way he hadn’t initially imagined. Through fly-in programs—competitive opportunities where colleges invite selected students to visit campus, often at no cost, or participate in immersive virtual experiences—Georges was introduced to schools beyond Virginia and gained insight into the admissions process, financial aid, and campus life.

He participated in programs with several institutions, including spending time engaging with students, faculty, and admissions staff. These experiences helped him better understand where he felt most at home and gave him the confidence to apply to highly selective universities.

Beyond the classroom, Georges has taken his leadership to the state level. He was appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin to serve on the Virginia Department of Education’s Student Advisory Board, representing District 3. In this role, he collaborates with fellow students and state leaders to identify gaps in education policy, with a focus on expanding opportunities for rural students.

“It’s an honor to represent students from communities like mine,” he said. “It shows that our voices matter.”

This fall, Georges will begin the next chapter of his journey at the University of Pennsylvania—an achievement he once thought was out of reach. After navigating a highly competitive admissions process, he earned acceptance to the Ivy League institution.

“When I opened my acceptance letter, it didn’t feel real,” he said. “I grew up hearing that people from around here just don’t get into Ivy League schools, no matter how hard they work. Out-of-state schools didn’t feel affordable or realistic, so they just weren’t on my radar.

All the hard work, the late nights, and the sacrifices—it all led to that moment.”

Looking ahead, Georges plans to pursue veterinary medicine while also exploring ways to expand access to animal care services in underserved communities.

His advice to other students considering dual enrollment? "Don't be afraid to take that step. It may seem intimidating, but with the right mindset and work ethic, it's absolutely possible--and it can open doors you never imagined."

Alumni Spotlight: From Student to Skilled Electrician and Mentor

When Miles Smith first enrolled at Rappahannock Community College (RCC), he wasn't chasing a four-year degree. Community college felt like the right fit. It was practical, affordable, and grounded in opportunity. Looking back, he says that decision set the foundation for everything he's accomplished since.

Like many community college students, Miles balanced more than just classes. He juggled school, work, and bills, often wondering if he could keep up. There were tough moments, but his parents’ encouragement and belief in him kept him going. “They helped me find solutions instead of giving up,” he recalls. That persistence would pay off in ways he never imagined.

The turning point came during his workforce training course, Residential Wiring. Miles already had some experience in the field, but the class connected the dots between theory and practice. “When I finally wired my first residence, flipped the circuit breakers, and saw everything come to life—that was it,” Miles says. “The lights came on, literally and figuratively.”

That single moment transformed his confidence. He realized he wasn’t just learning to pass exams, he was mastering a trade that could change his life. From then on, every class, every job site, every wire he ran deepened his sense of purpose. Community college had given him not only skills, but a vision for the future.

Prior to RCC, Miles had received his A.A.S. degree and he was working on his licensure to become an electrician. He then worked his way up as an electrician. Yet, even as his career grew, he never lost touch with his instructors or the school that helped shape him. Over time, a new calling emerged: to give back.

“I wanted to help the next generation of electricians find their footing,” Miles says. “Teaching allows me to combine my field experience with the same kind of support that made such a difference in my own life.”

Today, as both a tradesman and educator, Miles encourages the education received at community colleges. “People often see them as a second choice,” he says, “but they’re one of the smartest and most direct paths to opportunity.” In his view, classrooms and labs aren’t just academic spaces, they're training grounds for the workforce that keeps our communities running.

Miles believes the trades are more essential now than ever. “Every building that lights up, every outlet that powers someone’s day—that’s the work of skilled tradespeople,” he says. “You don’t just study concepts; you bring power to homes, schools, and businesses.”

For anyone uncertain about their next step, Miles offers simple advice, “Take that first step. Enroll. Show up. Learn the skills that make a difference.”

For Miles Smith, community college wasn’t a backup plan, it was the beginning of a lifelong career and a way to do what he truly loved doing. Congratulations on your accomplishments. We are very happy that you chose the RCC family as a part of your education and a place where you can share your expertise.

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