Grayson Gaul-Kinyon Earns 2025 Academic Excellence Award

Congratulations to Grayson Gaul-Kinyon, recently named among the 2025 NC Community College System Academic Excellence Award winners! Grayson is a VGCC Early College student set to complete both his High School Diploma and Associate in Science this spring.

Grayson remembers a difficult college mathematics course where he reached out for assistance through the VGCC tutoring services. “My tutor proved to be one of the most positively impactful individuals [in my academic career],” he recalled. That experience inspired him to become a peer tutor to help others overcome challenges.

Grayson has participated in and completed the North Carolina Governor’s school program. Additionally, he has also held local, state, and national leadership positions. He is a football player, works a part-time job, and is a first-generation college student. He has been recognized as a Student of Commendation by the National Merit Scholarship Program, and he has also been an active participant in his community through volunteering and fundraising.

In recognition of his Academic Excellence Award, Grayson will receive a plaque and medallion at the College’s 2025 Graduation Ceremony. This year’s ceremony will take place on Friday, May 16.

The Academic Excellence Award is the highest academic honor the North Carolina Community College System bestows on its students. Eligible students must be currently enrolled, have completed at least 12 semester hours in a curriculum degree program, and have a cumulative GPA of no less than 3.25. Each of the state’s community colleges selects one recipient annually; see the full list of winners on the NCCCS website.