MONROE — South Piedmont Community College students Janice Palomba and Andrew Kiker have been awarded the State Employees Credit Union People Helping

People Scholarships. Each received $5,000 toward tuition and other expenses associated with their education at SPCC.

Each year, SECU awards two students from each of the 58 community colleges across the state with $5,000 scholarships based on the students’ leadership, excellence of character, integrity and community involvement.

“There are not enough words to express my gratitude,” Kiker, 20, a first-year radiation therapy student said in a press release from the school. “This will help me a lot. I wouldn’t be able to go forward without this scholarship.”

Kiker, who resides in Indian Trail, said he’ll use the money for books, tuition, and uniforms.

Palomba, a 36-year-old mother of two and stepmother of three from Monroe, said the scholarship means she can stay in school.

“Everyone at my husband’s company had to take a pay cut and I thought I would have to quit school,” she said in the release. “I went on a mission trip and prayed about what I was supposed to do. When I got home, the scholarship acceptance letter was in the mail.

“That was my confirmation,” she said. “Now, the rest of my time at SPCC is paid for.”

Palomba is studying to get her associate’s in science degree. She plans to transfer to a four-year university after she graduates from SPCC. She hopes to teach at a community college in the future.