Results from 2026 Spring Chess Tournament

Mendoza, Mock Sweep Their Respective Quads in Sean Thierfeldt Classic (By Ralph Lopez)

The Sean Thierfeldt Classic Chess Tournament was held at Eastern Shore Community College on Saturday, March 28th. Sean Thierfeldt is an ESCC alum who started the Melfa Monarchs Chess Club at the college together with english professor Christina Duffman. Sean also participated in the tournament.

The tournament was divided into quads and a Swiss format. A quad is four players of roughly the same United States Chess Federation chess rating, each playing the rest of the quad. Both Roliet Mendoza and Alan Mock won every single one of their chess games and won their quads easily. In the third quad, Luke Newman, (former president of the Melfa Monarchs) and Bruce Austin tied for first place with two wins out of three games.

The remaining players were matched in a Swiss format, as there were too many players to have another quad. In very competitive games, there was a two-way tie for first in the Swiss as well. Two students, Christian Diaz Vasquez from Northampton Public Schools and James Ross from Chincoteague of the Accomack Public Schools, won the Swiss with two wins each.

The Melfa Monarchs meet every Wednesday in the Student Lounge at the Eastern Shore Community College, from 12pm to 1pm and 4pm to 5pm. The Monarchs welcome everyone to friendly and competitive games and fellowship. If you are new to chess, there are mentors available. Email for more information on the club and upcoming tournaments.

ESCC Awarded Grant to Fund UAS Program

MELFA, VA — Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has announced a $788,700 GO Virginia grant to Eastern Shore Community College (ESCC) to establish a comprehensive unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) workforce and business development program aligned with regional industry demand and statewide aviation strategy. The program will expand credentialing opportunities, develop new engineering and electronics curricula, and provide hands-on training through real-world applications, building a scalable workforce pipeline for Virginia’s growing aerospace and unmanned systems sector.

The program will establish a living laboratory for real-world UAS missions in partnership with the U.S. Navy, NASA Wallops, research institutions, businesses, and local governments. A $1.8 million donation of Proxy Fixed Wing UAS aircraft and systems, combined with existing drone investments, expands ESCC’s capabilities significantly. Grant funding will support system upgrades, new UAS curricula, and engineering and electronics programs. Students will gain hands-on experience through internships and coursework in UAS operations, electronics, cybersecurity, GIS, and manufacturing, while applying UAS technology across fields including healthcare, environmental stewardship, and law enforcement. The initiative will also expand STEM pathways and improve healthcare access and medevac capabilities in rural communities on the Eastern Shore.

“This investment strengthens one of the most distinctive assets in Region 5, the Eastern Shore’s capacity to serve as a real-world testing and training environment for unmanned systems,” said Tom Frantz, Chair, GO Virginia Region 5. “By building a scalable workforce pipeline at ESCC, we are ensuring that Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore can meet the growing demand for UAS talent and position the region for long-term leadership in advanced aviation.”

“This GO Virginia grant will allow Eastern Shore Community College to expand our UAS programs, create hands-on workforce opportunities, and strengthen the regional economy,” said Daryl Minus, Ed.D., President, Eastern Shore Community College. “It is a major step forward for our students and the Eastern Shore community.”

ESCC has been actively growing its UAS program since 2021. To date, the College – in partnership with Sentinel Robotic Solutions (SRS), based at Wallops Island, Virginia – has prepared over 110 students to earn their FAA commercial UAS pilot’s licenses. Another 40 students have participated in aerial drone camps led by SRS and the Eastern Shore office of Virginia’s Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS).

“This is an important step that enhances the Aerospace training pipeline in Virginia” said Pete Bale of SRS. “With our sparse environment here on the Shore, this equipment and the GO Virginia Grant not only matches the vision but aligns the reality of what is going on in the world in real time in this sector. The Eastern Shore just truly became that next hub of opportunity in the Unmanned Aircraft Sector (UAS)”

ESCC will partner with SRS, the Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable, the Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission, Luminary Air Group, Accomack and Northampton Counties, and the Accomack County Airport in the implementation of this grant.

About Eastern Shore Community College

Eastern Shore Community College (ESCC) is a public two‑year institution in Melfa, Virginia, and a member of the Virginia Community College System serving Accomack and Northampton counties with accessible higher education and workforce training. The College offers a range of associate degrees, certificates, and career‑focused programs designed to prepare students for transfer to four‑year institutions or direct entry into the workforce and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees. ESCC’s mission is to welcome all learners, provide supportive educational pathways, and strengthen the Eastern Shore community through diverse academic, technical, and lifelong learning opportunities.

About GO Virginia
Growth and Opportunity (GO) Virginia is a statewide initiative that supports regional collaboration among business, education, and government to foster private-sector growth and create higher-paying jobs. GO Virginia Region 5 is comprised of 16 cities and counties located in Hampton Roads and Virginia’s Eastern Shore. GO VA website

About Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable

The Hampton Roads Executive Roundtable brings together corporate and higher education CEOs and Presidents with the mission to enhance the region’s economic advantage and growth trajectory. The Roundtable also serves as the support organization for Region 5 of Virginia’s innovative GO (Growth & Opportunity) Virginia program. Roundtable website.

ESCC and SRS Present Drone Day at ANEC 4/25

Eastern Shore Drone Safety Day 2026 is a free, community-focused event aligned with the Federal Aviation Administration’s national Drone Safety Day campaign. Hosted by Sentinel Robotic Solutions in partnership with Eastern Shore Community College and A&N Electric Cooperative, this event is dedicated to educating drone operators and the public on safe, responsible, and beneficial drone operations. The event will be held at ANEC in Tasley, Saturday, April 25th from 9:00am-1:00pm.

Attendees will experience hands-on drone flight demonstrations, learn about current and upcoming UAS training opportunities at Eastern Shore Community College, see how drones support local first responders, and view demonstrations of modern agricultural drone technology. The event highlights how drones positively contribute to education, emergency response, and agriculture—reinforcing the 2026 safety message: Fly RIGHT – Drones. Here for Good.

Plan to attend from 9:00am-1:00pm at ANEC Headquarters located at 21275 Cooperative Way, Tasley, VA 23441. The event will coincide with ANEC’s Arbor Day Event.

ESCC Students Create Campus Resource

A student-driven effort at Eastern Shore Community College (ESCC) is transforming a simple idea into a meaningful resource for the campus community. The ESCC Clothing Closet, created by members of the Alpha Phi Chi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, was developed as part of the organization’s “College Project.” What began as a student-led initiative has quickly grown into a collaborative effort aimed at addressing a real and often overlooked need among students.

The inspiration for the clothing closet came after a “Dress for Success” campus fashion show and a partnership with Virginia Career Works. Through these experiences, students recognized that many of their peers lacked access to appropriate professional attire for interviews, internships, and job opportunities. Understanding how important appearance can be in building confidence and making strong first impressions, the group set out to create a solution that would directly benefit ESCC students.

The closet’s primary purpose is to provide free clothing, particularly professional wear, to help students feel prepared and self-assured as they pursue their academic and career goals. Located in the student lounge, the closet will initially be available exclusively to ESCC students. There is also a “Pop-Up” Clothing Closet Event on Tuesday, 4/14 from 12pm-4pm, to help students prepare for the ESCC Career Fair on campus April 22^nd, from 11am-1pm at the Workforce Development Center.

This initiative would not have been possible without strong support and collaboration across the college and community. ESCC leadership, including President Dr. Daryl Minus, along with faculty, Career Services, and student clubs, played a key role in bringing the project to life. In addition, generous donations from community members filled the closet with a wide variety of clothing, exceeding expectations and ensuring that students will have access to diverse options. One awesome donation came from the family of former ESCC President, the late Dr. Richard Jenkins, who provided a variety of his professional business attire for the closet.

Looking ahead, students are exploring ways to sustain and grow the project, including the possibility of running a café to help fund and maintain the closet. The success of the initiative has already earned the Phi Theta Kappa chapter a five-star rating, highlighting its impact and effectiveness. For those involved, the project represents more than just a campus resource—it reflects teamwork, dedication, and a shared desire to leave a lasting, positive mark on ESCC before graduating. The clothing closet stands as a testament to what students can accomplish when they come together with a clear purpose.

Ockaili Appointed Full-Time VP

Eastern Shore Community College is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Ramzi Ockaili as the the full-time Vice President of Academic and Workforce Programs. Serving as interim VP since March of 2025, Dr. Ockaili took part in interviews for the permanent position this spring and was chosen for the role.

Dr. Ockaili brings more than 25 years of distinguished experience in higher education, teaching, leadership, and research. He served as the Department Chair of Anatomy & Physiology and Biology at Reynolds Community College and has an extensive background in faculty development, student mentoring, curriculum innovation, and institutional effectiveness. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, innovative teaching, and supporting students and faculty alike.

Dr. Ockaili holds a B.S. in Biology from the American University of Beirut, an M.S. and Ph.D. in Physiology from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), and a Post-Baccalaureate Graduate Certificate in Medical Education from VCU’s School of Education. He also completed his postdoctoral training in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, at VCU.

With deep knowledge of the VCCS and a strong record of innovation and partnership, his strategic vision aligns with ESCC’s mission and will continue to be essential in guiding the college’s goals under the leadership of college president Dr. Daryl Minus.

In his year as interim, Dr. Ockaili has been instrumental in guiding growth both in Academic and Workforce programming at the college. In addition to leading ESCC faculty, he has worked to prepare the college for the launch of its new Engineering program for Fall 2026, designed to meet growing regional demand and expand educational opportunities for students across the Eastern Shore.

ESCC Career Fair is April 22 at Workforce

ESCC Career Services presents the 2026 Spring Career Fair for job seekers on Wednesday, April 22nd, from 11:00am-1:00pm at the Workforce Development Services Building on campus in Melfa. Attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their resumes and dress for success as they will have access to over 40 local and regional employers. The event is open to the general public in addition to students.

Employers Attending:

• VA Career Works
• Veteran Employment with Virginia Works
• Northampton County
• Northampton County Public School
• NASA
• Eastern Shore Rural Health
• Northampton County Police Department
• Didlake
• The Maryland Department of Safety and Corrections
• Riverside Memorial Hospital
• DARS
• Accomack County Public Schools
• East Coast Migrant Head Start Project
• Eastern Shore Community Services Board
• VIMS
• Worcester County Police Department
• The Nature Conservancy
• Accomack and Northampton County Probation and Parole
• ESS
• Virginia Army National Guard
• ANEC
• US Marines
• Perdue
• Pocomoke City Police Department
• Sentinel Robotics Group
• QS LLC–Northampton General Contractor
• Telamon
• US Air Force
• Salisbury PD
• VIP Salon
• Broadwater Academy
• Virginia Spaceport Authority
• WIOA
• Valkyrie
• City of Salisbury
• Eastern Shore Yacht and Country Club
• Coastal Shore Sales and Vacations
• Wilmington University
• Rayfield Mechanical
• Tidal Health

State Board for Community Colleges to consider 2026-27 Tuition and Fees at meeting on May 21, 2026

In accordance with Section 23.1-307 (D) of the Code of Virginia, the State Board for Community Colleges provides notice that at its regular business meeting on May 21, 2026, it will consider tuition andmandatory educational and general (E&G)increases for Virginia’s Community Colleges, effective fall semester 2026. The May 21 meeting will occur at 9 a.m. at the Virginia Community College System, System Office, 300 Arboretum Place, Richmond, VA 23236.

For in-state and out-of-state students, the State Board will consider tuition rate and E& G increases of between $3.50 per credit hour and $8.00 per credit hour. The State Board will also consider mandatory non-E&G fee increases of no more than $0.50 per credit hour for select colleges.

The tuition and fee increases are necessary to pay for additional costs of operating Virginia’s community colleges, including costs associated with state-mandated compensation and benefit increases, technology costs, insurance premiums, and inflationary cost pressures.

Current tuition and mandatory fees at Virginia’s Community Colleges are: $168.30 per credit hour for in-state students, and $385.40 for out-of-state students. You can see details about tuition and fees on the VCCS website.

Virginia Community college tuition remains less than one-third the cost of attending public four-year baccalaureate institutions.

Written comments from the public will be accepted until 5 p.m. on May 20 and will be made available to the Board before action on tuition is taken. Written comments may be sent to Andrew Kachur, Executive Coordinator for the Chancellor, at akachur@vccs.edu, or they may be mailed to the attention of Andrew Kachur at:

Office of the Chancellor
Virginia Community College System
300 Arboretum Parkway, Richmond VA 23236

Edwards Announced as 2026 Commencement Speaker

The 55th Annual Commencement at your Eastern Shore Community College in Melfa, will be held on Wednesday, May 13th at 5:00pm (rain date is Thursday, May 14th). The college is excited to announce our commencement speaker for this momentous occasion is Jeannette Edwards, Chief Executive Officer of Eastern Shore Rural Health (ESRH).

Edwards officially assumed this permanent role in July 2023 after serving as interim CEO since January of that year. With a career at ESRH spanning over two decades, she previously served as the Chief Human Resources Officer starting in 2000. Her long tenure has been marked by a deep commitment to the Eastern Shore community, where she has led significant fundraising efforts, capital campaigns, and outreach programs aimed at expanding healthcare access. She was honored in 2010 by being named the ESRH Employee of the Year.

Under her leadership, ESRH has undergone a major expansion of its physical facilities and services to meet the region’s growing needs. In 2023, she oversaw the opening of the Express Care facility in Onley, which provides urgent care services, and the acquisition of the Atlantic Community Pharmacy in Oak Hall. Continuing this momentum, she spearheaded the opening of the Onley Community Pharmacy in March 2024. Her strategic initiatives focus on “polishing the apple” by improving customer service, including a new streamlined system for patients to voice concerns and an aggressive recruitment drive for new medical providers.

Edwards is also a prominent figure in Virginia’s public and civic life. In 2023, she was appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin to the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. Her professional accolades include being named the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce Small Business Person of the Year in 2016 for her role as co-owner of Edwards’ Seafood, and receiving the Distinguished Service Award from the Chamber in 2022. Additionally, she has been recognized with the Soroptimist Club’s Ruby Award and the Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellow and President’s Award for her extensive volunteer work, which includes 13 years coordinating the Onley United Methodist Church’s coat closet. Years of fundraising experience also led to her being honored as 2014 Campaign Chair by the United Way of Virginia’s Eastern Shore.

In recent years, Edwards has led ESRH to significant organizational achievements, including the Virginia Rural Health Association Best Practices Award in late 2025 for its school dental program. The health system was also named to the Winter 2025 Serve Virginia Honor Roll for its contributions to the community’s quality of life. A graduate of Salisbury State University with a degree in biology, Edwards continues to advocate for rural healthcare in Richmond and Washington, D.C., focusing on securing federal funding and protecting programs like the 340B drug discount program.

The ESCC Commencement is a ticketed event with a limited number available for students to share with family and friends. The event will be broadcast live and streamed on WESR-FM 103.3 (elasticplayer.xyz/wesr/) and can be seen on Facebook Live on the Eastern Shore Community College Facebook page.

Summer 2026 Take Two Program

Program includes 2026 graduates, as well as 2024 and 2025 high school grads and those who recently completed their GED!

ESCC launched a program for the summer 2021 term called Take Two. It was designed to allow 2021 high school graduating seniors to enroll in 1 or 2 classes for free, including all tuition, fees, and instructional materials. All academic and Workforce classes were available to students to choose from. This program was generously funded by our ESCC Foundation Board.

We are thrilled to announce that ESCC Foundation Board has elected to continue to fund the program for the summer 2026 Semester that begins on June 8, 2026.

The program has now been expanded to include 2024, 2025 and 2026 Eastern Shore High School Graduates of public and private schools, and those who have recently completed the GED program as well!

The completion of a 2025-2026 Financial aid application is necessary to ensure eligibility for the program.

Students interested in taking advantage of the Take Two Program must complete the interest link below to ensure eligibility:

Summer 2026 Take Two Interest Form