Dallas Herring Achievement Award Nominee

Megan Grohmann: Rising Strong with Purpose and Grace

From heartbreak to hope, Carteret CC’s Dallas Herring Achievement Award nominee, Megan Grohmann, has rebuilt her life with faith, compassion, and the courage to help others do the same.

There are some people whose light shines brightest after walking through the darkest valleys. Megan Grohmann is one of those people. Her journey is not just a story of success — it’s a story of courage, redemption, and faith in what’s possible when you refuse to give up.

Before stepping through the doors of Carteret Community College, Megan’s life looked very different. At just 23 years old, she faced heartbreak most couldn’t imagine — losing both a parent and her spouse within four months of each other. The weight of that grief led her through a period of deep pain, mental health struggles, and substance use, all while caring for her adopted children. “I had reached rock bottom,” Megan shared quietly. “But I realized I had a choice. I could stay broken, or I could rebuild.”

And rebuild she did.

Megan began her comeback by earning her GED, a step that would mark the beginning of a new chapter filled with purpose and hope. She enrolled in the Social and Human Services Program at Carteret CC, determined to transform her pain into something meaningful. Through unwavering effort and faith, she not only excelled in her classes but found a calling — helping others find healing just as she had.

Her perseverance and compassion have earned her recognition as Carteret CC’s 2025 Dallas Herring Achievement Award nominee, an honor that celebrates students who overcome adversity and use their experiences to uplift others. Megan truly embodies Dr. Dallas Herring’s belief in “taking people where they are and carrying them as far as they can go.”

Now set to graduate in May 2026, Megan has maintained a high GPA and earned several certificates in the Human Services program. But her success extends beyond academics. She’s an active member of Krakens for Conservation, TRiO, and serves as president of Students for Christ, where her advisor describes her as someone who “leads with kindness, encourages others to find hope in difficult times, and consistently represents the spirit of service through her grace and compassion.”

Megan’s dedication to service reaches beyond campus. She’s currently completing her clinical hours at The MirIAm, a Christ-based rehabilitation center for women in Carteret County. Her work there reflects her mission: to walk beside women who are overcoming addiction and to remind them that recovery, faith, and second chances are possible.

Cathy Deal, Chair of Social and Human Services, shared, “Megan is a hardworking student who has overcome so many obstacles to be here. She has shown tremendous growth through the program. Megan has a big heart for helping others, and she will make an outstanding social and human service worker.”

Today, Megan’s life looks very different from where it once was. What was once pain has become purpose. What was once brokenness has turned into strength.

Megan Grohmann is more than a student — she’s a living example of resilience, compassion, and transformation. Through her story, she reminds us that no matter how hard the journey gets, it’s never too late to rise, rebuild, and become the person you were always meant to be.