NVCC’s 2013 valedictorian, Jacob Dooling, is leaving home to attend Johns Hopkins University on a full scholarship this month, after graduating as the College’s top-ranking student.

Dooling is a shining example of how students can succeed when applying themselves at the College. With a high school SAT score of 1900 and an excellent academic record, Dooling was accepted to UCONN after graduating Naugatuck High School in 2011. However, he chose to attend NVCC to save on tuition costs.

Dooling immersed himself in student life at Naugatuck Valley. As a part of the WAVE program, which is funded by the Northwest Regional Investment Board, he received full academic and financial support at NVCC and used the opportunity to take advantage of what the program had to offer.

Over the past two years, Dooling, 20, was honored with the President’s Circle Award this year, representing the highest honor a student may receive while matriculating at the college. He also received the Randy E. Bergin Mathematics Award, given to a student showing outstanding achievement at the calculus level, and won the 2012 statewide math competition.

While earning a consistent 4.0 GPA, Dooling always found ways to give back during his time at the College. Through his involvement in AmeriCorps, Dooling tutored at-risk middle school students, and helped create a pilot peer-mentoring program after becoming a hand-picked member of the President’s circle.

 “Jacob was the ideal student. He was consistently motivated in the classroom and was very involved in both the College and the Waterbury community,” WAVE instructor Mitchell Holmes said. “NVCC is delighted for him and his family as he transitions to Johns Hopkins University.”

Dooling credits his parents, and NVCC staff for helping him achieve so much over the past two years.

“Since the first day I arrived, I found advice and support from each of the faculty and staff I’ve come to know,” Dooling said. “I received help with financial aid, enrolling in classes, networking and study habits. You don’t have to look far to realize that each and every faculty member is committed to helping the students at NVCC.”

Dooling said he is excited to begin his next academic journey, planning to study Mechanical Engineering. He’s considering working with green energy after graduation.

“I’m really excited for the future,” Dooling said. “I’m going to miss my family, and the friends and faculty here, because NVCC has been like a second home. But I’m feeling good about what’s ahead.”

Dooling said he encourages incoming NVCC students to make the most of the exceptional education and wide array of courses NVCC offers.

“I would tell any new student to try and get involved at campus, and try some different activities, join clubs and attend the meet and greet with the President, it’s a good opportunity,” Dooling said.

This spring NVCC awarded the highest number of certificates and degrees in the College’s history, granting 1234 awards-the most of any community college in Connecticut this year.