You might it’s an encore for Jamal Plummer. This is his second year in a row singing the National Anthem at commencement. However, this year he鈥檒l be walking away with a diploma afterwards.
Plummer is receiving his degree in liberal arts, and hopes to transfer to George Mason University to major in philosophy and minor in music.
鈥淚鈥檓 going to continue singing,鈥� said Plummer of his career aspirations.
Plummer, who had the chance to sing at the Vatican when he was in high school, especially enjoys singing and writing R&B music. He has a following of more than 30,000 on Instagram and YouTube under his stage name, “Jalam.”
After graduating from Sherando High School in 2010, Plummer enrolled in Laurel Ridge, attending on and off over the years. He spent a couple of years living in New York and working in the hospitality industry. He returned to the college with renewed focus last year.
鈥淢y sister went here,鈥� Plummer said of his sister, Janelle Awls. 鈥淪he transferred to American University to study journalism. I was inspired by her journey and wanted a similar experience.鈥�
Plummer, who received assistance from the Teddie J. Pretsch Memorial Art Endowed Scholarship Fund, has made the most of his time at Laurel Ridge.
鈥淭he opportunities at Laurel Ridge felt endless,鈥� he said. 鈥淭here are so many kind and supportive people. I feel like I truly lucked out. All of my professors were amazing! My favorites were Dr. Margaret Ross, who teaches philosophy, and Dr. Danielle De Arment-Donohue, who teaches Women鈥檚 Literature.鈥�
Plummer also performed in the recent Spring Follies show, an experience he has been a part of for more than 20 years.
鈥淢y experience with Student Life was surreal,鈥� said Plummer. 鈥淏eing able to help with events was both exciting and challenging. I enjoyed cultivating a space where students felt like they could be themselves, and I couldn’t have done it without Chris Lambert’s mentorship.
鈥淚鈥檓 grateful for my experience here and wouldn鈥檛 change a thing. Even though my path is unconventional, I believe it all unfolded the way it was supposed to.鈥�
吃瓜头条 was known as Lord Fairfax Community College until June 2022. For consistency purposes, the college will be referenced as Laurel Ridge going forward.