DARC Student Honored at State Capitol

Tracy Poplasky (pictured on the right) receiving the
Legislative Academic Award at the State Capitol

Manchester, CT – (May 11, 2007) . . . Personal challenges could have stopped MCC student Tracy Poplasky from accomplishing her goal of obtaining an associate degree. Years of addiction stopped her in the past. Despite her turbulent background, Poplasky of Hartford, not only overcame her addiction, but used her experience to help others. Poplasky, a student in the Drug and Alcohol Recovery Counselor (DARC) program, was an honoree at the Legislative Academic Award ceremony at this year’s College Academic Day held at the State Capitol in May.

The Legislative Academic Award is given annually to college students that have achieved academic success and been involved in college life. Each participating college selects one student to be the recipient of the award.

Poplasky credits her success at MCC to numerous faculty and staff who have helped her along the way. “The encouragement and support I received from the faculty at MCC played an instrumental part in where I am today,” stated Poplasky. Experiencing first- hand the affects of addiction, Poplasky decided to pursue a career in counseling so that she can teach others how to live after addiction. She stated, “It’s about replacing bad habits with good habits.”

Poplasky was overwhelmed and shocked when she heard about the Legislative Academic Award and the prestigious recognition at the State Capitol. “I was moved to tears; I kept saying, “why me?” and then I said “why not me?”

Poplasky expects to receive her degree in spring 2008.

The Drug and Alcohol Recovery Counselor (DARC) associate degree program provides students with the opportunity to receive education and training in the professional techniques of counseling with a disciplined background in the environmental and psychological causes and effects of alcohol and other drug abuse, and dependence.
Students also gain experience in defining the causes and characteristics of dependency and addiction relevant to various populations and cultures.

Students of any age who possess the desire to pursue higher education are welcome at Manchester Community College. MCC is proud of its academic excellence, new facilities, flexible schedules, small classes, low tuition and faculty with both academic and “real world” credentials. The College offers over 60 programs, transfer options, financial aid and scholarships, as well as access to baccalaureate degrees through guaranteed admissions programs with several universities. MCC is situated on a park-like campus and is easily accessible from I-84.