Success Stories

A Family of Musicians Inspires Study at Mitchell

As a child growing up in eastern North Carolina, music was a part of Derone McNeill’s life—it was a part of everyone in his family’s life. There were two drummers, three pianists, four guitarists, and a host of vocalists. That’s what inspired Derone to become a music teacher.

After graduating from high school he attempted to pursue that dream but illness and the need to help his mother, a single-parent raising three children, forced him change priorities and return home to go to work. Derone married and started his own family and they became his priority.

Now at age 37 and with the support of his wife of 16 years, Derone decided give up a successful business career to restart his dream of becoming a music teacher. "My son Aaron and my daughter Aasia are my pride and joy and are part of my motivation for going back to school." Derone enrolled at Mitchell and is working towards an associate in fine arts in music.

He will complete his program in 2010 and plans to pursue a bachelor’s in music at Catawba College or UNC-C. "Our family has made great financial sacrifices for me to return to school. While teaching is not one of the highest paid professions, I know the ultimate reward will be in knowing I can change the lives of students I will get to teach." In addition to school, Derone works in a cooperative position on campus, is active with his local Rotary, and develops youth programs for his church.

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