Cape alum Ashley Powell graduates from Johnson & Wales

Ashley Nicole Powell of Milton, a 2017 graduate of Cape Henlopen High School, graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor of science degree from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I., in a December ceremony. 

Due to high COVID-19 numbers, her May graduation ceremony was postponed. Her family and friends celebrated her success together in August in the banquet room of Irish Eyes in Milton.

Powell completed a bachelor of science degree with highest honors in just three years. One of five children, she worked diligently to obtain summa cum laude status while working as a resident advisor in a freshman dorm, working in the college library and being nine hours away from family and friends.

Powell obtained several scholarships from different organizations as well as Johnson & Wales. Her Cape Henlopen School District AVID advisor Robin Savage played a huge role in preparing her for college and making sure Powell applied for scholarships.

Her faith has kept her focused, and she continues to stay focused with her current journey. Powell is now pursuing a second bachelor’s degree in a 17-month accelerated nursing program at the University of Delaware while she works part time for Cape Dermatology. When the pandemic came about, Powell understood the need for the medical profession and knew she had the heart for nursing.

Powell’s family members believe she will continue to make them all proud and that she will serve the sick with a spirit of love and excellence. She has the full support of her parents, grandparents, siblings, family and friends.