Dan Norris

Dan Norris of Berlin, a general studies student at Wor-Wic Community College, is this year’s $500 faculty honors scholarship winner.

Selection is based on scholastic achievement and an essay competition judged by the honors program committee at Wor-Wic. Applicants were required to write a 500-word research-based argumentative essay that addressed how computer technology has changed lives in the past decade. Norris’ award-winning essay was called “Going Down to the Crossroads: The Actual Cost of Technology Today.”

After years of owning and operating a T-shirt screen printing business, Norris resurrected a former skill and opened Studio Art & Framing in Berlin. His hand-carved and gilded frames are used by artists and galleries. A frame of Norris’ was published in “Art Collector” in June 2007. But, Norris found that the frame-making industry isn’t immune to the slow economy.

“I still wield chisels and a gilding tip for a wholesale frame distributor that recently picked up the line,” Norris said. “But, after the recent economic debacle left the frame business in tatters, academic endeavors seem[ed] most timely.”

Just as the economy has taken a toll on his businesses, the years of physically-demanding work have caught up with his hands, making it crucial for him to find another creative outlet.

“I would like to write novels,” Norris added. “I’m 52 and have a context for life. I have something to say and I believe I know how to talk to people on a level they want to hear.”

When Norris has time between work and school, his other interests include surfing, Tai Chi Chuan, travel, sailing and volunteering.

Norris is planning to graduate from Wor-Wic in May and transfer to Salisbury University.