WCC held the 28th Annual Student Awards Reception

WCC held the 28th Annual Student Awards Reception

 

Wilkesboro, N.C. – Wilkes Community College (WCC) hosted its 28th Annual Student Awards Reception at the John A. Walker Community Center, celebrating student achievements. Awards were presented for academic excellence, club involvement, and leadership. WCC proudly recognizes the accomplishments of its students and congratulates all recipients on their well-deserved honors.

 

NCCCS Academic Excellence Award

The North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) Academic Excellence Award is presented to one winner from each NCCC College. The recipient must meet the following criteria which is consistent with the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, be currently enrolled, have completed at least 12 semester hours in an associate degree program or at least six hours of coursework toward a one-year certificate, and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

 

James Brandt demonstrates what it means to be an outstanding community college student. As a first-generation college student, James is currently enrolled in the Graphic Design program and not only has a 4.0 GPA, but he has also taken his involvement beyond the classroom. He is the President of the Graphic Design Club, a 2024 SkillsUSA participant who finished 3rd place in the state T-shirt Design Contest. Outside of WCC, James is on the Board of Directors for the Stewart Simons Volunteer Fire Department, a Firewise community member, and completed 30 years of military service as part of the U.S. Coast Guard.  

 

 

Dallas Herring Achievement Award

The Dallas Herring Achievement Award was established by the North Carolina Community College System to honor the late Dr. Dallas Herring whose philosophy of “taking people where they are and carrying them as far as they can go” is the guiding principle of the system. Each NC community college selects its own honoree and then submits that student as a nominee for the state award, which is given annually to a community college student who best embodies Dr. Herring’s philosophy.

 

Sonja Lindsay is a testament to what it means to be a Dallas Herring Award nominee. She has overcome tremendous trials to further her education at WCC. As a survivor of domestic violence, Sonja’s strength shines as she balances single motherhood with her commitment to building a better future. Sonja has faced multiple medical issues, including a cancer diagnosis, but through it all she has been determined to persevere and follow her dream of becoming a social worker. While attending WCC she has also been involved in the Circles of Care and United Way, giving back to the community and helping others even through her own struggles. She completed her work-based learning requirement by working in WCC’s own Resource Connections and was a bright light to all who entered this space for assistance.

 

 

 

 

 

Governor Bob Scott Student Leadership Award

WCC has nominated Tanner Estes for the Governor Bob Scott Student Leadership Award. Student Activities Coordinator/Admissions Representative, Jackson Brown stated, “Tanner was one of our 2024-25 WCC SGA Freshman Senators and is now the 2024-25 SGA Secretary/Treasurer.

 

Taner Estes embodies the essence of an impactful leader. He has demonstrated his leadership skills by being involved in WCC’s Student Government Association in his first year of study as Parliamentarian and his second year as Vice-President. Taner has been frequently seen across campus helping conduct many of the activities in the WCC Student Activities Program such as our Fall Festivals and Club Days. He has also helped at various recruiting events like WCC’s Fish 4 Fun, 60th Anniversary Celebration, and Christmas Parade. Through his leadership, he has successfully helped increase student involvement in campus and community activities.

 

PRESIDENT’S EXCELLENCE AWARDS

 

Applied Career Technology – Coy Poteat, Jonathan Hall, and Peyton Wesson

Arts and Sciences – William Stone, Ashlyn Harrold, and Amanda Hooper

Business/Public Service Technology – Elizabeth Owings, Hayden Durham, Jerry Dodd,

and Audrey Bowles

Alleghany Center – Joshua Lyman and Shelby Hudson

Ashe Early College –Ashley Pardue and Josephine Franca

Ashe Campus of WCC – Tori Duncan and Amy Bumgardner

Wilkes Early College– Lizbeth Arana-Orozco and Benjamin Felts

 

Outstanding Student Achievement Awards

 

Arts and Sciences

Associate in Arts – Ava Hamby, Emily Holbrook, Bambi Bogue, Abigail Hill, Anna Annon, Emma Fallin, Lillie Edwards, and Leslie Rosales-Navarro

Associate in Arts Teacher Prep – Bryson Welborn

Associate in Engineering – Greysen Temple

Associate in Science – Brant Willever, Kathryn Frazier, Benjamin Felts, and Megan Powers

Associate Degree Nursing – Tristen Blevins

 

Business/Public Service

Accounting & Finance – Amber Bowles

Baking & Pastry Arts – Audrey Bowles

Business Administration – Hayden Durham, Joshua Lyman, and Kristen Teague

Criminal Justice – Jerry Dodd

Culinary Arts – Garrett Foster

Early Childhood Education – Jason Carr

Graphic Design – Kurt Baker

Information Technology – Parker Hamby