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
Health Sciences
Human Services – Kendra Wilson
Medical Assisting – Shelby Burke
Dental Assisting – Breanna Cardwell
Radiography – Caroline Watkins
Applied Career Technology
Animal Science – Peyton Wesson
Electronics Engineering – Angel Ayon-Limon
Architectural Technology – Garrett Shumate
Auto Systems Technology – Jonathan Hall
Collision & Refinishing Tech – Dalton Blevins
Agribusiness Technology – Trace Chatham
Horticulture Technology – Lyndsey Jarvis
Building Construction – Eli Greene
Diesel and Heavy Equipment – David Davis
Electronics System– Ty Little
Industrial Engineering – Taner Estes
Welding – Robert Wyche
Club Awards
Animal Science Club – Kenlee Benton
Auto Body Club – Ryan Reavis
Automotive Systems Club – Dylan Swaim
Diesel Club – Roger Royal
Grange Club – Trace Chatham
Graphic Design Club – Aiden Hawkins
Radiography Club – Rianna Shupe
SAGE – Fernando Lopez-Delgado
Student Government Association, (SGA) – Faith Elledge
Students for Christ Club – Lauren Jarvis
Student Nurses Club, 1st Year – Kayla Halsey
Student Nurses Club, 2nd Year – Lauren Hontz
Student Ambassadors – Haylie Dowell
Student IT Club – Bruce Watkins
Welding Club – Lucian Zelazny
Photo Credits: Riah Barfield
l-r: Dr. Michael Rodgers, WCC President, and James Brant
l-r: Scott Johnson, Dean of Student Services, and Sonya Lindsay
l-r: Jackson Brown, Student Activities Coordinator/Admissions Rep., and Tanner Estes
Wilkes Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System, is a public, two-year, open-door institution serving the people of Wilkes, Ashe, and Alleghany counties and beyond. Established in 1965, WCC has a proud history of meeting the educational, cultural, and workforce needs of our community. As we look to the future, Wilkes Community College provides programs, resources, and services that create quality educational, economic development, and cultural opportunities. WCC aspires to be an effective, learner-centered institution and a dynamic learning organization, preparing students for success in a changing world.
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