Wilkes Community College held its 22nd Annual Student Awards Reception on Tuesday, April 2, 2019. The program was hosted in the John A. Walker Community Center, and students received a variety of academic, club and leadership awards. WCC is proud of the many accomplishments of its students and congratulates everyone listed below on their well-earned recognitions.

NCCCS Academic Excellence Award

WCC’s Academic Excellence Award recipient is Aaron Thomas Clark who will graduate with a 4.0 GPA in both Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees this spring, as well as his diploma from the Wilkes Early College High School. He completed all his high school and college requirements in only four years, instead of the usual five. In addition to his academic achievements, he has been very active in high school, college, and church activities. He has been accepted into the elite Honors Carolina program at UNC-Chapel Hill for Fall 2019. The Academic Excellence Award recognizes the outstanding academic achievement of one student at each of the 58 community colleges.

Dallas Herring Achievement Award

WCC has nominated Deborah Van Westin for the Dallas Herring award, which recognizes students who symbolize Dr. Herring’s philosophy of “taking people where they are and carrying them as far as they can go.” Ms. Westin, who graduated from high school in 1980 and worked for a while as a hair stylist, has struggled with family tragedy, illness, financial crises, and even homelessness in her adult life, but she has always been determined to improve herself through education. At WCC she had to take developmental courses and learn how to use a computer, but she persevered and will complete her Associate in Arts degree in August 2019 with a 3.15 GPA. She plans to transfer to a university (possibly Brigham Young) to complete her bachelor’s degree in education.

Bob Scott Leadership Award

Damaris Torres is the WCC nominee for the Bob Scott Leadership Award. She is a Wilkes Early College High School (WECHS) and WCC student who has already completed the requirements for the Associate in Science degree with a 3.77 GPA and is taking some additional courses in her final semester at WCC. While here, she has immersed herself in extra-curricular activities in both settings, becoming a student leader who took on more and more responsibility every year. As a WCC Student Ambassador, Damaris was recognized with the “Dedicated Service Award” and is highly regarded by her peers, her instructors, and WCC’s Student Activities Coordinator Sabrina Bowman, who nominated her for the award.  Ms. Torres organized and volunteered for student activities such as blood drives, welcome back lunches, voter registration events, Spring Fling, and much more. Ms. Torres plans to transfer to a 4-year program in pre-med and eventually become a pediatrician.

Site/Campus Awards

Each campus, center, and early college high school recognizes outstanding students at their sites, based on academic achievement, growth, service, and extra-curricular activities.

Alleghany Center

Kaleb G. Redd Roaring Gap – Alleghany Center Award

Ashe Campus

Sabrina H. Walton, Crumpler – Ashe Campus Award

Allison Keppel, Jefferson – Ashe Campus Award

Wilkes Early College High School

Jackson Brown, Wilkesboro – Wilkes Early College High School Award

Aaron T. Clark, Millers Creek – Wilkes Early College High School Award

PRESIDENT’S EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Damaris C. Torres, Moravian Falls

Gregorio Rosales-Navarro, North Wilkesboro

Scott B. Anderson, Wilkesboro

Jackson Brown Wilkesboro

Kristen N. Carlton, North Wilkesboro

Ashley N. Sanchez, Moravian Falls

Aaron T. Clark, Millers Creek

Devany N. Maldonado Garcia, Millers Creek

Kaleb G. Redd, Roaring Gap

Ethan R. Sprinkle, Taylorsville

Nhung T. Nguyen, North Wilkesboro

Bryson A. Key, Ararat

Jessica Tritt, Ronda

Aaron M. Haymore, North Wilkesboro

Janine Severt, Wilkesboro

Andrea J. Coldiron, North Wilkesboro

Shannon J. Holden, Yadkinville

James R. Alkema, Statesville

Cyndal A. Guffy. Wilkesboro

WCC Academic Program Awards

One student from each program area is selected for an outstanding student award. The selection of the outstanding student award is based on academic achievement, faculty nominations, participation in the program area, critical thinking, and eligibility for graduation.  The recognition includes a plaque, a certificate, and a notation on the student transcript. Faculty are also able to recognize additional students in programs with 15 or more graduates with certificates of academic achievement.

PROGRAM EXCELLENCE AWARDS

Applied Career Technologies

Ethan R. Sprinkle, Taylorsville – Outstanding Student in Animal Science

Cole E. White, Taylorsville – Outstanding Achievement in Animal Science

Austin M. Gentle, Hamptonville – Outstanding Student in Animal Science-Poultry Management

Bryson A. Key, Ararat – Outstanding Achievement in Animal Science-Poultry Management

Gavin Adams. Hiddenite – Outstanding Student in Automotive System Technology

Robert C. Fox, Olin – Outstanding Achievement in Automotive System Technology

Christopher L. Dixon, Ronda – Outstanding Student in Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology

Thomas G. Lyon, Traphill – Outstanding Student in Welding Technology

Jesse T. Swartzwelder, Millers Creek – Outstanding Achievement in Welding Technology

William H. Chapman, Statesville – Outstanding Student in Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology

Jonathon C. McManus, Morganton – Outstanding Achievement in Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology

Michael W. Eggers, Millers Creek – Outstanding Student in Applied Engineering Technology

Aaron M. Haymore, North Wilkesboro – Outstanding Student in Applied Engineering Technology-CNC Machining Tech.

Hattie Cox, Deep Gap – Outstanding Student in Applied Engineering Technology-Electronics and Computer Engineering Tech.

William Jacob Travis Edwards, Wilkesboro – Outstanding Student in Applied Engineering Technology-Industrial Systems Tech.

Kaylee Campbell, West Jefferson – Outstanding Student in Applied Engineering Technology-Machining & Maintenance Tech.

Christopher J. Limberg. Wilkesboro – Outstanding Student in Applied Engineering Technology-Robotics, Automation, Mechatronics Tech.

Caleb Byrd, North Wilkesboro – Outstanding Student in Building Construction Technology

Caleb D. Roberts, Jefferson – Outstanding Student in Architectural Technology

James R. Alkema. Statesville – Outstanding Student in Horticulture Science Technology

Janine Severt, Wilkesboro – Outstanding Achievement in Horticulture Science Technology

Arts & Sciences

Daniel R. Cooke, Wilkesboro – Outstanding Student in Associate in Engineering

Aaron T. Clark, Millers Creek – Outstanding Student in Associate in Science

Cassidy N. Clack, North Wilkesboro – Outstanding Achievement in Associate in Science

Logan Anderson, North Wilkesboro – Outstanding Achievement in Associate in Science

Scott Anderson, Wilkesboro – Outstanding Achievement in Associate in Science

Rachel Watkins, North Wilkesboro – Outstanding Student in Associate in Arts

Bradley P. Anderson, Hiddenite – Outstanding Achievement in Associate in Arts

Jayme Laine Martin, Purlear – Outstanding Achievement in Associate in Arts

Jonah M. Horton, Wilkesboro – Outstanding Achievement in Associate in Arts

Nhung Nguyen, North Wilkesboro – Outstanding Achievement in Associate in Arts

Kacee Johnson, North Wilkesboro – Outstanding Achievement in Associate in Arts

Mark T. Dunlap , North Wilkesboro – Outstanding Achievement in Associate in Arts

Kyla Anderson, Elkin – Outstanding Achievement in Associate in Arts

Aaron T. Clark, Millers Creek – Outstanding Achievement in Associate in Arts

Business & Public Service Technologies

Samantha A. Nickelson, Wilkesboro – Outstanding Student in Business Administration

Samantha Roten, Sparta – Outstanding Achievement in Business Administration

Lola McDaniels , Roaring River – Outstanding Student in Business Administration-Management Information Systems

Chelsea R. Quinn, Wilkesboro – Outstanding Student in Advertising & Graphic Design

Jessicah E. Mesa, North Wilkesboro – Outstanding Student in Accounting

Christopher Arnder, North Wilkesboro – Outstanding Student in Criminal Justice

Kyesha S. Horton, Ferguson – Outstanding Student in Early Childhood Education

Bridgette Warden, Yadkinville – Outstanding Student in Baking & Pastry Arts Technology & Outstanding Student in Culinary Arts Technology

Joshua Faw, Millers Creek – Outstanding Student in Information Technology-Network Management

Health Sciences

Jessica Tritt, Ronda – Outstanding Student in Nursing

Chad R. Patrick, West Jefferson – Outstanding Achievement in Nursing

Melissa A. Swaim, Moravian Falls – Outstanding Student in Human Services

Richard A. Pierce, North Wilkesboro – Outstanding Student in Emergency Medical Services

Cindi D. Sanford, Glade Valley – Outstanding Student in Radiography

Christian Mendoza-Angel, Yadkinville – Outstanding Achievement in Radiography

Corbin M. Soots, Mount Airy – Outstanding Student in Respiratory Therapy

Amanda H. Myers, Wilkesboro – Outstanding Student in Medical Assisting

CLUB LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Each club advisor may recognize two students during the Student Awards Program. Award titles vary by club and are determined by the club advisor. Club awards often reflect the service, dedication, and club values that students demonstrate as a club member.

Animal Science Club

Thomas G. Johnson, Hays – Extra Mile Award

Ethan R. Sprinkle, Taylorsville – Excellence in Leadership Award

Architecture Club

Serlina M. Francisco, Deep Gap – Outstanding Club Member

Autobody Club

Keith W. Haynes, North Wilkesboro – Outstanding Member

Carlos Sandoval, Boone – Outstanding Member

Automotive Systems Technology Club

Winston B. Johnson, North Wilkesboro – Outstanding Club Leadership

Seth D. Young, Mouth of Wilson, Va. – Outstanding Club Leadership

Club of the Arts

Molly C. Russell, North Wilkesboro – Outstanding Club Vice President & SGA Representative

Aaron S. Buntonm Statesville – Outstanding Club President & PIO

Club Biz

Andrea J. Coldiron, North Wilkesboro – Outstanding Club Member

Global Perspective Scholars

Sarah A. Inscore, North Wilkesboro – Ambassador Award

Chelsea G. Roop, Lansing – Ambassador Award

Horticulture Club

James T. King, Wilkesboro – MVP

Human Service Club

Melissa A. Swaim, Moravian Falls – Outstanding Community Service Award

Phi Theta Kappa

Eric K. Kohlmeier. Wilkesboro – Club Leadership

Radiography Club

Cindi D. Sanford, Glade Valley – Outstanding Club Member

Christian Mendoza-Angel, Yadkinville – Leadership Award

Relationship Not Religion Ministries

Paiton E. Roberts, North Wilkesboro – Presidential Servant’s Heart Award

Rotaract Club

Ashley Espinoza, North Wilkesboro – Outstanding Service Award

Hunter A. Transeau, Wilkesboro -Outstanding Leadership Award

SAGE

Jessica Tritt, Ronda – Outstanding SAGE Member

Alexis P. Spencer, Wilkesboro – Outstanding SAGE Member

SOBiE

Lauren R. Gaines, Wilkesboro – Excellence in Leadership Award

Kat Gaines, Wilkesboro – Excellence in Leadership Award

Student Ambassadors

Damaris C. Torres, Moravian Falls – Leadership Award

James R. Alkema, Statesville – Dedicated Service Award

Student Government Association

John W. Johnson, Purlear – The Extra Mile Award

Kristen N. Carlton, North Wilkesboro – Outstanding Soft Skills Award

Student Nurses Club

Ronnie S. Minton, Millers Creek – Class of 2019 President

Dallas J. Crouse, Taylorsville – Class of 2020 President

Welding Club

Ranson K. Dyer, Ferguson – Outstanding Club Member

“I continue to draw inspiration and hope for the future of America from the students I see every day here at Wilkes Community College,” said Dr. Jeff Cox, president of Wilkes Community College. “So many of our students have overcome almost insurmountable challenges to be here completing their education, trying to build better lives for themselves and their families. The American Dream is alive and well, and we see it being fulfilled by our students every year as they complete their education here and move on with their lives with marketable skills and an improved standard of living.”