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.”