For the past 22 years, Wilkes Community College has hosted a student award ceremony in April. The purpose of the ceremony is to recognize and acknowledge WCC students and their many accomplishments. This year, the ceremony has been canceled due to coronavirus restrictions. With social distancing and stay at home orders in place, Sabrina Bowman, WCC student activities coordinator/admissions representative, came up with the idea to recognize the students through a virtual celebration. Notifications and awards and have been mailed to the recipients. Awardees are encouraged to participate in the WCC Virtual Student Awards Virtual Celebration by posting a photo of themselves with their award and tag @wilkes_cc.
WCC is proud of the many accomplishments of its students and congratulates everyone listed below on their well-earned recognitions.
NCCCS Academic Excellence Award
The Academic Excellence Award honors a WCC student who has demonstrated academic excellence both in terms of earned Grade Point Average and as an active member of WCC’s college community. Each NC community college’s Academic Excellence Award recipient is submitted to the system office to be recognized as one of the NC Community Colleges’ “Great Within the 58.”
When she first began at Wilkes Community College, Ellie Swibold’s goal was to complete her high school equivalency. Ellie says during that time she “met some of the most influential people in [her] life and made leaps of progress.” In the fall of 2018, Ellie enrolled in Wilkes Community College curriculum courses, and she will graduate with her Associate in Science in May 2020. In addition to her impressive academic achievements, she became involved in activities on campus and informally began tutoring her peers. By her second year, she became a SAGE tutor and mentor. Ellie stated, “My peers used to terrify me; now they’re an irreplaceable part of my life. I would have never believed I’d have a 4.0 GPA.” Ellie is dedicated, dependable and enthusiastic in anything she does. When instructors were asked about Ellie, they were quick to respond with comments like this one: “Ellie’s work is nothing short of perfection – always more than I was expecting and full of insight. Ellie is one of the most academically gifted students I have ever taught.” Ellie has a passion for working with animals, especially birds. She has been accepted at Lees McRae College in the fall. She hopes to go on to earn a master’s degree and eventually a doctorate in ornithology.
Dallas Herring Achievement Award
The Dallas Herring Achievement Award is 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, 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.
Mary Hannewald began her life-changing journey with Wilkes Community College in 2017. Years of verbal and physical abuse left Mary with self-doubt and little self-worth. In 1996 she became a victim of a horrific violent crime. The emotional scars left Mary feeling unteachable and unloved. The physical scars resulted in partial hearing loss and post-traumatic stress disorder. In spring 2017, caring strangers encouraged Mary to visit WCC and enroll in classes. While insecure in her emotional, cognitive and physical abilities, Mary approached her first semester with both apprehension and excitement. As a 56-year-old student, Mary began her college journey in developmental courses. After three semesters, Mary decided to apply to the Radiography program and was accepted in 2019. She also became a member of the WCC Global Perspectives Scholars program and traveled to Panama to work alongside Doctors Without Borders. Mary will graduate with her Associate in Applied Science in Radiography, with Global Distinction Honors, in May. When Mary was asked about her academic journey she tearfully said, “Wilkes Community College took a broken woman who thought she was nothing and made her something. The way I now carry myself, the way I interact with people–my education has allowed me to become an overcomer. I now feel that I am whole and that I belong.”
Bob Scott Leadership Award
The Bob Scott Leadership Award nominee should have a minimum 2.5 GPA, be active in campus activities, and possess traits that will help them be or become leaders in their communities. Each NC community college nominates a student for the state award. Six finalists (one from each trustee region) will be selected, then community college representatives, including presidents, will select the system’s award winner.
The Governor Robert W. Scott Student Leadership Award nominee for WCC is Keith Haynes. Keith is involved in many campus events and club activities on campus and is a leader in the community. As the President of the Auto Body Club and a representative to the Student Government Association (SGA) from 2018-2020, Keith has used his leadership to help other students succeed in the classroom, within the club, and in the community. He positively motivates his club members to participate in club events and student activities such as SkillsUSA, Fall Festival and Merlefest. He is a friendly face on campus who serves as a role model for fellow students and enjoys serving and helping others. In the community, Keith serves as a deacon in his church and has been a member of the Mulberry-Fairplains Fire-Rescue Department since 1987. Even though his college and community activities keep him busy, he loves spending time with his family as well
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
Jennifer L. McCallister – Alleghany Center Award
Ashe Campus
Kaylee M. Cambell – Ashe Campus Award
Wilkes Early College High School
Jayme Martin
PRESIDENT’S EXCELLENCE AWARDS
Barry Adams, Deep Gap
Candace L. Call, North Wilkesboro
Vanessa Chaquea, Wilkesboro
Andrea Coldiron, North Wilkesboro
Brian K. Foster, Hays
Sierra M. Hall, Hiddenite
Mary E. Hannewald, Lansing
Hailey M. Hogan, Hays
Eric K. Kohlmeier, Wilkesboro
Breanna N. Laws, North Wilkesboro
Jayme L. Martin, Purlear
Hailey B. Mastin, Jonesville
Jennifer L. McCallister, Sparta
Shabrina McPherson, Mocksville
Jordan R. Miller, Fleetwood
Macy T. Murphy, Moravian Falls
Makayla C. Norman, Millers Creek
Staley E. Parks, Wilkesboro
Rosalee J. Reavis, North Wilkesboro
Mary Jane B. Vawter, McGrady
Stephanie Walker, North Wilkesboro
Sarah L. Whittington, Millers Creek
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
Arts & Sciences
Jayme Martin, Purlear – Outstanding Student In Associate in Arts
Bradley Anderson, Hiddenite – Outstanding Achievement in Associate in Arts
Breanna N. Laws, North Wilkesboro – Outstanding Achievement in Associate in Arts
Carla M. Melton, Hamptonville – Outstanding Achievement in Associate in Arts
Sarah L. Whittington, Millers Creek – Outstanding Achievement in Associate in Arts
Trendon Seth Wagoner, North Wilkesboro – Outstanding Achievement in Associate in Arts
Joshua Knapp, Lansing – Outstanding Achievement in Associate in Arts
Caleb Harless, West Jefferson – Outstanding Achievement in Associate in Arts
Christopher Mason Shumate, Warrensville – Outstanding Achievement in Associate in Arts
Ashley C. Watson, Ferguson – Outstanding Student in Associate in Science
Brian K. Foster, HaysOutstanding Achievement in Associate in Science
Isaac Pugh, Millers Creek – Outstanding Achievement in Associate in Science
Elva J. Swibold, West Jefferson – Outstanding Achievement in Associate in Science
Business & Public Service Technologies
Chelsea Matthews, Yadkinville – Outstanding Student in Business Administration
Eric Kohlmeier, Wilkesboro – Outstanding Student in Business Administration/Management Information Systems
Jayme Martin, Purlear – Outstanding Student in Advertising & Graphic Design
Samantha Nickelson, Wilkesboro – Outstanding Student in Accounting & Finance
Barry Adams, Deep Gap – Outstanding Student in Criminal Justice
Heidi C. Whittington, Millers Creek – Outstanding Student in Early Childhood Education
Sapphire R. Nichols, North Wilkesboro – Outstanding Achievement in Early Childhood Education
Kaycee D. Brown, Millers Creek – Outstanding Student in Baking & Pastry Arts Technology
Tonya McNeil, Trap Hill – Outstanding Student in Culinary Arts Technology
Aven M. Sheppard, Taylorsville – Outstanding Student in Information Technology, Game Development
Brian Severt, Deep Gap – Outstanding Student in Information Technology, Network Management
Health Sciences
Dallas J. Crouse, Taylorsville – Outstanding Student in Nursing
Kiana O. Dillard, Laurel Springs – Academic Achievement in Nursing
Mary Jane B. Vawter, McGrady – Outstanding Student in Human Services
Morgan E. Jasso, Ennice – Outstanding Student in Radiography
Stephanie Church, North Wilkesboro – Outstanding Student in Dental Assisting
Abigail H. Rainwater, Statesville – Academic Achievement in Dental Assisting
Staley E. Parks, Wilkesboro – Outstanding Student in Respiratory Therapy
Tiara C. Winters, North Wilkesboro – Outstanding Student in Medical Assisting
Applied Career Technologies
David J. Williams, Union Grove – Outstanding Student in Animal Science
Jessica N. Jennings, Hickory – Academic Achievement in Animal Science
Brittany L. White, State Road – Outstanding Student in Animal Science-Poultry Management
Brittany Chapman, Taylorsville – Academic Achievement in Animal Science-Poultry Management
Jeremy R. Salmons, Yadkinville – Oustanding Student in Automotive Systems Technology
Colt L. Cline, Hiddenite – Academic Achievement in Automotive Systems Technology
Victoria M. Vickers, Lenoir – Outstanding Student in Collision & Refinishing Technology
Benjamin Huffman, Yadkinville – Outstanding Student in Welding Technology
Christopher L. Parsons, Lansing – Academic Achievement in Welding Technology
Jordan Miller, Fleetwood – Outstanding Student in Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology
Cole D. Richie, Jefferson – Academic Achievement in Diesel and Heavy Equipment Technology
Kaylee Campbell, West Jefferson – Outstanding Student in Applied Engineering Technology, Specialty in Machining & Maintenance Technology
Dylan A. Cox, Wilkesboro – Outstanding Student in Applied Engineering Technology, Specialty in CNC Machining Engineering Technology
Jacob D. Roe, Wilkesboro – Academic Achievement in Applied Engineering Technology, Specialty in CNC Machining Engineering Technology
Colby A. Brooks, Galde Valley – Outstanding Student in Applied Engineering Techology, Specialty in Electronics & Computer Engineering Technology
Jared C. Wood, Elkin – Outstanding Student in Applied Engineering Technology, Specialty in Industrial Systems Technology
Andrew B. Johnson, Mocksville – Outstanding Student in Applied Engineering Technology-Robotics, Automation & Mechatronics
Noah Hudler, Taylorsville – Outstanding Student in Horticulture Science Technology
Candace L. Call, North Wilkesboro – Academic Achievement in Horticulture Science Technology
Jacob Huffman, Yadkville – Outstanding Student, Building Construction Technology
Zeb B. Wilcox, North Wilkesboro – Outstanding Student, Architectural Technology
Emaleth V. Myers, Boomer – Academic Achievement in Architectural Technology
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
Leah Ray, Roaring River – Outstanding Leadership Award
Autobody Club
Keith W. Haynes, North Wilkesboro – Outstanding Club Member Award
Automotive Systems Technology Club
Colt L. Cline, Hiddenite – Outstanding Service Award
Building Constructin Club
Grant Mitchell, Taylorsville – Outstanding Leadership Award
Club Biz
Andrea J. Coldiron, North Wilkesboro – Outstanding Club Member Award
Club of the Arts
Thomas J. Lambert, North Wilkesboro – Most Dedicated Award
Culinary & Baking Club
Kaycee D. Brown, Millers Creek – Outstanding Leadership Award
Dental Assisting Club
Belle A. Shook, Taylorsville – Outstanding Service Award
Diesel Club
Grant A. Hodges, Jonesville – Outstanding Club Member Award
Engineering Technology Club
Joshua N. Holmes, Wilkesboro – Outstanding Club Member Award
Horticulture Club
Sierra M. Hall, Hiddenite – Leadership in Horticulture Award
Phi Theta Kappa
Eric K. Kohlmeier, Wilkesboro – PTK Great Leader Award
Radiography Club
Mary E. Hannewald, Lansing – Extra Mile Award
Relationship Not Religion Ministries
Madeline R. Roberts, North Wilkesboro – President & Servant’s Heart Award
Rotaract Club – Alleghany
Daisy V. Panuco Popocatl, Sparta – Club President Appreciation Award
Rotaract Club – Wilkes
Ashley C. Merida, Moravian Falls – Club President Appreciation Award
Student Ambassadors
Hailey M. Hogan, Hays – Outstanding Member Award
Student Government Association
Eric K. Kohlmeier, Wilkesboro – SGA Outstanding Leadership Award
Student Nurses Club – 1st Year
Stephanie G. Walker, North Wilkesboro – Outstanding Club Member Award
Student Nurses Club – 2nd Year
Dallas J. Crouse, Taylorsville – Outstanding Club Member Award
Welding Club
Benjamin Huffman, Yadkinville – Outstanding Club Member Award
“While we had to cancel our awards program this year due to COVID-19, we still have some amazing students who inspire us 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. I am proud of each and every one of them!”