04/27/23
Outstanding students honored at Honors Day programs
Anniston, Ala. – Gadsden State Community College recently held its 57th annual Honors Day events at the Cheaha Center on the Ayers Campus in Anniston and at the Wallace Hall Fine Arts Center in Gadsden. The programs spanned two days of recognizing student achievements and scholarship presentations. Over 300 awards and scholarships were given with scholarships totaling more than $968,000. Seventy-three of those awards were given to Ayers Campus students.
The President’s Cup, a designated award for students who demonstrate exceptional success in all phases of college life, is presented each year to students in both the academic and technical divisions. It is given by Dr. Kathy Murphy, president of Gadsden State.
The Academic Division recipient for the Ayers Campus is Mallorie Wiggins. At Gadsden State, she is a tutor for the Cardinal Tutoring Center, is active with Student Support Services and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She is a resident of Heflin, Ala., and serves as a volunteer ambassador for the Choccolocco Creek Watershed encouraging people to utilize the watershed’s land and outdoor activities.
In addition to winning the President’s Cup, Wiggins also was named Outstanding CTC Peer Tutor. After completing her requirements for a general studies associate degree at Gadsden State, the 4.0 student plans to enroll at a four-year university with the objective of becoming a computer hardware engineer.
The Ayers Campus Technical Division recipient of the President’s Cup is Luke Devin of Boaz. He is enrolled in one of the most innovative and successful programs at Gadsden State: the FAME program. This program allows him and other selected students to combine cutting-edge curriculum with paid working experience. At the upcoming May 11 commencement ceremony, Devin will receive an Associate in Applied Science in Industrial Automation. He is already employed in his field as a maintenance technician at Koch Foods in Gadsden. He has a 3.9 GPA and has been on the President’s List or Dean’s List for every semester he has been enrolled at Gadsden State.
During Honors Day, Devin also received the Outstanding FAME Student Award and Student of Distinction Award.
Two area students were presented awards for outstanding achievement. The Outstanding Achievement Awards recognize students who have succeeded in pursuit of higher education in spite of varying traumas, adversities, personal losses and difficulties.
The Outstanding Achievement Awards given at the Ayers Campus event went to Destiny Ball of Munford and Wes Simmons of Glencoe.
Ball chose to attend Gadsden State after graduating from high school in an attempt to break her family’s generational curse of drugs, aggressive behavior and poverty. She was also determined to improve her reputation among her peers who voted her as Most Likely to Go to Jail. She applied to the FAME program, in which she was able to take college courses while working at Kronospan in Eastaboga. She also serves as a mentor to local high school students. In addition to winning the Outstanding Achievement Award, she received the Student of Distinction Award. After graduation, Ball plans to join the U.S. Air Force.
Simmons has had a challenging life having lost family members to death, incarceration and bad choices. His mother died right after he graduated from high school in 2020, and he doubted he would be able to enroll in college. He was encouraged by his stepmother to give Gadsden State a try. He applied to and was accepted into the FAME program. He works at General Dynamics in Anniston as a part of the program and will graduate in May. Simmons also received the Student of Distinction Award at Honors Day.
Other winners recognized at the Honors Day for students at the Ayers Campus include:
Jacksonville State University Presidential Transfer Scholarship: William Eaton and Colby Thornton, both of Anniston, Destiny White of Oxford and Adalia Guevara of White Plains
Jacksonville State University Opportunity Transfer Scholarship: Laura Pritchett of Anniston, Skot Rodgers of Eastaboga, Leah Jones of Oxford and Jaci Cash of Steele
Jacksonville State University STEP Transfer Scholarship: Jamie Reid of Wellington
Jacksonville State University Gamecock Opportunity Scholarship: Jill Barnwell of Alexandria
Cardinal Foundation – Gerald Acker Scholarship: Ethan Fair of Weaver
Cardinal Foundation – Calhoun County Scholarship: Meosha Dobbins of Oxford
Cardinal Foundation – Swoop Sprint 5k Scholarship: Kayleigh Lee of Heflin
Cardinal Foundation – Tyler Union Workforce Scholarship: Damian Arevalo of Anniston
Cardinal Foundation – Michael Scott Hatten Memorial Scholarship: Marshall Smith of Oxford
Outstanding Cardinal Tutoring Center Peer Tutor: Mallorie Wiggins of Heflin
Outstanding Accounting Student: Mikayla Vanhatten of Jacksonville
Outstanding Accounting Technology Student: Anjelique Zayas of Oxford
Outstanding Computer Science Student: Yun Dupont of Anniston
Outstanding Office Administration – Medical Coding and Scribing Student: SarahLynn Boyd of Oxford
Outstanding Students in English: Cynthia Hull of Jacksonville and Christopher Rice of Weaver
Outstanding Student in History: Skot Rodgers of Eastaboga
Outstanding Mathematics Student: Benajmin Bruce of Sand Rock
Outstanding Speech Student: Hayden Moore of Eastaboga
Outstanding Student in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology: Rodney Malone of Hobson City
Outstanding Students in Auto Collision Repair Technology: James Fuller of Edwardsville and Luke Milstead of Delta
Outstanding Student in Diesel Technology: Braxton Daniel of Wedowee
Outstanding Student in Electrical Technology: Ismael Diaz of Oxford
Outstanding FAME Student: Luke Devin of Boaz
Outstanding Students in Mechanical Design Technology: Shannon Doran of Lincoln, Jose Rosario of Puerto Rico and Derek Stroud of Alexandria
Outstanding Students in Mechatronics, Robotics & Automation: Shawn Martinez of Weaver and Olsen Spurlin of Heflin
Outstanding Student in Industrial Automation Technology: Jason Shuffield of Alexandria
Outstanding Precision Machining Student: Joshua Pritchard of Oxford
Outstanding Students in Salon and Spa Management: Kimberly Sudduth of White Plains and Aleaha Young of Eastaboga
Outstanding Students in Welding Technology: Matthew Fuller of Lincoln and Colton Pettus of Delta
The honor of Student of Distinction is bestowed on those who are nominated by the faculty and staff at Gadsden State. They have maintained a 3.5 minimum GPA, have completed at least 54 credit hours by the end of the spring semester, demonstrated leadership at the College and service to the community. Students of Distinction by hometown are:
- Altoona: Brady Jenkins
- Anniston: Sally Adams, Kylie Cupp, Jackson Fox, Hannah Latimer, Deborah Magouirk. Yun Dupont
- Boaz: Luke Devin
- Charlotte, NC: David McGuire
- Eastaboga: Aleaha Young
- Glencoe: Wes Simmons
- Heflin: Mallorie Wiggins
- Munford: Destiny Ball
- Oxford: Josiah Boyd, Derek Reynolds
- Saks: William Eaton
- White Plains: Adalia Guevara
Rising Scholars are those students who have maintained a 3.5 minimum GPA, have completed 24-53 credit hours by the end of the spring semester and exhibit service to Gadsden State and the community by participating in at least one extracurricular activity. They are nominated by faculty and staff members. Rising Scholars by hometown are:
- Heflin: Caitlyn Lambert, Jackson Roberts, Zachary Scott
- Jacksonville: Jada Pickens
- Lincoln: Alisha Hall
- Oxford: SaraLynn Boyd, Nathan Carr
- Talladega: Alishia Garrett
- Weaver: Christopher Rice
- Clarksville, Tenn.: Samuel Robison
See an album of photos from Honors Day at the Ayers Campus:
See a livestream of the ceremony:
Gadsden Honors Day
Students from campuses in Gadsden and Centre received 247 awards during the Wallace Hall event.
Traditionally one of the highest honors presented each spring is the Allen-Ray Award. The award, which has been presented at every Honors Day program over the past 56 years, is presented in honor of the late Sen. James B. Allen and the late Jack Ray, former CEO of the Exchange Bank of Alabama. Both men were active supporters of Gadsden State. Ricky Ray, the son of the late Jack Ray, presented the 2023 Allen-Ray Award to Vanessa Cope Cochran.
Cochran is the president of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, vice president of TRIO for Success and a peer tutor with the Cardinal Tutoring Center and Student Support Services. She is a student representative on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, a contributor to the Cardinal Arts Journal, is a 2023 Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar and was one of two Gadsden State students named to the All-Alabama Academic Team.
Cochran facilitated the PTK Honors in Action Project. Through the project, she and other PTK members collected puzzles and games for senior citizens. The items were distributed to local nursing homes and senior citizens with the goal of increasing mental, social and physical interaction for senior citizens. She was also instrumental in gathering data through a self-created Blackboard survey that helped increase student participation in Gadsden State activities. Through the TRIO for Success’s partnership with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, she has participated in building over 400 beds for local children.
In addition to winning the most prestigious award, Cochran was also named a Student of Distinction and Outstanding CTC Peer Tutor.
The President’s Cup, a designated award for students who demonstrate exceptional success in all phases of college life, is presented each year to students in both the academic and technical divisions. It is given by Dr. Kathy Murphy, president of Gadsden State.
The Academic Division recipient for the Etowah County campuses and Gadsden State Cherokee is Lilly Eve Rebarchik of Attalla. A 4.0 student, she has been named to the President’s List every semester she has been enrolled at Gadsden State. She is a Gadsden State Ambassador, a member of Phi Theta Kappa and president of Student Without Borders. She has taken the stage twice this year with Gadsden State’s Theatre Program appearing first in The Great Gatsby and later in The Taming of the Shrew. She is a general studies major with plans to pursue dentistry or nursing after completing Gadsden State requirements. At Honors Day, she also received the Student of Distinction Award.
The Technical Division recipient of the President’s Cup is Julie Ann Ginn of Fort Payne. She came to Gadsden State when she decided to change careers after teaching math and statistics for 25 years. She is currently studying Medical Laboratory Technology with plans to enroll at Auburn University at Montgomery to work towards a bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science. As a Gadsden State student, she has maintained a 3.9 GPA while taking care of two sons and working as a lab assistant at Dekalb Regional Medical Center. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and the MLT Alpha Club. She also serves as a tutor in the Cardinal Tutoring Center. In the community, she has served as a volunteer for Samaritan’s Purse and the Salam Free Medical Clinic in Anniston. In addition to the President’s Cup, Ginn received the Rising Scholar Award at Honors Day.
Three area students were presented awards for outstanding achievement. The Outstanding Achievement Awards recognize students who have succeeded in pursuit of higher education in spite of varying traumas, adversities, personal losses and difficulties.
The Outstanding Achievement Awards given at the Wallace Drive Campus event went to Anabel Dillingham of Cedar Bluff, Nicholas Elacqua of Gadsden and Misty Maddox of Piedmont.
Dillingham spent her childhood moving from place-to-place while her father served in the military. She experienced multiple hip and knee surgeries throughout her life and had to learn to walk again twice. She has undergone two surgeries during her time as a Gadsden State student but it didn’t stop her from being active on campus and maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Dillingham is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, TRIO for Success and the Student Government Association. She is a peer tutor for the Cardinal Tutoring Center. At Honors Day, she received the Opportunity Transfer Scholarship from Jacksonville State University as well as the Carol Pickens Memorial Endowed Scholarship and the James Seaborn Boyd Scholarship, both from Auburn University, where she will study Culinary Science and Business in the fall.
Like most people, the COVID-19 pandemic greatly affected Elacqua. He has struggled with mental health issues his entire life but symptoms became elevated while quarantining alone. He wanted a change in his life so he enrolled in Gadsden State courses with a goal of becoming a respiratory therapist. Elacqua serves as a tutor for the Cardinal Tutoring Center and Student Support Services. In addition to the Outstanding Achievement Award, he earned the Rising Scholar Award and the Opportunity Transfer Scholarship from JSU.
Maddox put her dream of being a nurse on hold to raise a family. In 2021, her husband was diagnosed with cancer. During his treatments, she was exposed to many wonderful nurses and caregivers, and her desire to be a nurse was rekindled. She enrolled in the nursing program at Gadsden State Cherokee and has maintained good grades while also caring for her husband during his cancer battle. She plans to work as an oncology nurse when she graduates. During Honors Day, she also received the Sue McMeekin Griffith Scholarship and the Rising Scholar Award.
Other award and scholarship winners recognized at Honors Day include:
Cardinal Foundation – William Thomas Dawson Family Scholarship: Tristin Bontrager and Sydney Parker, both of Gadsden
Cardinal Foundation – Chad Hawkins Educational Foundation Scholarship: Erica McCay of Ashville
Cardinal Foundation – Louis & Elaine Marsalis Scholarship: Tiffany Durham of Sand Rock and Tyson Trammell of Centre
Cardinal Foundation – Tim & Laura McCartney Career Technical Education Scholarship: Griffin Deck and Jonathan Santos, both of Gadsden; Landon Maroney of Attalla
Cardinal Foundation – Past President’s Honorary Scholarship: Cassie Bergstresser of Anniston
Cardinal Foundation – Benjamin Steinberg Nursing Scholarship: Cori Ogles of Attalla
Cardinal Foundation – Swoop Sprint 5K Scholarship: Colton Cagle of Attalla; Ashley Lemons of Gadsden and Amanda Robinson of Albertville
Cardinal Foundation – Tyler Union Workforce Scholarship: Jaime Alonzo of Albertville
Cardinal Foundation – Dr. Aletta C. Williamson Leadership Scholarship: Madilyn Layfield of Gadsden
University of Alabama Community College Presidential Scholarship: Sara Beck of Rainbow City and Alisha Mulligan of Centre
University of Alabama Community College Excellence Scholarship: William Eaton of Saks; Alexander McGee of Dallas, Ga. and Olsen Spurlin of Heflin
University of Alabama Community College Achievement Scholarship/Leadership/Achievement Scholarships and Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship: Indya Price of Gadsden
University of Alabama Roll Tide Transfer Scholarship and Leadership/Achievement Scholarship: Simiyia Aaron and Brenda Lopez-Valdivia, both of Gadsden
University of Alabama’s Promise Scholarship and Community College Honors Scholarship: Kaylee King of Gadsden
University of Alabama Tutwiler Excellence Scholarship: Macy Martin of Ohatchee
Athens State University Transfer Scholarship: Vanessa Cochran of Steele; Amber Keltner of Glencoe; Danielle Locklear of Piedmont; Tanya Maddox of Heflin; Deserea Maness of Madison; Ashlyn Posey of Southside and Tarina VanNatta of Alexandria
University of Alabama at Birmingham Transfer Pathway Scholarship: Joshua Reeves of Alexander, Ark.
University of Alabama at Birmingham Transfer Excellence Scholarship: Kelsey Finlayson of Southside; Kaylee King of Gadsden; Jay Patel and Nathan Whitt, both of Rainbow City
University of Alabama at Birmingham Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship: Sara Beck of Rainbow City; Jaron Gray and Daniel Vargas, both of Gadsden and Leslie Johnston of Oxford
University of Alabama at Birmingham Transfer Presidential Scholarship: Maria Martinez of Gadsden and Zachary Phillips of Southside
University of Alabama in Huntsville Super Scholar Transfer Scholarship: Kailee Nichols of Altoona
University of Alabama in Huntsville Transfer Merit Scholarship: Robin Jordan of Section
Auburn University Ruth and Thomas Konkle Endowed Scholarship: Jacob Galliher of Gadsden
Auburn University Board of Trustees Endowed Scholarship: Jacob Galliher of Gadsden and Nathan Whitt of Rainbow City
Auburn University Carol Pickens Memorial Endowed Scholarship: Anabel Dillingham of Cedar Bluff
Auburn University James Seaborn Boyd Annual Scholarship: Anabel Dillingham of Cedar Bluff and Kelsey Finlayson of Southside
Auburn University Ever to Conquer Scholarship for Transfer Students: Jesse Childers of Collinsville; Robert Bryant Conley of Anniston; Kelsey Finlayson of Southside; Amber Salcido of Gaylesville and Mallorie Wiggins of Heflin
Auburn University Lee Moody Endowed Scholarship: Mallorie Wiggins of Heflin
Auburn University Ronnie L. and Betty J. Tapp Endowed Scholarship: Parker Menefee of Rainbow City
Auburn University Vergil I. Prewett, Jr. Endowed Scholarship: Jesse Childers of Collinsville
Auburn University at Montgomery Golden Anniversary Scholarship: Misty Otwell of Hokes Bluff
Auburn University at Montgomery Premier Transfer Scholarship: Zachary Simpson of Anniston
Jacksonville State University Presidential Transfer Scholarship: Amy Kate Sutherland of Alexandria; Victoria Garrard of Altoona; Erin Smith of Anniston; Alexa Crawford of Ashville; Madison Garrett of Cedar Bluff; Amy Cramer, Chloe Davidson, Luke Easterwood, Lindsey Frazier, Kaylee King, Hadie Negrete and Mackensey Wester, all of Gadsden; Amber Salcido of Gaylesville; Mandy Brown of Jacksonville; Cara Archer and Madison Blackerby, both of Piedmont; Tarika Herman of Ranburne; Morgan Ingram of Southside; Destiney Fails of Walnut Grove and Brianna Johnson of Wellington
Jacksonville State University Academic Transfer Scholarship: Rebekah Green of Ashville; Caitlin Norris of Attalla; Sarah Autwell of Dutton; Tessa Crane of Ft. Payne; Ziad Ghanem and Arlandria Jennings, both of Gadsden; Alicia Dunaway and Asiah Garrett, both of Lincoln; Payton Blevins of Rainsville and Halle Brown of Valley Head
Jacksonville State University Opportunity Transfer Scholarship: Karley Boyd and Bailey Harris, both of Anniston; Erin Snow and Brandon Turner, both of Attalla; Lily Towns of Boaz; Anabel Dillingham of Cedar Bluff; Olivia Harp and Ashley Parris, both of Centre; Ma'Kiya DeRamus, Lina Hijazeen, Sarah Johnson, Phillip Jones and Jonathan Odell, all of Gadsden; Kinzie Myrick and Skylar Stephens, both of Glencoe; Savanah Free of Hartsville; Emma Martin of Jasper; Nicholas Elacqua of Odenville; Quinton Kirk of Piedmont; Cami Stewart and Nathan Whitt, both of Rainbow City; Madison Brooks of Southside and Kadin Gardner of Weaver
Jacksonville State University STEP Transfer Scholarship: Hannah Walls of Cedar Bluff and Maria Berry of Gadsden
University of South Alabama Jaguar Dream Scholarship: Alanda Carlisle of Enterprise and Brandon Turner of Attalla
University of South Alabama Community College Transfer Scholarship: Brandon Turner of Attalla and Nathan Whitt of Rainbow City
Barry Boatwright Scholarship: Jenelle Bailey of Cedartown, Ga.
James L. Brown Free Enterprise Scholarship: Connie Bullock of Gadsden
Gadsden State Community College Alumni Association Scholarship: Melody Pelham of Alexandria and Angel Perry of Gadsden
Sue McMeekin Griffith Scholarship: Misty Maddox of Piedmont
Nan Pentecost Scholarship: Cassie Bergstresser of Anniston
Rena and Edgar McCord Scholarship: Sarah Faucette of Attalla
Nell Thomas Scholarship: Erica McCay of Ashville
Jim Vanderford Scholarship: John Gammon of Newbern, Tenn.; Matthew Johnson of Henagar and Eligio Rodriguez of Collinsville
Dr. Jesse L. Walker Jr. Business Faculty Scholarship: Mark England of Hokes Bluff
West/Pentecost Scholarship: Andrea Fitzpatrick of Gadsden and Charles Lewis of Springville
All-Alabama Academic Team Members: Vanessa Cochran of Steele and Anabel Dillingham of Cedar Bluff
Outstanding Cardinal Arts Contributor: Lindsey Frazier of Gadsden
Cardinal Tutoring Center Peer Tutor Award: Vanessa Cochran of Steele and Daniel Vargas of Gadsden
Lambda Epsilon Chi Paralegal Honor Society Inductee: Madison Blackerby of Piedmont; Krystal Mendez of Ashville; Kendall Smith of Talladega; Erin Snow of Attalla and Susannah Talton of Huntsville
Outstanding Achievement in Accounting: Madison Blackerby of Piedmont and Joanah Hudson of Rogersville
Outstanding Achievement in Computer Science: Samantha Hill of Gadsden; Danny Hooks of Jacksonville and David Stephens of Rainbow City
Outstanding Economics Student: Michael Daugherty of Gadsden
Outstanding English Student: Sebella Henry of Gadsden
Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics: Jacob Galliher, Jaron Gray, Sebella Henry and Kaylee King, all of Gadsden and Mason Miller of Hokes Bluff
Outstanding Achievement in Office Administration-Medical Coding and Scribing: Lea Cleveland of Gadsden and Casie Drummond of Wellington
Outstanding History Student: Noah Hefner of Southside
Outstanding Paralegal Studies Student: Matthew Ponder of Munford
Outstanding Speech Student: Madison Williams of Decatur
Outstanding Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology Student: Matthew Fletcher of Leesburg
Outstanding Auto Collision Repair Technology Student: Matthew Johnson of Henagar
Outstanding Automotive Manufacturing Technology Student: Hugh Jordan of Centre
Outstanding Automotive Service Technology Student: Eligio Rodriguez of Collinsville
Outstanding Civil Engineering Technology Student: Keyerra Williams of Montgomery
Outstanding Construction Technology Student: Isaiha Rios of Albertville
Outstanding Court Reporting Student: Jericho Butts of Albertville
Outstanding Electrical Technology Student: Charles Lewis of Springville
Outstanding Electronic Engineering Technology Student: Zachary Bradshaw of Gadsden
Outstanding Industrial Automation Technology Student: Zach Norris of Steele
Outstanding Mechanical Design Technology Student: Hannah Dale of Centre
Outstanding Precision Machining Student: Hunter Day of Ragland
Outstanding Salon and Spa Management Student: Emma Smith of Springville
Outstanding Welding Technology Student: Micah Phillips of Southside
The honor of Student of Distinction is bestowed on those who are nominated by the faculty and staff at Gadsden State. They have maintained a 3.5 minimum GPA, have completed at least 54 credit hours by the end of the spring semester, demonstrated leadership at the College and service to the community. Students of Distinction by hometown are:
- Anniston: Cassie Bergstresser
- Attalla: Cori Ogles, Lilly Rebarchik
- Cedar Bluff: Anabel Dillingham, Karen Dixon, Madison Garrett
- Centre: Alisha Mulligan
- Eastaboga: Ashley Shaddix
- Fort Payne: Lilly Sparks
- Gadsden: Alexis Burton, Hadie Negrete, Jaron Gray, Lea Cleveland, Celestina Marcos-Gaspar, Chloe Davidson, Daniel Vargas
- Glencoe: Connor Faulkner, Johathan Williams
- Hokes Bluff: Mackenzie Braswell
- Jacksonville: Samantha Megill, William Rose
- Odenville: Lindsy Winters
- Ohatchee: Daniel Brown
- Oxford: Natasha Burcham
- Piedmont: Cara Archer, Madison Blackerby, Kelly Pruitt
- Rainbow City: Daniel O’Rear, Jay Patel
- Southside: Madison Brooks, Kelsey Finlayson
- Springville: Alexandra Booker, Charles Lewis III
- Steele: Vanessa Cochran
- Walnut Grove: Destiney Fails
- Weaver: Justin Tiedemann
- Wellington: Casie Drummond
Rising Scholars are those students who have maintained a 3.5 minimum GPA, have completed 24-53 credit hours by the end of the spring semester and exhibit service to Gadsden State and the community by participating in at least one extracurricular activity. They are nominated by faculty and staff members. Rising Scholars by hometown are:
- Anniston: Elisa Boyd
- Birmingham: Nadage Oyeket
- Centre: Amanda Akin
- Gadsden: Ronda Bennich, Branden Cook, Cameron Garmon, Sebella Henry, Ashley Lemons, Leathia Marshall, Brittany Santos
- Gaylesville: Jennifer Strength
- Glencoe: Yi Chen
- Hokes Bluff: Ashton Pruitt
- Jacksonville: Kayley Sparks
- Leesburg: Olivia Harris
- New Market: Lauren Davis
- Odenville: Nicholas Elacqua
- Oxford: Yazmin Sanchez-Laiz
- Piedmont: Julie Ginn, Misty Maddox
- Rainbow City: Harrison Glenn
- Southside: Lacey Rich
- Steele: Payton Washburn
- Wellborn: Blakely Cupp
- Wellington: Kimberly Miller, Caitlin O’Neal
See an album of photos from Honors Day in Gadsden:
See a livestream of the event: