91 honors 49 distinguished students
Forty-nine students from 91 were honored Wednesday at the 52nd annual Student Awards and Recognition program.
The top honor – the President’s Award – went to Jada Perez. She also received the distinguished student honors for the Public Service/Education Career Community and the Early Care & Education program.
“Jada is an exceptional first-generation college student and leader who has demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication while balancing a full-time career and motherhood,” said Business, Information Technology and Public Service Dean Menka Brown.
Perez intends to seek a bachelor’s degree in teaching at Lander University.
The other students who were honored during Wednesday’s event at the James C. Self Conference Center include:
Career Communities:
• University Transfer - Vanessa Martinez Chaidez
• Health Sciences - Martha Wilhem
• Business - Robert Hiller
• Public Service/Education - Jada Perez
• Engineering - Colton Knight
• Skilled Trades & Advanced Manufacturing - Jason Stribble
Specific programs (by Career Community)
University Transfer
• English Department - Vanessa Martinez Chaidez
• Mathematics Department - Chance MacDermott
• Science Department - Nathan Beck
• Social Sciences Department – Leslie Scott
Health Sciences
• Associate Degree Nursing - Christopher Sullivan
• Practical Nursing - Ashlee Malone
• Medical Assisting – Breanna Dill
• Patient Care Technician – Kayla Williams
• Pharmacy Technician – Carolyn Carner
• Radiologic Technology – Martha Wilhem
• Respiratory Care – Wyatt Graham
• Surgical Technology – Ryleigh Simmons
Business
• Administrative Office Technology – Marsha Culpepper
• Commercial Arts – Tyree Shepard
• Business Administration – Taeler Bebb
• Computer Technology – Robert Hiller
• Funeral Service Education – Serenity Stapleton
Public Service/Education
• Criminal Justice – Atticus Scurry
• Early Care & Education – Jada Perez
• Human Services – Leesha Johnson
Engineering
• Electronic Engineering Technology – Karver Martin
• Engineering Design Technology – Colton Knight
• Mechanical Engineering Technology – Dixon Shealy
Skilled Trades & Advanced Manufacturing
• Automotive Technology – Jason Stribble
• Building Construction Technology – Jaylen Steele
• Diversified Agriculture – Andrew Jewell
• Gunsmithing – Tommy Walker
• Horticulture Technology – Kelly O’Donal
• HVAC Technology – Cameron Clifton
• Machine Tool Technology – Logan Westmoreland
• Mechatronics Technology – Rafael Ojeda-Sanchez
• Welding – Michael McDonald
Wednesday’s event also included the recognition of 10 of the college’s presidential ambassadors and five students who have been nominated to the Phi Theta Kappa All-USA Community College Academic Team, as well as the winners of the annual writing contest.
Presidential Ambassadors
• Ansley Hallford
• Arwen Melgarejo
• Charnelle Stevens
• Elianna Cui
• Laila Reyes
• Leo Williams
• Rochell Walker
• Shaleda Palmore
• Zykeethia Freeman
• Katheleen Miranda
Phi Theta Kappa All-USA Community College Academic Team nominees
• Adly Muaadh
• Yolanda Aull
• Addyson Buzhardt
• Tincy Galloway
• Lashandra Holston
Writing Contest winners:
• Lily Bragg
• JaLayha Davis
During his introductory remarks at Wednesday’s event, Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Josh Black said he looked forward to celebrating the “incredible accomplishments of our students.”
“This moment did not happen by accident,” he said. “Each of you has shown dedication, persistence and genuine commitment to your goals.”
Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Keli Fewox said the students honored Wednesday “distinguished themselves in remarkable ways.”
“It is a true testament to the effort you put in during your time here at Piedmont Tech,” she said.
President Dr. Hope E. Rivers also praised the students for their accomplishments.
“ For six decades, 91 has been celebrating student achievement,” she said. You all are now part of that legacy. Congratulations to all of our award winners.”