College names Fall 2024 Students of Semester

SPINDALE (Dec. 5, 2024) – Eighteen Isothermal Community College students were recognized for exemplary performance recently.

The Fall 2024 Learning College Students of the Semester Awards were presented during a ceremony in the lobby of The Foundation Performing Arts and Conference Center on Thursday, Dec. 5.

This semester’s award winners are Susan Anderson, Lacey Arrowood, Michael Edmonds, Alexis Grayson, Haley Holden, Bonnie Delight Hoyle, Aiden Humphries, Casey Hunter, Breanna Mercantini, Brittany McCurry, Laraya Lynn Miller, Ava Nelson, Sydney Pellegrini, Rosa Perez, Julius Amar Rodriguez, Anna Serafini, Courtney Slowey, and Susanna White.

The awards were presented by Dr. Greg Thomas, Dr. Ashley Day, Tiffany Cooper, Mike Lipkin, Melissa Johnson, Michael Crater, Kim Snyder, Noelle Hoyle, and Betsy Cuthbertson. The audience was welcomed and congratulated by Dr. Greg Thomas.

Each student was nominated by one or several of their instructors. The nomination forms included a section of comments about the qualifications of each student:

Susan Anderson

Polk Early College High School Award Winner

Susan excels both academically and athletically and has a passion for helping others. She mentors’ students at Polk Central Elementary School through an after-school tutoring program, assisting with homework and enrichment. A charter member of Polk County Early College’s Key Club, she enjoys volunteering in the community. As a student assistant at Polk Early College, Susan helps recruit middle school students, gives tours, and speaks to classes. An avid equestrian, she competes in local shows on weekends. Susan’s love for learning drives her plans to continue her education at a four-year university.

Lacey Arrowood

Applied Technologies Award Winner

As a Medical Office Administration student, Lacey is known for exceptional communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with peers. In addition to academic excellence, she balances a part-time role as a lab assistant in the Business Sciences Learning Lab, where her professionalism and dedication shine. She consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic, adaptability, and a commitment to helping others, making her a valued member of both the classroom and workplace. She is truly deserving of this recognition for her contributions and achievements.

Michael Edmonds

Occupational Education Massage Therapy Award Winner

Michael has excelled in academic excellence while overcoming adversity. His practical application and understanding of techniques are among the top in the class. Michael personifies the qualities that represent the Massage Therapy program at Isothermal Community College and the massage trade as a whole. He is professional, kind, and caring. Michael is always available to lift his fellow classmates up with positivity and compassion.

Alexis Grayson

Health & Public Services Award Winner

As a stellar student in the Nursing Associate Degree RIBN program, dually enrolled at Isothermal and Western NC, Alexis exemplifies academic excellence and dedication. She actively supports her clients in the clinical setting, embodying empathy and professionalism as a student nurse. She is also an outstanding peer, consistently helping classmates, sharing resources, and maximizing all learning opportunities to ensure her success. Her intelligence, compassion, and commitment make her an asset to our program and a role model for future nursing professionals.

Haley Holden

Arts & Sciences Award Winner

Haley is an outstanding student who consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic and thoughtful approach to her studies. In every class, she arrives on time, is organized, and engages actively by asking insightful questions. Haley’s quiet demeanor reflects her determination and intelligence, and she consistently produces well-planned work. This award not only recognizes her academic achievements but serves as a meaningful acknowledgment of her efforts and potential to be successful in her future endeavors.

Bonnie Delight Hoyle

Applied Technologies Award Winner

Delight consistently demonstrates a strong work ethic, enthusiasm for learning, and a genuine interest in applying course concepts. She is a conscientious student who reliably produces excellent work, participates actively in class, and collaborates well with peers. She takes initiative in both individual and group work, often stepping up to lead discussions and projects. Her positive attitude, insightful contributions, and thoughtful approach to assignments have made her a standout in our class. Delight’s dedication and ability to engage meaningfully with the material have enriched the learning experience for everyone. It has been a true pleasure to have her in class.

Aiden Humphries

Applied Technologies Award Winner

Aiden is a very eager student who brings a fun attitude and energy to the program. He always works hard to complete project before its due, and checks in regularly to ensure he understands the content and knows what is expected. In his free time Aiden has done several freelance design projects for his friends and church.

Casey Hunter

Occupational Education Emergency Medical Technician Award Winner

This achievement reflects Casey’s hard work, dedication, and commitment to learning essential skills in emergency medical care. His efforts not only demonstrate his understanding of critical concepts but also his ability to apply them in real-world scenarios, which is vital in providing effective patient care.

Breanna Mercantini

College & Career Readiness Award Winner

Breanna Mercantini attends class every day with a positive attitude toward learning and achieving her goal of earning her high school diploma. She is eager to learn and works diligently to improve her reading and math skills daily.

Breanna encourages her classmates to work hard and do their best in class. She has also taken it upon herself to help new students adjust to class and find their way around campus.

Breanna's cheerful attitude and positive determination to earn her high school diploma are among the many reasons why we are happy to nominate her for this award.

Brittany McCurry

Arts & Sciences Award Winner

I am proud to present Brittany McCurry this award. An exceptional student, Brittany excels as a Peer Mentor and Teacher Assistant in HUM 115 while balancing the demands of being a full-time mom of three. Her career aspirations in public health and social work reflect her deep commitment to helping others. Brittany’s positive attitude and compassion make her a natural leader. Her ability to recognize and nurture the talents of her peers is remarkable. The Arts & Sciences faculty recognize her strong work ethic and consistent professionalism. Brittany truly embodies the spirit of this award.

Laraya Lynn Miller

Health & Public Services Award Winner

It is a great privilege to present Ms. Miller with the CCP Student of the Semester Award. Laraya is a R.S. High School student, she is currently enrolled in traditional Criminal Justice Classes and she is an absolutely pleasure to teach. She is extremely dedicated to her academic and extracurricular activities. She will complete her CJC Certificate in December of 2024, and it has been an honor to be a small part of her academic endeavors.

Ava Nelson

Rutherford Early College High School Award Winner

Ava is a Rutherford Early College student who is pursuing both her high school diploma and Associate of Arts degree. Her commitment to learning is evident in her stellar academics as well as in her pursuit of additional coursework to reach her goals. This is shown through her recent completion of ICC’s Nurse Aide I (CNA) program while balancing a challenging course load of both high school and transfer courses. Ava’s kindness and readiness to help others, combined with her drive to learn, inspire those around her and make her an exemplary candidate for this award.

Sydney Pellegrini

Heath & Public Services Award Winner

Sydney has been able to maintain good grades while working full-time as a Peer Support Specialist and volunteering as a Guardian Ad Litem and NAMI Board Member. Her personal story of triumph over adversity has helped community members as well as her classmates. Having Sydney in class, makes classroom dialogues interesting and insightful. Sydney is much deserving of recognition and an incredible human services professional.

Rosa Perez

College & Career Readiness Award Winner

Rosa has worked both in the Pathways Lab and in our English as a Second Language Online programs diligently. She has completed the Northstar Digital Literacy program, developed her English skills, and is pursuing her RISE UP Retail Fundamentals certificate for improving her work skills. Rosa asks great questions to ensure she understands the material. Her attendance is excellent and her work ethic is strong. Rosa is an excellent student who exemplifies what can be achieved with hard work and persistence.

Julius Amar Rodriguez

Arts & Sciences Career and College Promise College Transfer Pathway Award Winner

Julius is a high school senior who will graduate with both his high school diploma and an Associate in Science degree. After graduation, he plans to continue his academic journey at Gardner-Webb University, where he intends to major in Homeland Security.

Julius is an exceptional student who consistently goes above and beyond in his coursework showing a strong commitment to learning. He is a role model to his peer’s providing collaboration in group settings and helping to create a positive classroom environment.

Anna Serafini

Arts & Sciences Award Winner

Anna consistently engages deeply in classwork and asks thoughtful questions that enhance discussions. Her excellent work not only reflects her understanding but also supports her peers during labs and in-class assignments, as she skillfully explains complex concepts and problem-solving strategies. Anna communicates effectively and adapts seamlessly to all classroom scenarios. Her determination and resilience allow her to excel, I am delighted to present this award to Anna. She consistently engages deeply in classwork and asks thoughtful questions that enhance discussions. Her excellent work not only reflects her understanding but also supports her peers during labs and in-class assignments, as she skillfully explains complex concepts and problem-solving strategies. Anna communicates effectively and adapts seamlessly to all classroom scenarios. Her determination and resilience allow her to excel, consistently performing at an exceptional level in all regards. Anna truly embodies the qualities of a dedicated student, thus making her highly deserving of this award.

Courtney Slowey

Health & Public Services Award Winner

Courtney is an extraordinary nursing student through her actions in the classroom and in the clinical setting. She excels academically and is always generous with her classmates to help them in any way that she can. You will find her leading her fellow classmates in one-on-one or group review sessions before exams as she always is willing to help share her knowledge and experience. In the hospital, she carries herself as a confident caring LPN in every interaction with patients and staff. She is very deserving and is an asset to Isothermal Community College and the entire community.

Susanna White

Applied Technologies Award Winner

Susanna is a natural leader who organizes and keeps up with her fellow students and is always one to include everyone. She is driven to grow in her creativity and artistic abilities, pushing herself on each art piece. She is good under pressure completing each assignment above her original plan.