Goldsboro, NC — Wayne Community College celebrated academic excellence, leadership, and service at its 17th Annual Student Recognition Ceremony, honoring 105 outstanding students from across the institution’s programs for the 2024–2025 academic year.
Held on campus in Goldsboro, the ceremony recognized students for achievements in academics, honors programs, student government, creative arts, and service-based learning. Awards were presented across WCC’s five academic divisions, as well as through various campus organizations and initiatives.
Outstanding Student Curriculum Awards
Each year, one student from each degree or diploma program is selected by faculty for demonstrating exceptional academic performance and dedication to their field. Awards were given across WCC’s five divisions:
- Allied Health and Public Services: Included honorees such as Ericka Farrior (Associate Degree Nursing) and Alana Reeves (Dental Hygiene).
- Applied Technologies: Notable recipients included Keonte Sidbury (Aviation Systems Technology) and Caleb Ramirez (Welding Technology).
- Arts and Sciences: Recognized students included Samantha Macklin (Associate in Arts) and Jacob Shaver (Associate in Science).
- Business and Computer Technologies: Standouts included Victor Cervantes (Cybersecurity) and Juan Medrano (Software Development).
- Public Safety: Honorees included Jessica Byrd (Criminal Justice) and Aaron Miller (Emergency Management).
Academic Excellence and Honors
- Keonte Sidbury received the Academic Excellence Award, recognizing academic achievement, leadership, and service.
- Eleven students were inducted into the WCC Honors Program, including Gabriella Carrasquillo and Ty Johnson, for maintaining high academic standards and demonstrating leadership.
Phi Theta Kappa Honors
- Shanequa Edwards and Miranda Jones were named Golden Opportunity Scholars.
- Eight students, including Stephanie Alvarez and Trevor Reynolds, received Bison Opportunity Scholarships for excellence in the Upsilon Chi chapter.
Global Learning and Leadership
- Five students, including Kitty Wang and Yuri Ponce, were recognized as Scholars of Global Distinction for completing globally focused coursework and cultural experiences.
- Cesar Diaz earned Work-Based Learning Student of the Year for his innovation and professionalism in the workplace.
Student Government and Club Excellence
- The 2024–2025 Student Government Association Officers were honored: Mario Lopez (President), Hannah Rhodes (Vice President), and Oscar Lugo (Secretary).
- WCC Multicultural Club won the Presidential Club Award, with the Science Club and Nursing Students Association (WCCANS) finishing second and third.
Creative Excellence – Renaissance Awards
WCC’s literary magazine Renaissance recognized student creativity:
- Arianna Trent and Nicole Robertson earned Cover Art Awards.
- Mary Truhan won the Renaissance Prose Award and the prestigious Beatrice K. Balkcum Literary Award, which comes with a $1,000 scholarship.
- Other winners included Justin Oakley (Art Award) and Evan Anderson (Poetry Award).
Dallas Herring Achievement Award
Brittany Bell was named WCC’s nominee for the Dallas Herring Achievement Award, honoring students who embody the values of lifelong learning and educational access championed by Dr. Herring.
Who’s Who Among Students
Forty-three students were inducted into Who’s Who Among Students at Wayne Community College, a distinction awarded to just one percent of the student body. Honorees included Gabriella Carrasquillo, Michael Dylan Pate, Juan Medrano, Keonte Sidbury, and Mercedes Wooten.
About Wayne Community College
Located in Goldsboro, N.C., Wayne Community College is a public institution serving approximately 10,000 individuals annually through more than 150 academic, workforce, and continuing education programs. With a mission rooted in accessibility and excellence, WCC aims to meet the educational and cultural needs of Wayne County and surrounding communities.
For more information on WCC programs and student achievements, visit www.waynecc.edu.
