Recipients of Hall of Fame and other honors were recognized during the annual Awards Day program held May 6, 2010, at East Central Community College in Decatur.
Selection to the Hall of Fame is considered the highest honor a student can receive at the College, according to Dr. Phil A. Sutphin, ECCC president, who presented the awards.
To be considered for the prestigious honor, Dr. Sutphin said, “students must demonstrate exemplary character, superior scholarship, worthy leadership and contribute to the betterment of East Central Community College.”
Hall of Fame inductees for 2009-10 include Kimberly Blackwell and Anna Fulton, both of Louisville; Lacey Gilmore of Sebastopol, Hannah Lee of Philadelphia, Abby McMillan of Newton and Jordan Gunn of Forest.
Kimberly Blackwell
Blackwell, a graduate of Nanih Waiya Attendance Center, is the daughter of Steve and Pam Blackwell of Louisville.
A President’s List scholar, Blackwell was selected to the 2010 All-Mississippi Academic Team, an annual program honoring scholarly achievements and leadership accomplishments of students enrolled in the state’s two year colleges. She was named to the All-Mississippi Academic Second Team, which includes 35 community/junior college students. Blackwell was chosen to Who’s Who Among Students in American Community/Junior Colleges and was selected sophomore homecoming maid.
Blackwell is also a 2010 Cola-Cola National Finalist and will receive a check for $1,000 to continue her education. She is the first recipient of the Iris Boggan Medical Scholarship and a recipient of the ECCC Board of Trustees Scholarship.
Blackwell is a member of the Student Body Association serving as Sophomore Vice President; Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society of the two-year college, where she serves as Vice President of Membership; Sigma Sigma Mu Tau, Warrior Corps, Centralettes, Baptist Student Union and ECCC Players. She was a member of the Lady Warrior softball team and Fellowship of Christian Athletes her freshman year.
One of those nominating her wrote, “Kimberly is an excellent student. She is highly motivated, exhibits excellent time-management skills, and is extremely involved in a number of ECCC activities.”
Anna Fulton
Fulton is a graduate of Nanih Waiya Attendance Center and the daughter of Buddy and Robin Fulton of Louisville.
A President’s List scholar, she was selected to the 2010 All-Mississippi Academic Team, an annual program honoring scholarly achievements and leadership accomplishments of students enrolled in the state’s two year colleges. She was among 15 students statewide chosen on the All-Mississippi First Team and will receive a $1,000 scholarship to continue her education.
Fulton is a 2010 Coca-Cola Gold Scholar and will receive a check for $1,500 to continue her education. Selection as a Coca-Cola Scholar is based on scores earned in the All-USA Academic Team competition, sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and administered by the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.
Fulton was also selected to Who’s Who Among Students in American Community/Junior Colleges, sophomore homecoming maid, freshman class favorite and a beauty in the ECCC Beauty Pageant and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society.
She is a member of the Centralettes, serving as co-captain; Sigma Sigma Mu Tau, Warrior Corps, Baptist Student Union, serving as a worship leader and singer; Wesley Foundation and Astronomy Club.
One of those nominating her wrote, “Anna is a very intelligent, highly motivated young lady who exhibits a tremendous work ethic. She exhibits the highest moral character, very strong leadership skills, and she is also a person of great integrity. Anna also exhibits excellent time management skills as she is involved in many very diverse ECCC activities. Anna is an exemplary student.”
Lacey Gilmore
Gilmore is the daughter of Bert and Carleen Gilmore of Sebastopol and is a graduate of Newton County High School.
A President’s List scholar, she was selected to Who’s Who Among Students in American Community/Junior Colleges, first chair French horn for the Wall O’ Sound Marching Band and Collegians rhythm section leader.
Gilmore is a member of the Wall O’ Sound Marching and Concert bands, Concert Choir, serving as vice president; Collegians, Phi Theta Kappa, Warrior Corps, Astronomy Club, Student Body Association, serving as Sophomore Class Secretary; Baptist Student Union and ECCC Players.
One of those nominating her wrote, “Lacey's major is pre-pharmacy. The course load is very demanding, and grades must be near the top for a student to be competitive. Lacey is a superior student in mastery of the material, class participation, and preparation of assignments, yet she organizes her time to allow for campus involvement in student government and in choir and Collegians. She also has a job for several hours a week and serves as a pianist in her church. She is a scholar, a leader, a musician, a caring and giving young woman. She deserves to be recognized as one of EC's Finest.”
Jordan Gunn
Gunn is the son of David and Elizabeth Gunn of Forest, and is a graduate of Lake High School.
A President’s List scholar, he was selected as HEADWAE student, Who’s Who Among Students in American Community/Junior Colleges and sophomore class favorite.
Gunn is the recipient of the Aaron R. Davis, General Pat Wilson, Valedictorian, Presidential, ACT and Bank of Forest scholarships.
He is the co-president of Warrior Corps, president of the Residence Hall Council, president of the Concert Choir, vice president of Fellowship for Phi Theta Kappa, Baptist Student Union Council member, Praise Band vocalist and Bible study leader, and a member of the Astronomy Club and President’s Council.
One of those nominating him wrote, “Jordan is a leader, an example to his peers, a concerned and involved member of the EC community. Carrying a challenging academic load, he maintains top grades, studies and prepares far beyond class requirements, and still finds time to be committed to BSU activities, campus club activities, his music and his friends. Jordan is a no-excuses individual. As numerous as his commitments are, he chooses them carefully, because he will be there for the follow-through.”
Hannah Lee
Lee is a graduate of Leake Academy and the daughter of Jeff and Tammy Lee of Philadelphia.
A President’s List scholar, she was selected to the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, Miss ECCC, 2009-10 Homecoming Maid of Honor, 2009 Beauty and Who’s Who Among Students in American Community/Junior Colleges.
She is the recipient of several scholarships, including the Lucille Wood, Miss Neshoba County, basketball and softball scholarships. She received the 2008-09 Basketball Hustle and Frank M. Cross Freshman Chemistry awards.
is co-captain of the Lady Warrior basketball and softball teams, a member of the Student Body Association where she serves as Sophomore Class President; Warrior Corps, President’s Council, Sigma Sigma Mu Tau and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
One of those nominating her wrote, “Hannah is an outstanding student athlete who has maintained excellent grades while also being a two-sport athlete. She is the ideal student: one who excels in the classroom and athletics; is involved in various campus activities; is respected as a campus leader; enjoys being a student here as demonstrated by her positive and pleasing attitude; and is a positive influence to other students.”
Abby McMillian
McMillan is a graduate of Newton County Academy and is the daughter of Will and Jan McMillan of Newton.
A President’s List scholar, she is a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society, serving as vice president for public relations and was selected for Who’s Who Among Students in American Community Colleges. She was also recognized in 2009 as the Most Valuable Player for the Women’s tennis team.
McMillan is the recipient of the Richard Harris, James E. Land and Decatur Telephone scholarships.
She is a member of the Warrior tennis team, cheerleading squad, Phi Beta Lambda, serving as reporter; Student Education Association, Student Body Association, serving as Sophomore Class Treasurer, Warrior Corps, Sigma Sigma Mu Tau, serving as vice president; and Baptist Student Union.
One of those nominating McMillan wrote, “Abby is a student who takes responsibility for her own learning. She goes beyond what is asked of her to get the job done. She represents the spirit of ECCC. She has a great relationship with her peers and instructors. She is a leader who demonstrates that leadership by all the positions she holds and all the awards she has received.”
Additional honors presented during Awards Day include the following:
Career award recipients include Craig Lovell of Newton, cabinetmaking; Jesse Savell of Decatur, carpentry; Carrie Stokes of Philadelphia, cosmetology; Dustin Weeks of Lawrence, welding “Taylor Cup;” Joshua Taylor of Forest, cutting “Taylor Cup;” and Dustin Clark of Lawrence, “Career Student of the Year.”
Technical awards were presented to Dustin Davis of Philadelphia and Kurt Tolbert of Union, collision repair; Austin Mather of Decatur, automotive technology; Tunisha Ellis of Hickory, early childhood education; Paula Covarrubias of Walnut Grove, computer technology; Jesse Johnson Vance of Union, electrical; Joseph Scott Tanner of Ethel, electronics; Chris Rhodes of Pulaski, heating and air conditioning; Ramon Agurrie of Choctaw, hotel and restaurant management; Tim Patterson of McCool, machine shop; Thomas White of Philadelphia, network support; and Hannah Watkins of Sebastopol, “Technical Student of the Year.”
Recipients of healthcare education awards included Robin Willis of Decatur, Associate Degree Nursing Outstanding Achievement; Frankie Sullivan of Louisville, practical nursing; and Raymond Schendel of Gilbertown, Ala., paramedic technology.
Crouther of Decatur, citizenship; Kiswana Burnside of Lake, Ann H. Burkes Phi Theta Kappa; Antonio Grace of Newton, Anthony Coleman Men’s Basketball; Daniel Bankston of Walnut Grove, Alford J. Deaton Physics; Cody Strait of Hickory, ECCC Concert Choir; Cody Cotten of Decatur, EC Environmental Club; Shelton Banks of Lena, Ronnie White of Forest and Darius Walker of Hickory, ECCC Gospel Choir; Drew Harrison of Little Rock, Casey Rowzee of Newton, Jared Mullins of Tupelo, Colton Amis of Decatur, J’Markus Dubose of Union and Cody Walters and Holly Webb, both of Forest, ECCC Players; Jordan Gunn of Forest, Richard Fisher Organic Chemistry; Celia Boggan of Decatur, Kappa Kappa Iota; Jeremy Pilgrim of Carthage, S. Lebrun Hutchison Award; Meredith Jones of Louisville, freshman mathematics award; Aaron Snell of Lake, sophomore mathematics award; Casey Shoemaker of Decatur, Kim Amerson and Kimberly Goodin, both of Newton and Emily Malone of Carthage, all recipients of the Mississippi Business Educators Association awards; Anna Alexander of Little Rock, Margaret Mosal Award for Leadership; Ariel Doggett of Carthage, Myrtle R. Hutchison Elementary Education Award; Courtney Lanier of Decatur, Alyne Simmons Recruitment Grant; Nathan Rowell and Alanna Fairchild, both of Philadelphia, Roy Pete Awards for Soccer; Chelsea Pugh of Hickory, Secondary Education; Rachel Ramirez of Forest, The Tom-Tom student newspaper award; Abbie Joiner of Philadelphia, Lucille Wood Scholarship.
Alumni Memorial Awards were presented to Hannah Lee of Philadelphia and Abby McMillan of Newton, Walter Arno Vincent Award for Academic Excellence in Athletics; Hailey Moody of Preston, Billy Wayne Baucum Secondary Education; Stewart Frey of Louisville, Opan McMullan Dickerson Elementary Education; Kyle Ethridge of Decatur, Alatha Chaney English; Anna Switzer of Meridian, W.A. Coursey Jr. Engineering; Daniel Bankston of Walnut Grove, Danny Ray Killens Engineering; Wanoka Thomas of Philadelphia, Sara Carr Deaton Business Technology; Sidney Williams of Philadelphia, Sue Yarbrough Fulgham Speech; Kurt Simoneau of Louin, PTK Presidential Gavel and Jack B. Mayo Phi Theta Kappa; Bill Flowers of Newton, William S. Giffin Men’s Intramural; Hailey Moody of Preston, Homer F. Hunter Award for Athletic Managers; Emmanuel Taylor of Blakely, Ga., Andrew F. Webb Football; Darius Walker of Hickory, Howard Sessums Men’s Basketball; Jennifer Moore of Forest, Thomas W. Thrash Scholarship; Hannah Lee of Philadelphia, Earline Wood Women’s Basketball; and Anna Fulton of Louisville, Dr. Edwin Miller Medical Sciences.
Faculty Memorial Awards were presented to Stacey Willis of Union, Aaron R. Davis Memorial Award; Julie Shepard of Carthage, Frank Edwin and Nena Holt Leatherwood, Biology Science; Ernie Triplett of Louisville, Jamie Clark Memorial Award for Baseball; Mary French of Lake, J. Wallace Bedwell Business; Andrew Gibbs of Forest, Frank M. Cross Freshman Chemistry; Brandon Boulton of Hickory, Robert G. Fick Memorial; Chance Sistrunk of Carthage, Shelby L. Harris Memorial; Ashley Dumas of Newton, Ruth Hull Wo-He-Lo yearbook; Andy Gibbs of Forest, J. Andy Miller Freshman Engineering; Hannah Watkins of Sebastopol, O.L. Newell Drafting; Rhonda Lard of Meridian, Charles E. Pennington Business Technology; Lindsey Bishop of Sebastopol, Leon Eubanks Kaljyc-Peers; Kylie McDonald of Decatur, L. B. Simmons History; and Laura Gunn of Forest, General William Patrick Wilson General Academic Scholarship.