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Awards convocation celebrates student academic, leadership and service excellence

“I remember my first day here at Southwest as I sat in Honors English Comp 1020 with Mrs. Renee Cole who asked us why we were in the class and I replied ‘because it’s what I’ve always been used to’,” said Honors Scholar of the Year Ashunna Curtis, who welcomed attendees to the 2019 Student Honors and Awards Convocation April 17. Curtis had the fortitude to pursue higher education, but she never dreamed that quest would land her at Southwest where many unexpected opportunities awaited her.

Honors Scholar of the Year Ashunna Curtis showcases her awards.

Honors Scholar of the Year Ashunna Curtis showcases her awards.

Curtis was one the 125 Southwest who were recognized at the 2019 Student Awards and Convocation presented by the High Impact Practices and Innovation (HIPI) Department Honors Committee in the Nabors Auditorium.  In addition to her distinction as Honors Scholar of the Year, Curtis received plaques for Outstanding Honors Participation as a National Collegiate Honors and Southern Regional Honors Council Conference Presenter. “I am proud of all the honors scholars here today.  To all the faculty and staff who supported me along the way, I will always cherish my educational experience,” Curtis said.  In May, she graduates with an Associate of Applied Science in psychology and will continue her academic journey on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University this fall.

President Tracy D. Hall saluted Curtis and her fellow honorees. “We are here today to recognize the best and the brightest like Ashunna,” Hall said.  She also saluted faculty and staff. “Thank you all for working day in and day out supporting our students and engaging them throughout their journey at our College. Our students can’t be successful without you. We are a village joined together to give our students the best education and make them successful in their careers and life.” Hall then asked all the students present to stand. “Congratulations to you all on a job well done. You’ve chosen to focus on your education to make your life better and to make the lives of your family and community better. Keep up the magnificent work.”

Congratulations to all the student award winners, Club of the Year Phi Theta Kappa and its inductees, and to all the students honored for achieving a perfect 4.0 college level GPA.

Recipients of the 2019 Student Honors and Awards

President Tracy D. Hall addresses a packed Nabors Auditorium at the 2019 Student Honors and Awards Convocation

President Tracy D. Hall addresses a packed Nabors Auditorium at the 2019 Student Honors and Awards Convocation.

Allied Health and Natural Sciences Dean Evan McHugh presents the Physical Therapy Assistant Academic Excellence Award to Mallory Ceolla.

Allied Health and Natural Sciences Dean Evan McHugh presents the Physical Therapy Assistant Academic Excellence Award to Mallory Ceolla.

Vice-President of Student Affairs Jacqueline Faulkner presents the SMARTS Outstanding Scholastic Achievement Award to Khalil Hodges.

Vice-President of Student Affairs Jacqueline Faulkner presents the SMARTS Outstanding Scholastic Achievement Award to Khalil Hodges.

Humanities, Social Sciences, and Mathematics Dean LaDonna Young presents the Outstanding Music-Piano Student Award to Dane A. Mull.

Humanities, Social Sciences, and Mathematics Dean LaDonna Young presents the Outstanding Music-Piano Student Award to Dane A. Mull.

The Southwest Ambassadors display their Leadership and Service Award.

The Southwest Ambassadors display their Leadership and Service Award.

Southwest students open the ceremony with music.

Southwest students open the ceremony with music.