пятница, 14 сентября 2012 г.

STUDENTS, FACULTY RECEIVE AWARDS AT SPOON RIVER COLLEGE 45th ANNUAL COMMENCEMENT - US Fed News Service, Including US State News

Spoon River College issued the following news release:

Spoon River College celebrated its 45th Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 13, 2006. Brad Anderson, plant manager of the new Pella manufacturing plant in Macomb, gave the commencement address. The afternoon ceremony, held at the Alice Ingersoll Gymnasium in Canton, recognized the achievements of 130 graduates.

In his address to the graduates, Anderson challenged them to apply what they've learned at Spoon River College as they set out into the working world, and to continue to be lifelong learners.

'You have been fortunate to experience the personalized type of quality learning at Spoon River College which will help prepare you for success in life,' Anderson told the graduates. 'The hands-on learning and one-on-one interaction with faculty members will serve you well as you enter the working world.'

Anderson concluded by stating, 'Believe in yourself and what you do. Be passionate and be proud of your education and your Midwestern work ethic. Be positive and be focused on what you can do and you're more likely to be successful.'

Every year, Spoon River College gives awards during the commencement ceremony to outstanding students for their achievements throughout the year. The following are the individuals who were recognized at the commencement ceremony:

Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society Recognition

Phi Theta Kappa is the international honors society for students in two-year colleges. To become a member of Phi Theta Kappa, a student must have a 3.5 grade point average and, to maintain membership, the cumulative grade point average must be 3.3.

Each year Phi Theta Kappa honors students who have maintained a 4.0 grade point average throughout their time at Spoon River College. This year there are eight students meeting the criteria. Kirsten Hollenback of Ipava received Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees; Elena Johnson of Bardolph received an Associate in Arts degree, Kayla Johnson of Havana received Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees, Seth Sale of Canton received Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees, Larissa Wages of Canton received Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees, Dean Singleton of Canton received an Associate in Applied Science in Electronics Technology degree, Christel Thompson of Canton received an Associate in Applied Science in Electronic Design degree, and Dena Shaw of Cuba received Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees.

Also recognized were Kristy Patrick of Smithfield and Sally Jo Fields of Cuba who were named to this year's All Illinois Academic Team. Patrick was president of Phi Theta Kappa. Shields served on the board of the Spoon River College Habitat for Humanity Campus Chapter and was secretary of Phi Theta Kappa.

Student Achievement Recognition Awards - Category I and Category II

Each year since 1969, two students from Spoon River College have been chosen to be the recipients of the Student Achievement Recognition Award. The first award is given for progress made toward achievement of goals, success in overcoming obstacles in achieving goals, individual initiative and personal development. This year's recipient is Dena Shaw of Cuba. Shaw never dreamed she would get the chance to graduate from college, but in 2001 she took a chance by signing up for classes at Spoon River College. Now she is graduating with two associate degrees and a 4.0 grade appoint average. She plans to attend Western Illinois University this fall.

While going to college, Shaw worked cleaning houses and as a part-time secretary at the college. In addition to school and her work, she was raising a family with four children, running a household, volunteering at her children's school, and holding offices in the PTO and the sports booster club. At Spoon River College she has participated in Phi Theta Kappa and the annual Multicultural Dinner. Most of her nominators called her amazing and hard working, but their thoughts are best summarized in the words of her daughter: 'My mom has been more than just a multi-tasker. She's a role model and a hero to all working moms around the world!'

The second award category is given to a student for individual initiative and personal development, progress made toward achievement of goals, and success in college extra-curricular activities. This year's recipient is Kristy Patrick of Smithfield. Patrick is graduating with Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees and has excelled academically, achieving a 4.0 grade point average. She has been a member of Phi Theta Kappa since 2001, and was president for the 2005-2006 academic year. She worked diligently to improve the recruitment of members, and as a result, the Spoon River College Nu Delta chapter received a Pinnacle Platinum Award at the Illinois Regional Convention. She attended the International Convention in Seattle, Washington, was nominated to the All USA Academic Team and received one of the All Illinois Award Academic Team awards.

Patrick is also a member of the Habitat for Humanity chapter and has served as Historian. She worked in the college's library part-time and recently has been working on the library's archival project, sorting, labeling and storing the photographic history of the college. She accomplished all of this is in addition to having five children at home and keeping up with their activities. Already a certified Emergency Medical Technician, Patrick will be attending OSF School of Nursing in Peoria to complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

Occupational Student of the Year

Dean Singleton of Canton, a graduate of the Spoon River College electronics technology program, was selected to receive this year's Occupational Student of the Year Award. While at Spoon River College, Singleton maintained a 4.0 grade point average, showed a high level of motivation and proved to be self-directed.

Some of the comments from his peers include: 'Great team leader,' 'Always willing to help another student,' 'Driven to excel,' 'Self-motivated,' and 'A true team leader.'

Singleton's personal goals include becoming an electrical engineer and developing alternative energy solutions. Prior to his education at Spoon River College, Singleton served four years with the U.S. Air Force performing electrical and mechanical maintenance. During his time at Spoon River College, Singleton was a member of several award-winning teams that participated in robotics and automation competitions. He also completed 12 hours of professional development with the Instrumentation, Systems and Automation Society and completed 31 hours of certified robotics training through the Society of Manufacturing Engineers during his 2006 spring break.