BSCTC HOLDS ANNUAL HONORS NIGHT CELEBRATION

Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) held its Honors Night on Thursday, March 31 on the Mayo campus.

The annual event recognizes students who are members of the presidents and deans list, as well as students in Phi Theta Kappa, the National Technical Honors Society and Honors program.

Our students are the shapers of tomorrow, said BSCTC President Dr. Devin Stephenson. We are proud of their accomplishments in the classroom, and we wish them well as they close on this chapter of their life and begin another exciting chapter.

Students Brooke Goble, Josh Mullins and Greg Castle spoke during the ceremony.

Goble, a first-year student, said one of the main things she has learned is how to balance life, particularly work and school.

One thing Ill always remember about having a good balance in life is something I learned my first semester from Professor Bill Loftus in general psychology, said Goble. Professor Loftus passed away on March 21. That simple something is a triangle. Academically, it represents reading, writing, and talking which, in turn, if you balanced each action adequately, will help you in performing well on a test. He also explained that it can also apply to life, that if we can have a good balance in our lives with work, school, family and things of that nature, we can perform well in life. While it may seem to be impossible, striving for that sort of excellence, that tidbit of information has helped me tremendously in balancing school, work, exercising, and many other activities, so I am very grateful to know this simple something.

Its important to sit under professors who are passionate about teaching, and that is what you will find at Big Sandy, said Goble. Im appreciative to the people who have helped me reach this good point in my life. I am also appreciative to those who have helped me go beyond my comfort zone.

Mullins, a second-year student, is president of the Alpha Nu Zeta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa at BSCTC. He spoke about a nervous high school senior who sat in front of five strangers two years ago interviewing for the Honors program.

Little did I know at that stressful time how much I would enjoy my time at Big Sandy and how these strangers would become my advisors and teachers, said Mullins. amp;ldquoldquo;Any building must have a foundation, a strong base. Big Sandy has poured my educational foundation for my future goals and prepared me to build off of this. And, for that, I am very thankful.

Castle, who is president of the colleges SkillsUSA chapter, spoke on behalf of the newly-formed National Technical Honors Society.

Im proud that the college has recognized career and technical programs, said Castle. The college has provided me a second chance to learn a new trade and go to work and take care of my family.

Darrell Maynard, president of Eastern Telephone and Technologies of Pikeville, was the keynote speaker. He told students to work hard, develop themselves and overcome challenges.

If you are overwhelmed, ask for help, said Maynard. I encourage you to keep the entrepreneur spirit alive and within you at all times. I want you to not only work hard, but get involved and always strive to improve. I also want you to be a servant leader. Never whine or complain and be easy to work with.

At the conclusion of the event, Dr. Chandra Varia was honored for her generosity to the college. The auditorium on the Mayo campus was named in her familys honor.

Dr. Varia and her family have been friends of the college and friends to humanity, said Dr. Stephenson. Her generosity has opened many doors of opportunity to those who have aspired to better themselves and better provide for their families.