– On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, Chattahoochee Valley Community College (CVCC) celebrated the academic achievements of fifty-seven (57) students during the annual Academic Awards Ceremony.

The ceremony recognizes students earning their Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, excelling in their chosen program, and being nominated by their instructors. Programs include Associate Degrees in Nursing, Business Entrepreneurship, Fire Science, Cyber Defense, and Visual Communications.

In addition, the ceremony honors students who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to academic excellence. 

Nathan Cantrell, a transfer representative from the University of Alabama, presented scholarship certificates to four students – Lily Busenbark, Ashley Grantham, Jillian Johnson, and Hannah Woods. Other transfer scholarships awarded included Catherine Henson, Jayla Lancaster, and Isis Lovelace – University of Alabama at Birmingham, Hannah Woods –Alabama State University, and Tiana Costlow – Auburn University at Montgomery. 

Finally, the two nominees for the All-Alabama Academic Team were called to the stage and awarded plaques for their accomplishments. All Alabama Academic Team students are nominated by their respective colleges. Students selected must possess a minimum GPA of 3.25, be involved in campus activities, and have completed 12 semester hours at the institution. The CVCC nominees are Lily Busenbark and Hannah Woods. 

“Our Academic Awards ceremony is one of our most treasured traditions at CVCC,” said Dr. Sherri Taylor, Dean of Students and Campus Services. “On this important occasion, we get the chance to publicly celebrate the success achieved through the sheer hard work and perseverance of our students, as well as our instructors and staff.”

Jackie Screws, President of Chattahoochee Valley Community College, offered these words to the honorees - “Every obstacle is an opportunity, and every problem has a purpose. Keep your purpose at the center of all you do, and then you will succeed in all you do.”

The ceremony was attended by CVCC faculty, staff, administrators, and the family and friends of the award recipients. Students unable to participate were recognized as their names were called.

Following is a complete list of honorees’ names:

AAS Honorees

Tina Bartkoske

Wesley Compton

Tarik Davis

Zacoya Richardson

Kathleen Zschernitz

4.0 GPA Honorees

Rita Bartaula

Shandi Bruce

Kayla Cassidy

Amy Clark

Kierra Couch

Holly Gilbert

Ashley Grantham

Bradley Grasser

Brandon Le

Caty McConnell

Ashley Miller

Megan Moran

Mary Nichols

Elsie Brenda Nyaga

Allyson Swilley

Amanda Walters

3.75-3.99 GPA Honorees

Mackenzie Belliveau

Clemonta Booker

David Brackin

Kamryn Brooks

Lily Busenbark

Jerry Carroll

Kayln Coleman

Tiana Costlow

LaMarieous Franklin

Shunyah Graham

Melissa Harris

Christian Hays

Steven Helms

Jesus Hernandez

Leslie Jenkins

Jayla Lancaster

Demisha Lockett

Jessieca Long

Isis Lovelace

Alexis Mathis

Cornecia Phillips

David Ramirez

Kamaiyah Russell

Amelie Song

Anna Strong

Larissa Traynor

Stephany Washington

Kumeko Weilbacher

Ja’lyn Williams

Tanaya Williams

Eric Wilson

Haley Wilson

Sarah Wilson

Hannah Woods

Scholarship Recipients

Alabama State University

Hannah Woods

Auburn University at Montgomery

Tiana Costlow

University of Alabama

Lily Busenbark

Ashley Grantham

Jillian Johnson

Hannah Woods

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Catherine Henson

Jayla Lancaster

Isis Lovelace

All-Alabama
Academic Team

Lily Busenbark

Hannah Woods