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WSCC scholarship recipients

Scholarship recipients along with donors and presenters, front row, from left, Leslie Croston; Nicole Robertson; Brittany Tipton, Haleigh Black, Brad Merritt. Row two: Louise Homes; Suzanne Paugh: Megan Warner; Kristen Hanes; Shanell Evans; Rebecca Mullans; Kim Blackburn; Anna Rittenhouse; Gayle Ebersole; Dr. Bradley Ebersole. Row three: Dr. Carol Wylie-Hancock; Joanne Ingram; Janette Hale; Lexie Gutberlet; Courtney McIntosh; Rachel Howard; Jason Williams; Ray Blackburn. Row four: Tracy Jensen, Ron Homes; Henry Goehring; Jared Rackowitz; Ian Harris; Cody Lee.

Washington State Community College Foundation recently recognized its scholarship recipients for the 2016-17 academic year. The foundation dispersed 75 scholarships totaling more than $50,000 at the annual reception.

Mark Nutter, Washington State Community College (WSCC) vice president of academic affairs, in his introductory remarks reminded the students receiving the scholarships that “someone whom you may have never met before decided you are worth investing in.”

The scholarships that were presented are only possible through the altruism of the donors, explained WSCC President Bradley Ebersole. “College affordability weights on everyone. Your generosity helps students achieve their dreams,” he said to the donors in attendance. He went on to explain that “the effects these scholarships have, go beyond the students themselves. They touch their families, where they work and our community.”

While the selection criteria and area of emphasis may differ, scholarships are awarded based on need and academic performance.

Leslie Croston, who is currently pursuing her degree in Health & Wellness, with the intent to pursue her Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), is leading by example, not just in the classroom, but at home. Croston is a single mother of a 3-year-old. “I want to show him that he can do anything he puts his mind to, and I want to be proof for him to look at,” she said. “I want him to reach and grab stars, but I have to make it first so I can guide him.”

Jason Williams, who is also working toward his ADN is following in his mother’s footsteps who recently earned her ADN from WSCC. “At the end of the day, it isn’t all about me,” he said of his decision to pursue a career in nursing. “It’s about the family choking back tears while their loved ones fight for their health or even their lives, that I get the privilege to aid.”

Rebecca Mullans, who is a Navy veteran, recently earned her welding certificate and is now pursing her Associate Degree in Industrial Technology. She was also recognized as WSCC’s September Student of the Month. “I’ve always been a good student. I was raised to work hard, be on time and set the bar high.” Upon graduation she hopes to be accepted into an apprenticeship with a local union.

Cody Lee, who served as student speaker for the event as well as being a scholarship recipient, addressed the donors to express a collective thanks, as those who receive a scholarship experience a “sense of relief and encouragement that we’re on the right path.”

WSCC Foundation scholarship recipients:

Courtney Anderson, Fleming; Haleigh Black, Woodsfield; Jessica Blair, Vienna, W.Va.; Kirsten Blasko, Marietta; Robert Carlsen, Vincent; Leslie Croston, Belpre; Shanell Evans, Parkersburg; Leigh, Goodman, Parkersburg; Lexi, Gutberlet, Marietta, Kristen Hanes, Marietta; Ian Harris, Marietta; Mikayla Hearn, St. Marys, W.Va.; Rachael Howard, Belpre; Cody Lee, Marietta; Courtney McIntosh, Lowell; Lindsay Michael, Parkersburg; Michelle Mincks, Beverly; Rebecca Mullans, Parkersburg; Kayla Norman, Belpre; Suzanne Paugh, Whipple; Jared Rackowitz, Williamstown; Nicole Robertson, Lower Salem; Jocelynn Semon, Waterford; Savannah Smith, Belpre; Fancie Smith, New Matamoras; Sydney Stanley, Marietta; Morgan Strickler, Waterford; Kayla Suttle, Belpre; Tinikka Suttle, Vienna, W.Va.; Gillian Teters, Waterford; Brittany Tipton, Vincent; Megan Warner, Lowell; Jason Williams, Vincent; Caley Wilson, Parkersburg; Tori Wilson, Waterford.

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