Rollins, a Heath High School graduate, has been named a 2014 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Silver Scholar. The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation sponsors the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team program by recognizing 50 Gold, 50 Silver and 50 Bronze Scholars, and providing nearly $200,000 in scholarships annually. Silver Scholars each receive a $1,250 scholarship and a special medallion.
“Receiving this award is such an honor and personal achievement for me as a student at WKCTC,” Rollins said. “I am truly flattered and am also grateful for the scholarship that I have received that will help fund my college education and advance me further towards completing my four-year degree.”
Rollins, the daughter of Joseph and Lucretia Cates, and David Rollins, all of Paducah, serves as the student government president at WKCTC and is the student representative on the WKCTC Board of Directors. A Phi Theta Kappa member, Rollins volunteers at the Merryman House Domestic Crisis Center in Paducah. She expects to graduate in May and has been accepted to Murray State University for the fall 2014.
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society administers the Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Program and recognizes Coca-Cola Academic Team scholars during All-State Community College Academic Team Recognition ceremonies held in 38 states. Student scholars also receive recognition locally during ceremonies held on campus and internationally for those who are able to attend Phi Theta Kappa’s Annual Convention.
Community college presidents or their designated nominators may submit two nominations per campus for this award. An independent panel of judges considers outstanding academic rigor, grade point average, academic and leadership awards, and engagement in college and community service in the selection process.
“We thank the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation for their vote of confidence in community college students by investing in their futures,” said Dr. Rod Risley, Executive Director of Phi Theta Kappa. “Their support is especially welcome during this challenging economic climate, as more and more community college students need additional resources to help them complete their degrees.”
“The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation has a long history of providing financial assistance to outstanding students at community colleges,” said J. Mark Davis, President of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. “We are proud to partner with Phi Theta Kappa and make it possible for deserving students to achieve their educational goals.”
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, headquartered in Jackson, is the largest honor society in American higher education with more than 1,285 chapters on two-year and community college campuses in all 50 of the United States, Canada, Germany, Peru, the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the British Virgin Islands, the United Arab Emirates and U.S. territorial possessions. Nearly 3 million students have been inducted since its founding in 1918, with approximately 131,000 students inducted annually.
During the month of April, eleven Paducah School of Art and Design students received recognition for their artwork on both a local and international level.
Photo top, right: Benton resident and PSAD student Rhonda Henson's photograph Sibling Love recently received an Honorable Mention in the international 34th Annual College and High School Photography Contest.
Michelle Jackson graduated from Reidland High School in 1996 and enrolled in college the next fall. When she got the exciting news that she was going to be a mother, Jackson decided to take time off from school to work and raise a family. But after being laid off from several jobs, Jackson knew she had to go back to college, not only to set an example for her children, but also to focus on a career and be competitive in the workforce. At age 35, Jackson was intimidated to return to college and was nervous that she wouldn’t do well. Now just two years later, Michelle is graduating with high distinction with an Associate in Applied Science degree in office system technology. Excelling academically is just one reason Jackson was selected as March Student of the Month.
WKCTC faculty and staff honored at reception on April 25. 
West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) students selected Dr. Doug Pruitt as 2014 Teacher the Year.
Carol Hoffmann and Whitney Aspery, both students at West Kentucky Community and Technical College, have been named to the 2014 KCTCS All-Academic Team and will speak at the WKCTC commencement on Saturday, May 10 at Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center.
Congratulations to Robert McNail for being selected as WKCTC April Student of the Month. As a student ambassador, Robert has served as a role model for WKCTC students and has been very active in campus and community activities during his time at the college. He has been a member of TRIO Student Support Services, and TRIO tutor Adrian Mason said he is impressed with Robert's strong focus on academics and dedication and willingness to learn. Robert will graduate this Saturday and has earned an Associate in Arts degree with distinction. Congratulations Robert!!