PADUCAH, KY (November 21, 2015) - West Kentucky Community and Technical College will honor nearly 800 candidates for graduation during a commencement ceremony December 12 at 7 p.m. at the Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center. There will also be a pinning ceremony for nursing students held prior to commencement at 5 p.m. 

Featured commencement speaker, Dr. Rhonda Tracy, has served as the chancellor of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System since 2015. This followed her term as senior vice president for academic affairs at West Virginia University at Parkersburg, where she also served as interim president prior to her current role at KCTCS. 

A former associate dean of education at Winthrop University in South Carolina and assistant vice chancellor at the University of Arkansas, Dr. Tracy taught as an assistant professor of education at Marietta College of Ohio. She also served as a vice president, dean and professor at Midway College. She received a bachelor of arts degree in education from the University of South Carolina and a doctorate in reading education from Ohio University. 

WKCTC students Virginia Blanco-Mireles of Graves County and Jearld “J.D.” Pullen of McCracken County will be the student commencement speakers.  

“Not everyone gets the chance to be a speaker, so I feel very honored,” said Blanco-Mireles. A 2013 Graves County High School graduate and native of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, Blanco-Mireles, 21, strives to always try her hardest to make her parents proud and to motivate her siblings. “I feel like I can inspire them to expand themselves and go for opportunities available to them,” she said.

Blanco-Mireles praised WKCTC’s faculty and staff for helping students succeed and for wanting to see them fulfill their dreams. “In all sincerity, WKCTC is a great school,” she said. “Everyone is willing to help in any way they can, and I think that is the best part about WKCTC and what helps the students the most.” 

Graduating with an associate in art degree, Blanco-Mireles plans to transfer to Murray State University. “I have always tried hard in school, even in elementary school, and here I am with this amazing opportunity,” she said. “Your opportunities are limitless if you give your 110% on everything.” 

J.D. Pullen, a 1986 Lone Oak High School graduate, was surprised and hesitant when he was first asked to speak at commencement. 

“I think a lot of us lack confidence in ourselves or the ability to do something we don’t see ourselves capable of doing,” said the 48-year-old Pullen. “But to know others have taken notice of certain character qualities and believe in our life stories enough to ask us to speak to others is humbling and motivating enough to accept this honor.” 

Always wanting to be a nurse, Pullen put his dream on hold to serve in the United States Marine Corps from 1987-1991. Following the military, he returned to Paducah and worked several jobs to support his family. 

“Work and family took priority,” said the husband and father of three. “I spent 11 and half years at my last job where I assumed I’d retire, only to find out at 46 I no longer had a job.” After being laid off, Pullen said with the unwavering support of his wife and sons, he knew if was time follow his dream. Pullen is graduating with an associate in applied science degree in nursing, and following his board certification; he will begin work in the emergency room at Baptist Health Paducah in January. 

“Now almost three years later, I am seeing a dream of becoming a nurse turning into a reality,” Pullen said. “It’s not for me to ask ‘why now,’ but to simply say ‘I’m ready; let’s do this. Thank you, God.” 

Registration for spring classes at WKCTC is currently underway. Call 1-(855) GO-WKCTC or visit westkentucky.kctcs.edu for class offerings. Spring classes begin January 9.

Paducah, KY (November 28, 2016) - West Kentucky Community and Technical College has joined #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide.  

Occurring this year on November 29, #GivingTuesday is held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday to kick-off the holiday giving season and inspire people to collaborate in improving their local communities and to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support.    

Each year, more than 1,000 students apply for scholarship funding at WKCTC, and the college’s #GivingTuesday initiative is in support of its scholarship program. 

 “WKCTC has an outstanding scholarship program that includes merit-based funding,” says Becky Haus, manager of advancement. The college’s merit-based scholarships are funded through annual donations, the WKCTC Scholarship Auction and unrestricted scholarship endowments. Incoming high school graduates and currently enrolled WKCTC students are eligible for merit-based scholarships, said Haus. 

 “Our applicant pool is impressive – 56% of our applicants earned a 3.00 GPA or higher. This school year, more than $300,000 will be paid to merit-based scholarship recipients. This type of funding would not be possible without the support of donors who value the impact scholarships have on our students.” 

Individuals interested in participating in WKCTC’s scholarship initiative, #GivingTuesdayWKCTC, can visit westkentucky.kctcs.edu/giving for additional information. Participants are encouraged to share by updating their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram statuses and using the hashtag #GivingTuesdayWKCTC.

Registration for spring classes at WKCTC is currently underway. Call 1-(855) GO-WKCTC or visit westkentucky.kctcs.edu for class offerings. Spring classes begin January 9.

PADUCAH, KY (November 28, 2016) - Lee Emmons, executive director of Child Watch Counseling & Advocacy Center, has been named vice president of institutional advancement and development for West Kentucky Community and Technical College, officials announced today.

Emmons, who has been Child Watch executive director since March 2012, will begin at the college in mid-January. WKCTC President Anton Reece said Emmons will provide strategic leadership to the college in establishing goals and identifying fundraising priorities.  

“I am excited and feel very fortunate to have Lee Emmons joining the WKCTC family,” Reece said. “Lee is an outstanding professional who brings a vibrant and engaging array of communication skills and extensive advancement and fundraising experience, which are key to advancing the WKCTC legacy of academic excellence,  and providing access and donor support to higher education throughout the Jackson Purchase region.”

As vice president, she will also serve as executive director of the Paducah Junior College Foundation, succeeding Ashley Wright who accepted a position with the St. Mary School System in August. 

At Child Watch, Emmons was responsible for managing all programs, personnel, budget and day-to-day operations of the non-profit agency that provides services for child abuse prevention and treatment to children from a 10-county area of western Kentucky. She has been director of community and staff development at the Anne Grady Center in Holland, Ohio, writer and associate editor with Paducah Lifemagazine, and marketing coordinator at the Murray State University-Paducah regional campus. She has also been a communications instructor and trainer at Paducah Community College and WKCTC.

A member of the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce, Emmons is a recipient of the 2013 MSU Nonprofit Leadership Studies Program Giving Back Engagement Award, a graduate of Leadership Paducah, Class 15, and was named a Woman of Achievement by the Paducah/River City Business & Professional Women in 2002.

A Morehead State University magna cum laude graduate, Emmons gained a master in science degree in organizational communication from Murray State.

PADUCAH, KY (November 23, 2016) - West Kentucky Community and Technical College is one of ten community colleges in the nation to be selected as a finalist for the 2017 Bellwether Awards from the Community College Future Assembly, in the Planning, Governance & Finance (PGF) category.  

Dr. Dale F. Campbell, professor and director of the Community College Leadership Consortium and FUTURES ASSEMBLY at the University of Florida notified WKCTC that its program, “Free Community College Tuition Does Make a Difference,” had been selected to compete for the prestigious 2017 Bellwether Award at the upcoming Community College Futures Assembly. Dr. Lisa Stephenson, WKCTC’s director of K-12 Partnerships, and other WKCTC colleagues responsible for the successful implementation of the Community Scholarship Program (CSP) will be honored at the Bellwether Finalist Awards reception on Monday evening, January 30 in Orlando, Fl.

The Bellwether Awards recognizes outstanding and innovative programs and practices that other colleges might find worthy of replicating. The Bellwether Awards are given annually in three categories to colleges with outstanding and innovative programs or practices. This will make the third time WKCTC has been a Bellwether Finalist. The college was also named a finalist in 2005 and 2013.

WKCTC faculty and staff began enrolling the first group of high school students from McCracken County into the private-public partnership known as the Community Scholarship Program in 2010. The first class of CSP participants graduated in May 2016. Preliminary data indicates that CSP students are staying enrolled in college, academically perform at a higher level and earn more college credit when compared to all first-time non-CSP students throughout WKCTC’s 10-county region.  

“The Community Scholarship Program is successful because of the leadership of this college, the faculty and staff who are willing to go the extra mile for all of our students, our CSP secondary partners and the donors,” said Dr. Stephenson.

The 2017 Community College Futures Assembly focuses on solutions to the critical issues that were raised in the 2014 Community College Futures Assembly.  "Changing the Debate: From Pathways to Pipeline" is the theme for 2017 Community College Futures Assembly, emphasizing the diverse solutions community colleges utilize when facing critical issues.

The Bellwether Award has been compared to football's Heisman Award because it is competitively judged and is an award given by peers in community colleges, with no cash award.  It has also been called "the award of awards" because many institutions with programs that have won other awards apply for the Bellwether Award.  Moreover, previous recipients of the Bellwether Award have said that it has been a springboard for other types of recognition and/or funding.

The 2017 Bellwether Award Winners will be announced at the Closing Session and Bellwether Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, January 31 at 12 pm.

PADUCAH, KY (November 29, 2016) – West Kentucky Community and Technical College is offering an introductory candy making class using the complete line of Wilton Candy Melts and tools. 

With the Drizzle, Dip and Mold with Wilton Candy Melts class that will be held on Monday, December 12 from 6 – 8 p.m. in the college’s Emerging Technology Center Cyber Cafe, participants can learn all the tips and tricks needed to make their own candy treats. The class is recommended for all skill levels. Cost: $28.50. 

To register for the candy making class, call 270-534-3335 or visit http://ws.kctcs.edu/westkentucky and click Cake Decorating. 

Registration for spring classes at WKCTC is currently underway. Call 1-(855) GO-WKCTC or visit westkentucky.kctcs.edu for class offerings. Spring classes begin January 9.

PADUCAH, KY (December 1, 2016) – West Kentucky Community and Technical College is in the first round of finalists approved for potential funding from the Kentucky Work Ready Skills Initiative’s $100 million statewide bond program.

Led by the Kentucky Education and Workforce Cabinet and approved by the Kentucky General Assembly earlier this year, the Kentucky Work Ready Skills Initiative is aimed at building a highly trained, modernized workforce in the Commonwealth to meet the needs of employers and promote sustainable incomes for Kentuckians. 

The initiative encouraged private sector employers, high schools or secondary technical schools, and postsecondary institutions, among other entities, to develop partnerships and submit applications for projects that will aid in workforce training and education.

Eligible projects include the construction and equipping of new facilities; renovations or upgrades of facilities; or the purchase of new or upgraded equipment, software, or furnishings.

The West Kentucky Partnership Work Ready Skills Initiative proposal of $4,617,700.95 brings a concerted cooperative innovative focus to expand and enhance technical education in five industry sectors across the Jackson Purchase region - advanced manufacturing, transportation, health sciences, information technology and business and construction trades.

The proposal represents every school district in the region along with WKCTC, Fulton and Fulton County, Mayfield and Graves County, Murray and Calloway County Paducah McCracken County Area Technology Centers, Ballard County, Marshall County Career and Technology Centers, Murray State University, and the University of Kentucky College of Engineering Paducah campus.

Other partners are Head Start, Adult Education, numerous businesses and several Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development groups.

“The focus of the proposal is to capitalize on economic opportunities generated through the development of Interstate 69 and increase of inland waterway activity while also addressing the workforce needs of current industries due to the aging of the workforce,” said Dr. Steve Freeman, WKCTC Dean of Workforce and Economic Development. 

Area technology centers along with the career and technology centers will receive equipment to enhance instruction and increase dual credit pathways. WKCTC will also work with these partners to expand out-reach to underserved adult populations with workforce training and college courses. 

Funds will also be used for minor renovations at WKCTC’s Skilled Craft Training Center, Inland Logistics and Marine Institute, Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center for expansion of electrical and welding technology classes and some infrastructural improvements at Fulton/Fulton County Area Technology Center. 

WKCTC President Dr. Anton Reece commended Dean Freeman for facilitating the grant initiative. “I would also like to recognize the incredible collaboration, support and coordination among WKCTC, our regional area technology center and community and technical college partners to achieve this recognition,” Reece said. 

According to the Kentucky Education and Workforce and Development website, in addition to WKCTC, Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Hazard Community and Technical College, Henderson Community College, Jefferson Community and Technical College, Owensboro Community and Technical College and Southcentral Community and Technical College were also among the first round of finalists.

Work Ready Skills Initiative funds may be provided for up to ninety percent of the total project investment; proposals required at least 10 percent match by local partners. Fund disbursement for the approved projects is anticipated to begin this month.

“If we are fortunate enough to be funded it will be transformative for our region and access to education and workforce training efforts,” said Reece.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Paducah’s Christmas in the Park and Paducah School of Art and Design is once again collaborating with Paducah Power System to make Noble Park shine for the holidays through December 31.

Creating artwork for this year’s Christmas in the Park, PSAD’s new sculpture instructor, Shane Ward, designed Charged and Transfigured. His sculptural work includes an oversized diamond form and inclined circular plane upon which images and words are projected through video mapping technologies and equipment. Each facet of the diamond is illuminated by videos featuring the play of light on actual diamonds, appropriated from commercial sources. The tilted circle serves to receive a running literary narrative that contributes to the work’s overall message on the transformative power of light.

Describing his work as “bringing together three seemingly disparate references: Stan Brakhage's 1963 film, MothLight, an excerpt from Annie Dillard's 1974 nonfiction narrative, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, and a Zales diamond commercial,” Ward added, “all of these references, in one way or another, speak to the transformative power of light...”

The unique artwork contributes another unique experience for audiences of Christmas in the Park, a popular event made possible by Paducah Power System, said PSAD Dean Paul Aho. “Shane has channeled the event’s magic of light into an alternate appreciation of its many wonders, and viewers will be able to watch the piece at length or get a sense of it while driving by during Christmas in the Park’s evening hours.”

Versailles, Ky. (December 2, 2016) -   Tammy Thompson, public relations coordinator at West Kentucky Community and Technical College, was elected board secretary to the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) Board of Regents, during a board meeting here today.

Thompson, a staff representative on the KCTCS Board of Regents, will fill the vacancy created by Regent Betsy Flynn’s term expiration in September 2016.  Thompson will serve as the Secretary to the KCTCS Board of Regents beginning December 2, 2016, through June 30, 2017.
 
Thompson, who has worked at WKCTC since 1993, was elected by KCTCS staff members during a special election to fill four vacant board positions in 2015. A McCracken County resident, Thompson received an associate in applied science degree in 1989 from Paducah Community College (now known as WKCTC) and a bachelor’s degree in radio and television from Murray State University in 1991. She worked at WPSD-TV Local 6 following graduation. Prior to accepting the position as public relations coordinator in 2009, Thompson worked as a television producer/director for WKCTC’s television department for 16 years.

During today’s meeting, the board received positive results from KCTCS’s annual independent financial audit for the fiscal year 2015-16.  The opinion issued by Crowe Horwarth LLP was an “unmodified opinion,” the highest opinion offered by public accounting firms. KCTCS has received an unmodified opinion every year since its inception in 1998.

“We are extremely pleased with the outcome of this audit,” said KCTCS Board of Regent Chair Marcia L. Roth. “It clearly demonstrates KCTCS’ commitment to strong stewardship and fiscal responsibility, which is key to accomplishing our role in fueling the state’s economy by being the primary provider of workforce training and providing Kentuckians with a clear path to finding a job.”  

The board also approved the request to name the current Henderson Fine Arts Center on the campus of Henderson Community College (HCC) to the Preston Arts Center. Raymond B. Preston was one of the founding trustees of the College Foundation, Inc. established in 1957 to generate private financial support for HCC.  Mr. Preston supported the campaigns to construct the Henderson Fine Arts Center and the Academic Technical Building on campus. 

In other action, the board:

• Approved three new program proposals.
  • Associate in Applied Science in Surgical Technology for Hopkinsville Community College.
  • Associate in Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services – Paramedic for Bluegrass Community and Technical College.
  • Associate in Applied Science in Supply Chain Management for Bluegrass Community and Technical College.
• Ratified 20 certificate programs.
• Approved 5,992 academic credential requests between July 19, 2016 – October 3, 2016 (associate degrees, diplomas and certificates).  These credentials include:
  •  3,956 candidates for certificates,
  • 436 candidates for diplomas, and
  • 1,600 candidates for associate degrees.

The next KCTCS Board of Regents meeting will be March 10, 2017 at the KCTCS System Office in Versailles, Kentucky.

PADUCAH, KY (December 5, 2016) - West Kentucky Community & Technical College’s Fall 2016 nursing pinning ceremony will be held Monday, December 12 at the Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center. The ceremony begins at 5 p.m.

Forty-eight nursing students will cross the stage to receive nursing pins in their respective programs with 26 receiving pins representing the completion of the associate degree in nursing program and 22 receiving pins representing the completion of the practical nursing program.  

The pinning ceremony is a symbolic welcoming of recently graduated nurses into the nursing profession.

Those receiving pins for the associate degree in nursing are listed by county residence.

Ballard County
Meredith Bradley, Veronica Perez-Rodriguez, Autumn Seger

Calloway County
Teresa Fortenberry 

Christian County
Courtney Utley

Graves County
Jessica Cope, Courtney Haley, Hannah Hoover, Leon Lauck

Marshall County
Kelly Bradham, Michael Gray, Rebecca Myhand, Heather Sutton, Meagan York

McCracken County
Maximillian Curry, Shaina Francis, Khara Gaskamp, Devin Haneline, Nichole Henderson, Nicole King, Allison Lowe, Lazonda Polk, Jearld Pullen, Jon Russell

Livingston County
Stephanie Rudd, Ashley Wright

Those receiving pins for practical nursing are listed by county residence.

Caldwell County
Hilliary Cobb

Fulton County
Naureen Rendleman

Graves County
Meagan Prince, Kayla Hendley, Andrea Jerome, Anna Nicole Lynch

Lyon County
Christine Jarrard, McKenzie Guess Williams

Marshall County
Devin Giurintano, Shiloh Hega, Sara Johnston, Lauren Looney, Sherry Shearer, Raya Turner, Haley Watkins, Amanda Williams

McCracken County
Stephanie Morris, Joshua Pulley, Ashley Strong, Shellon Troutt, Melody Vandiver, Sarah Vasquez

The 2016 Commencement ceremony will follow the nursing pinning ceremony. Nearly 800 WKCTC students are eligible to participate in the ceremony, which begins at 7 p.m.

Registration for spring classes at WKCTC is currently underway. Call 1-(855) GO-WKCTC or visit westkentucky.kctcs.edu for class offerings. Spring classes begin January 9.

PADUCAH, KY. (December 5, 2016)  - The New Year will bring a fun way to get in shape after the holidays with Zumba classes at West Kentucky Community and Technical College. 

The 12-week class, taught by Tonya Rittenberry, will meet every Monday evening January 2 –April 3 from 4:45-5:45 p.m. in Haws Gymnasium. The cost is $20. The class will also not meet on the January 16 or February 20 in observance of holidays. 

Zumba is a dance fitness program that combines Latin and international music with dance in an effort to make exercise fun! The music has beat and tempo changes that move the workout from one toning, strengthening or cardio move to another, and targets every major muscle group in the body. Zumba uses dance styles such as Salsa, Merengue, Mambo, Hip Hop, Tango, and more.  

To register for Zumba, call 270-534-3335 or visit http://ws.kctcs.edu/westkentucky and click Zumba. 

Registration for spring classes at WKCTC is currently underway. Call 1-(855) GO-WKCTC or visit westkentucky.kctcs.edu for class offerings. Spring classes begin January 9.

Paducah, KY (December 13, 2016) – Grace Tracy has always had passion for working with children and being an elementary school teacher is her dream for the future.

Though she has had to overcome adversity, being diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) at a young age, she has never stopped striving to achieve her dream of teaching. That determination and her passion for helping others has driven her to be a successful student at West Kentucky Community and Technical College, and just two of the reasons why she was recently selected as the college’s November Student of the Month.

“I feel very grateful and blessed to have been chosen Student of the Month,” said the 23-year-old Livingston County resident. “Attending WKCTC has changed my life; it has taught me that even though the road may get bumpy, just hold on tight and keep going because there is always the light at the end of the tunnel.” 

Since she began taking classes at WKTC in 2012, Tracy credits many services on campus with helping her be successful. She is especially thankful to the college’s TRIO Student Support Services. 

“Since I have been at the college, I have noticed how much I have progressed, and there is no doubt that everyone in TRIO has helped me get to where I am today.”

Tracy has worked as a student worker in the payroll office on campus, served as a volunteer for nonprofit organizations such as Hope's Clinic and CASA, and supported organizations such as Starfish Ministry, Ronald McDonald's House, New Pathways for Children. 

Studying early childhood education at WKCTC, Tracy is set to graduate an associate in arts degree and teachers aid certificate in spring 2017. She plans to transfer to Murray State University to continue her education and earn her teaching credentials. 

Tracy said she wants to set a good example, and hopes to be an inspiration to help others believe in themselves - no matter what obstacles they may face in life. 

“Along with my family and friends, everyone at this college has been right there to pick me up and helped me to never lose sight of my dreams,” Tracy said. I want to encourage others to ‘always believe in yourself, always do your best, and always have faith....you can do it.’ ”

The Student of the Month program is designed to recognize the accomplishments of students on campus. Individuals selected must be currently enrolled at WKCTC and have maintained a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or higher and are nominated on the basis of exceptional performance, personal attributes, academic excellence and active participation in various student organizational activities.

Student of the Month recipients receive $100, a certificate of excellence, recognition on the WKCTC Facebook page, campus announcements and Web site. Recipients are also recognized by Pepsi MidAmerica and receive one free month's supply of their favorite Pepsi product.

Paducah, Kentucky (December 14, 2016) – Winter weather is here, but now is the time to sign up for new and exciting activities offered in West Kentucky Community and Technical College’s spring 2017 Seniors Learning for Fun Program. 

Senior learners ages 55 and above are encouraged to register early for the spring schedule of courses, which begin January 24 and run through May 4. Participants can register for one or all courses for $30.

Program topics include learning about: 

• the Paducah River Port Authority;
• turning waste plastic into fuel around the globe;
• American presidents;
• behind the scenes of the Market House Theatre;
• Paducah’s Alben Barkley;
• the numerous burials of Abraham Lincoln and more!

Checks can be mailed to the WKCTC Workforce Solutions, P.O. Box 7380 Paducah, Kentucky 42002-7380. No registration confirmations will be mailed. Participants will be notified if programs are full or cancelled. 

Registration for spring classes at WKCTC is also underway. Call 1-(855) GO-WKCTC or visit westkentucky.kctcs.edu for class offerings. Spring classes begin January 9.

PADUCAH, KY ( December 16, 2016) - West Kentucky Community and Technical College professor Peggy Block was recently selected as a delegate from Kentucky to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) House of Delegates. 

The House of Delegates (House) is an APTA policy-making body comprised of voting chapter delegates from all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, non-voting delegates and consultants. The House meets annually each spring, during which time delegates make decisions on issues that may have far-reaching implications for the association and for the physical therapy profession. 

The Kentucky Physical Therapist Association (KPTA) elected Block, coordinator of WKCTC's physical therapist assistant program, and seven other physical therapy professionals, to the House. Each will serve a two-year term beginning January 2017. As a delegate, Block will represent physical therapy and physical therapist assistants from across the state.

“I am so excited to be a part of setting the direction of an organization I have been a part of for over 40 years,“ said Block, a McCracken County resident. “With what we know about exercise and movement, and how it helps treat every disease, the more you know the better. And who better to get you moving than a PT or PTA. It’s a big deal to be a part of that.” 

Hired at the college as a PTA instructor in 1990, Block has served as PTA program coordinator for the past 25 years. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky in 1974 and master’s degree in physical therapy from the University of Indianapolis in 1996. 

The 2017 House of Delegates will take place June 19–21 in Boston, Mass., immediately preceding next APTA's annual June conference. 

PADUCAH, KY (December 21, 2016) - West Kentucky Community and Technical College recognized more than 170 candidates for graduation who participated in its Fall Commencement Ceremony December 12, 2016 at the Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center.

More than 750 WKCTC students were eligible to receive associate degrees, diplomas or certificates during the Fall 2016.

In addition to the candidates for graduation, more than 45 students received nursing pins during a ceremony prior to commencement. WKCTC students Virginia Blanco-Mireles of Graves County and Jearld "J.D." Pullen of McCracken County were the student commencement speakers. Dr. Rhonda Tracy, chancellor of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System since 2015, was the featured speaker.

The commencement ceremony was the first that Dr. Anton Reece presided over as WKCTC's new president. He encouraged the graduates to take what they learned at the college to transform themselves with excellence. "You came to our college and saw it as a place of hope and encouragement," he said. "It is our goal that you have the knowledge and skills set because of entering our doors to now create a better life."

A list of WKCTC's spring candidates for graduation (listed by counties) follows. Students with one asterisk in front of their name graduated with distinction with a grade point average of 3.4-3.5 while students with two asterisks graduated with high distinction with a grade point average of 3.6-4.0. 

Associate in Applied Science Degree

Adams County, Ohio: **Shawn Ryan McChesney

Ballard County: Meredith Bradley, Jesse L. Chandler, **Tammy Kay Dunker, **Emily Paige Hargrove, *Penny D. Hutchinson, Dalton James Lynn, Deborah Gail Poe, *Veronica Perez Rodriguez, Sara Beth Rose, Autumn Marie Seger, Kimberly Ann Stone

Caldwell County: **Katie Marie Berchen, Hilliary Leigh Cobb, Tiffany A. Lax, *Reba Mae Moore, Lindsey Taylor Patterson, Nicole Leann Ritchie-Hastings, Austin Ryan Witherspoon

Calloway County: **Terri Sue Alexander, *Shannon LaShea Clendenen, Melina Marie Daquilla, **Emily Christine Dosco, Teresa Marie Fortenberry, *Julia Mae Franklin, *Kennedy Brooke Garrison, Kayla Elizabeth Grady, Loretta Jane Haydel, Kaitlyn V. Lambdin, *Whitney Chantelle Lovett, Zachary Stewart, Zachary Justin Szeszol, **Blake Vincent

Cape Girardeau County, Mo.: **Amanda Nicole Lenhardt

Carlisle County: Betsy Lynn Ballard, Nathan Neal Gilbert, Tyler Champ Hoffmeyer, George F. Johnson, Kaitlin Danielle Johnson

Christian County: Courtney Darlene Utley

Crittenden County:  Lisa Michelle Holeman, Keaton T. Shewcraft

Daviess County: **Miranda R. Mahoney

Fayette County: Sabrina Maria Marks

Fulton County: *Camelia Blair Goodman, Belinda Gossett, Courtney McGee, Naureen Lynn Rendleman

Graves County: Lisa Marie Alexander, **Melissa Carol Allcock, *Sarah Louise Baker, Tara Marie Burgess, Thomas Anthony Hayes Byars, Wesley Shaun Chapman, **Jeremiah Thomas Clark, Jessica Lynn Cope, **Marley Shaye Doran, Bethany Nichole Garrigus, Courtney Cheyenne Haley, Raye Ann Hargrove, Kayla Denise Hendley, *Hannah Marie Hoover, Andrea T. Jerome, Patrick David Johnson Jr., **James Austin Lamb, Leon Chad Lauck, Holly Denise Mohler, Victor Manuel Pineda, Meagan Rose Prince, Chelsea Briana Prince, Danielle Ann Rodriguez, Nathan Wayne Roy, Courtney Ann Smith, Daphne Jane Smith, **Tari E. Suemnick, Crystal Diane Thompson, Haley Marie Watkins, Ginger Smith Wilson

Henderson County: **Chelsea Marie Phillips

Henry County, Tenn.: Lindsey Brooke Mann

Hickman County: Dylan Wayne Hudson, Anna Nicole Lynch, Kayla D. Lynn

Johnson County, Ill.: Taylor Morgan Sheerer

Kanawha County, W.Va.: **William Anthony Jones

Livingston County: *Danielle Elizabeth Doyle, **Gina Renee Duncan Brown, Ragon Rebecca Fugate, Shawna May Love, Stephanie Michelle Rudd, Candace Nichole Shipley, Ashley Nicole Wright

Lyon County: *Deanna Marie Engler, *Zettie Christine Jarrard, Emily Gayle Lamb, McKenzie Guess Williams

Marshall County: Jacob Douglas Alexander, **Jonathan H. Baker, Lena Marie Bohannon, Kelly Eileen Bradham, Steven Ray Caudill, Bobby Dean Culp, **Terrance Earl Fiske, Devin Rachelle Giurintano, Michael D. Gray, Shiloh Marie Hega, Ashley Paige Holt, Sara Nichole Johnston, Lauren E. Looney, Rebecca Smith Myhand, Robyn Gail Reed, **Stevie Lynn Reed, *Julia E. Ross, *Bobbi Dale Sanders, *Heather Renee Sutton, Dalton James Tipton, **Jared Logan Turner, Raya Leigh Turner, Tina M. Van Waters, Hayley Carol-ann Warner, *Shannon Dale Wilford, Meagan Rae York

Mason County: **Austin Clay Edmonson, Kevin Lee Howell

Massac County, Ill.: Jonathan Kyle Buhrman, *Summer Brooke Clapp, Stephanie L. Davis, Victoria Renea Fults, Kortney Elisabeth Harris, *Tanner Cole Hudson, Cynthia Kay Klopfenstein, **Deeann Mittendorf, **Heidi Christina Yocum

McCracken County: Hannah Leigh Aikins, Thomas Edward Apple, **William Kevin Black, Kaitlin Ann Blakemore, **Saman Ikram Butt, Shawntae Lee Coffie, *Kimberly J. Cooper, William Austin Crawford, Kelly Lee Crayne, Maximillian Aloys Matter Curry, **Sydney Dehaas, Helene Ervin, Tawnie Olympia Flemons, Shaina Francis, Allison Danielle Garrett, *Khara Renee Gaskamp, Thonentra Lee Griffin, **Miranda Erin Hackney, Devin Kreg Haneline, Katie Lyn Hatton, **Brett Harold Hecklinger, Nichole Leigh Henderson, Lyndsey Kellyn Hendrix, Paul Evan Hughes, Sheila Ann Hughes-Rouse, Stacey Hutchison, *Jeston Constance Jones, Nicole Hutson King, Hobert William Lambert, **Kaytlyn Paige Lange, Kathy-Marie Lopez, Allison Frances Lowe, **Joseph Malear, *Ilia Rochelle McGee, Gage Alexander McQuiston, Justyn C. Melendez, **Cheryl Renee Miller, Antoinette Miller, Stephanie Lorraine Morris, **Stephanie Lynn Nelson, *Carolyn Jeanette Parker, Kevin I. Patel, *Lazonda Kaye Polk, *Jearld Dewayne Pullen, Joshua J. Pulley, Christopher Scott Rose, Jon M. Russell, Judy Irene Short, *Renita Lashea Skinner, Amy Lynn Sorensen, Cody Donavon Streetman, Ashley Dawn Strong, *Sarah Beth Tapscott, **Judith Fox Watson, *Christopher M. Wilhite, Porsche Lee Wilson, Kris Albert Yancy, **Jessica Lee Young

Meade County: Ronald E. Vessels

Obion County, Tenn.: *Michael Wayne Gibson, Cheryl Lynn Workman

Pike County: Michael Jason Cooke

Pope County, Ill.: Kristina Lynn Bates

Robertson County, Tenn.: **Keeli Mishae Webster

St. Clair County, Mich.: Shawn Ryan Callahan

Warren County: Erin Michelle Henry

Weakley County, Tenn.: Yvette Annette Trice 

Associate in Arts Degree

Ballard County: Jeffery Shannon Byram, Christan Nicole Flowers, **Wyatt Edward Hunter, Jennifer Elizabeth Lee, Christy Lynnae Russell, *Kelsey Jean Snow, Harley Dawn Stephens, **Amber Lee Turska, Jesse Eric Waddle, Karah Makenzie Walters

Caldwell County: Jessica Lane Baker, Taryn C. Davis, Keywanna Hollowell

Calloway County: Karli L. Harmon

Fayette County: Philip Hunter Brashear, Amber Leanna Vires 

Graves County: **Yesenia D. Bernabe, **Virginia Blanco-Mireles, *Mallory Hope Canter, Itzel Izamar Carmona, Bailee Hope Hawkins, Holly Holshouser, Dondre Lamont Jackson, Jaden Brooks Keeling, Kelsey Amber Latta, Tara L. Marcum, Hunter Alexis McGregor, Laurie Powers, Aaron Dewayne Qualls, *Brittany A. Reisner, Jared Richard Snowaert, Madalyn Jade Spillman

Henderson County: Jennifer Katelyn Whitmore

Hickman County: Ashlynne Gayle Lynch, Angel Lynette Mathis, **Mia Karin Wilson

Jefferson County: LaWonna D. Dickerson

Livingston County: **Haley Ellen Adams, Victoria Elisabeth Cummins, Alivia Marie Curnel, Courtney Lynn Kincaid

Lyon County: Emma Carol Mayes, Morgan Jerica Ramey

Madison County, IL: **John Thomas Yingst

Marshall County: Amanda Sue Barrett, Emily Kay Bengtzen, Austin Thomas Carner, Caitlin B. Carroll, Elizabeth Rose Cavanah, *Tiffany G. Croft, Taylor Kennedy Cruce, Cole Anthony Hendricks, Barron S. Holland, Jessie Peyton Holland, **Scott Robert Nelson, Taylor Michael Craig Stevens, Taryn Nicole Thurston, Alexandra Nicole West

Massac County, IL: **Natalie Peyton Bailey, Payton Nicole Hillebrand, Rebecca Anne Spears

McCracken County: *Malinda Baltz, Shelly Rae Bowers, Sara Elizabeth Dejournett, Samuel Charles Edwards, Remi Noel Hall, Ashley Nicole Harshman, *Jacqueline Faye Headrick, Braylynn Grace Hendrix, John David Higgins, Erin Howard, Arystasia Fawn Kidd, Lexi Hart Martin, **Jesseca McKinley Melone, Jordan Laken Mingis, Natoshia Kay Mounday, Matthew Kameron Myrick, Stephanie M. Osterhout, Storm Eric Pezzullo, Blake Thomas Raetz, Kristina Renee Ramey, Mary Renaud, Heather Leigh Anne Roberts, Dustin Taylor Shirley, Alyssa Smith, *Ian Garrett Smith, Casey Nicole Thomas, Samuel Christian Wallace, Rebecca Sue Watkins, Emily Elizabeth Wilson, Katherine Grace Wisdom, Jessica M. Wooley

Pope County, IL: Kelsi Paige King  

Associate in Fine Arts Degree
Livingston County: **Sarah Elizabeth Hall, Lillie Carson Poindexter

McCracken County: Victoria Paige Dycus, Ashlea Anita McMillan 

Associate in Science Degree
Adams County: Jacob William McCallon

Ballard County: *Ruby Lynn Anderson, Hayley Loren Bell, **Bonnie Jean Blankenship, Rebecca Leanne Harrell, Leigh Kathryn Thomas, Clayton Elder Walker

Calloway County: Kyle Gore, Sarah Catherine Overby, Elizabeth D. Wall

Carlisle County: Jonel L. Elliott

Crittenden County: Abu Eric Julius, Daniel Clay Wagoner, Whitney Leighann Williams

Graves County: Christopher Brown, Payton Danyel Carter, *Randi Alivia Coleman, Rebecca Michele Crews, **James Derrick Davison, **Marissa Danielle Morris

Jefferson County: Derek Mackenzie Hougland

Livingston County: Jessica E. Alexander, **Adam D. Kinnes, Nicole Leann Kitchens, Hannah Shae Wyatt, **Nicholas Joseph Zaim

Logan County: Rebecca L. Park

Lyon County: Tyler Wayne Martin

Marshall County: Christopher John Carr, Micah Alan Chessor, Christopher Ray Curts, Matthew Joseph McKinney, *Tyler Logan McManus, Joseph David Middleman, Alexa Hope Morgan, Eric David Teodozow, **Hillary Brooke Turner, Sarah Frances Willett

McCracken County: *Adam M. Bender, **Amanda Sue Boren, Kinsey Uree Carroll, **David James Clardy, Shiana Starr Coomer, Amber Dianne Davis, **Katelyn Larae Gossett, Kathryn Paige Grantham, *Sara Elizabeth Harper, *Lindsey Anderson Horn Jr., Shelby Danielle Hutchinson, *Nicholas Henry Jagielo, **Steven Thomas Jones, *Ashley Nicole Lambert, Loretta Lynn Miller, *Jack Eliott Moreland, *Cheyanna Lois Marie Morris, Johnesia La'raie Scott, Ansley Carmen Sims, David Wayne Tapscott, Ken'Yelle Thomas, Crystal Elizabeth Thompson, Sarah Maria Vasquez

Scott County, Mo.: Michelle Lynn Jones 

Diploma

Ballard County: **Emily Esau

Calloway County: **Brenton Louis Hoeck, Greg Villanueva

Carlisle County: Macy Linn Moran

Hancock County, Ohio: *Brendy Jean Wolfrum

Livingston County: **Eric Shane Smith, Melody H. Vandiver

Marshall County: **Stephanie Ann Bulson, Sherry Rena Shearer, Sylvia Ann Taylor, Amanda Jo Williams

Massac County, Ill.: Virgil Riley

McCracken County: Elizabeth Caroline Leindecker, Bryan Keith Owen, Shellon Katri Troutt, Kayla Marie Word 

Certificates

Allen County: Amanda Desha Hobdy

Ballard County: Jaclyn D. Allen, James Ryan Armer, Brently Shane Billings, Michael Brian Brown, Bradley Lee Buchanan, Jeffery Shannon Byram, Danny Joe Capps II, Nicole Lynn Chandler, James Andrew Cox, Samantha Jo Cox, Amanda Faith Crawford, Paul Jason Crews, Robert Earnest Forrester, Clarence Franks, Layken Christyne Griffin, Christopher Joe Halteman, Christian Benet Harper, Alek Von Hugen, Samantha Ann Jackson, Chyanne Kern, Billy Jo Lowry, Rachel Elizabeth Maki, Brandie K. Miller, Dustin Wade Moore, Brittany Ellen Myatt, Carolyn Ann Norment, Noble Dwayne Otey, Bradley Boyce Pickett, Douglas Neil Richards, Wesley Duane Sanders, Taylor Larae Smith, Ethan Michael Steele, Nicholas Ryan Stoner

Bullitt County: Kelsey Jo Faulkner

Caldwell County: Hans Chaney, Janell Rae Cooper, James Tyler Mahan, Aaron James O'Daniel, Michele Renee O'Neill, Austin Thomas Rush

Calloway County: Kaytlynn Marie Adams, Darryl Wayne Blanton, Katie Bogard, Brandy Lacey Cashion, Darshaye A'Leeyia Davenport, Jordan Taylor Dawson, Melissa C. Duncan, Ellyn Sue Ensley, Corey Hatcher, Ashley Hubbard, Crystal Marie Keene, Darion Michael Kelly, Jose Javier Lemus, Jamie Lee Marklin, Dustin Alan Miller, Lincoln H. Miller, Casey L. Nelson, Dylan Cole Parks, Miranda Breanne Rundles, Silence Elise Sams, Tyler Allan Sirls, Michelle Alaina Smith, Brook Renee Toon, Wendy Maria Walter, Scott Weatherly, Dwight Thomas Watson

Carlisle County: Chelsey Jo Bates, Charles Hudgens Carter, Casey R. Carter, Lydia Irene Coronado, Savannah Lauren Daniel, Shaniqua Dickerson, Aaron J. Dodson, Thomas Ray Dowdy, Daryl Avery Draper, Holly Nicole Edging, Aaron Ellegood Ellegood, Shiloh Morgan Elliott, Gregory Lewis Johnson, Andrew Chase Lee, Christopher Lucas, Patricia Gale Macklin, Raymond Marshall Millett, Sydney Ellen Phelps, Torrey Stephens, Timper B. Sullenger, Jacob D. Teasley, Dominic M. White, David Lee Whitlock

Christian County: Dontrel Sherrod Barber

Crittenden County: Kari Baley Freeman, Jacob Dyer Greenwell, Ashley Lynn McConnell

Fayette County: Kelsey L. Metcalf

Fulton County: Jessica J. Broyles, Julia Katherine Butler, Gary Michael Irvin, Richard Paul Cameron Jones, Lauren M. Kelly, Haley Danielle Lopez, Ashley Nicole Newcomb, William Alvin Michal Piercefield, Beau D. Simmons, Megan Glenda Vowell, John Matthew Wright

Graves County:  Macie Alexandria Adams, Eric Matthew Alexander, Kristen Michelle Armstrong, Vincent Baffa, Bailey Elise Bauza, Cotnie Keelan Black, Roberto I. Blanco, Jonathan R. Bouland, Kristopher Kobe Burnett, Rylee B. Carrico, Hector Cristiano Carrillo, Kyle Thomas Clapp, Anne Kaitlynn Clapp, Carley Lauren Clymer, Austin Coleman Crouse, Katie Ann Crowley, Edmund Wayne Cruse, Michael Hayden Curtsinger, Charlea Jenea Davidson, Michael Dwayne Dawson, Austin Tyler Dunn, Mckynzie Leigh Emery, Graciela Fabian, Joseph David Farmer, Olivia Justice Farmer, Ethan Robert Feezor, Courtney Victoria Fulcher, Andres D. Guevara, Cody Randall Hargrove, Kyle David Henry, Cristian J. Hernandez, Austin Hopwood, Dalton Kaine Irvan, Kaitlyn Ann Isbell, Daniel Trey Ivie, Christy Shantel Jackson, Dominique Jackson, Jonathon Lee King, Christopher Sean Manea, Miranda LeAnne Langston, Taylor Rayne Lee, Tiffany Amber Lovett, Jana Marler, Michael Ladarius McClerkin, Bradley Allen McReynolds, Lyndsey Diane Meadows, Lindsay Dawn Medlin, Christian Jesus Mercado, Jessica Lynn Newsome, Alyssa Brooke Nichols, Logan Todd Oakley, Devon Michael Orr, Michael Dale Phillips, Andrew Scott Pittman, Joel David Prather, Peyton Howard Puckett, Owen Mitchell Roberts, Devin Grace Rudd, Amy Lynn Simpson, Kaitlyn Susanne Sims, Abbey Spann, Shelli Celest Tate, Carla Deann Thomas, Benjamin Kyle Thomasson, Alicia Faye Thompson, Rob Carsten Trent, Thomas Loren Vansickle, Dakota Gunner West, Heather Nichole Willie, Alanna J. Willingham, Trey Bryant Wilson, Margaret Ann Wiseman, Alyson N. Wyatt

Hickman County: Kathy Abbott Barnett, Danielle Maria Cruse, Ronnie R. Gray, Mckenzie L. Hobbs, Nicholas Hunter, Sidney E. Spates

Jefferson County: Pompea Kimberly Adams

Johnson County, Ill.: Melissa Kay Miller

Lee County, Fla.: Cassandra Blais

Livingston County: Julie Addaline Buford, Bryan Jay Cobb, Samantha Louise Curneal, Payton Daniel Curnel, Madison Taylor Denfip, Sarah Michelle Dickerson, Dyann Suzanne Duncan, Caitlyn Paige Fontenet, Dalton Cole Gilbert, Kindra Skye Julian-Martin, Hannah Brice Leidecker, Tiffany Lauren Padon, Kenneth Jacob Puckett, Jasmine Kelsey Rhea, Christy Riley, Amanda Marie Schaefer, Brianna Marie Self, Amanda Jane Shull, Clay Alan Smith, Joseph Hunter Trivett, Miranda Nicole Turney

Lyon County: Kathryn Dawn Cotham, Mariea Rosella Cowan, Melissa Ann Lewis, Angelica Mytien Nguyen, John Robert Ward, Brandon Holt White, Samantha Jo Zeiter

Marshall County: Shanna Leigh Agin, Jonah Michael Allen, Matthew Cody Bailey, Shane Thomas Barrett, Nathan Elias Bivin, Matthew Franklin Burkeen, Sarah Elizabeth Burton, Janey L. Casteel, Jennifer Nicole Drennan, Kyle Elliott Dycus, Brody Jacob Flentge, Amy Nicole Gray, Christie M. Hawks, Tiffany Marie Hayden, Anthony Stephen Legg, Patience Rosemarie Leviere, Yamitte Nicole Lichtenberg, Derek Thomas Lockett, Lacey Jo Lovett, Joseph Aaron McClanahan, Priscilla Kristin McKee, Savannah Faith McKee, Mckinsey Suzanne McManus, Brandon Tyler McMullin, Elizabeth A. Messer, Austin Michael Moore, Abby Lee Dalton Myers, Breanna Danielle Nelson, Justin Richard O'Connor, Mytanda Pearson, James Arden Pitcher, Clint Evan Price, Katelyn Susanne Raleigh, Grant Hunter Ray, Gaylyn Nicole Rhodes, Shanea Louise Roberts, Brian Logan Rudd, Brittnie Lynn-Nichole Sauders, Emma Ray Scillion, Nathan P. Solomon, Jordan Springer, Lucero Tapia, Daniel Clay Thompson, Gina Marie Thompson, Danielle Thweatt, Gage Thomas Tynes, Cole Lane Versteegh, Jennifer Renea Ward, Ashli Lake Woodruff 

Massac County, Ill.: Israel James Cherry, Jeffrey Logan Dassing, David Forthman, Heather Danielle Hillebrand, Parker Evan Kester, Alex Michael King, Shimond Nowlin, Jared Lewis Oliver, Melissa Sue Watts

McCracken County: Ian Taylor Ablett, Danielle Myree Alexander, Jason Michael Armstrong, Shawna Katrice Awbery, Jamie Nicole Bachuss, William Kevin Blackburn, Qynesha Me'Kail Bolen, Chasity Renee Bottoms, Laurin Elexis Boyd, Karlee J. Buri, Milton Burns, Abigale Byers, Sarah Jo Carter, Briana Jewel Dezerae Carter, Lara Jean Chambliss, Anthony Thomas Childers, Ryan Eugene Clark, Melissa Nicole Connelly, Alexis Makenzie Daniel, Monte Blake Dassing, William Homer Davis, Lynde Rose Doublin, Shakeitha Nicole Douglas, Stephen Kenneth Durham, Madison Michelle Ellington, Shawndeis Marcel Ellison, Lana Marie Ford, Timothy Edward Fossett, Jessica Lynn Griffin, Tailor Nicole Griffin, William K. Guy, Scott Eugene Hall, Kalie McCall Harbison, Andrea Nicole Hardison, Georgina L. Harper, Alyssa L. Harris, Adam Christopher Harvey, Rajiah Kianee' Harvey, Amanda McKensie Ann Hayden, Larry D. Hayes, Zachary Stephen Hayes, Brittanie Leanna Heredia, Alex Michel Hideg, Shenia Trichelle Hill, Ce'aira J. Holifield, Allison Kathleen Holmes, Nathaniel Paul Hopkins, Karess F. Hoskins, Nathan Paul Hounsel, Kyle Edwin Humphrey, Quinn Alyse Icke, Yongmin Joh, Donesha Anteanette Marie Johnson, Dorothy Marie Jones, Felicity Nicole Jones, Ashley T. Jones, Robin Michelle Keel, Alexander Keeling, Jason Gernard Kelley, Brittany Kingston, Gemma M. Knight, Jonathan Ross Koons, Jessica Rene' Kruger, Kori Elizabeth Lane, Kimberly Ann LeCroy, Nicholas Timothy Lehky, Dana Michelle Looper, James Mason Malone, Joseph Terry Mariner, Shannon Marie Mathis, Amanda Jo Mattheiss, Chandler Austin McClure, John Caleb McClure, Patrick William McIntyre, Thea Jean Meadows, Breonna Mikarovski, Lewis Dwayne Mohr, Ashton Bailey Moneymaker, Kristopher Andrew Montgomery, Susanna Marie Morrow, Brooke Autumn Morrow, Tina Larae Nault, Je'na Leshea Pattersoncole, Paula J. Peyton, Brittany Alyse Pope, Evan Jovannte Powell, Robin Kay Price, Melanie Lynne Prince, Payton B. Raney, Mia Irene Rayburn, Mark Kyle Reed, Sylvia Reed, Christine Rejdovjan, Amanda Diamantina Reyes, Teri Y. Richey, Alexis Brooke Riley, Nicole Sasseen, Ronald W. Scott, Jesse Scott, Sarah Jo Sexton, Zachary Stephen Shaw, Darla M. Simmons, Adam Blake Smith, Amy Leigh Smith, Robin Smith, Brandi Ann Smith, John David Smith, MaKayla Lynn Smith, Jay M. Smith, Ariel M. Spann, Jessica Marie Spresser, Destani Leeann Stephenson, Kevin S. Stokes, Emily Mae Strasser, Whitney Dawn Summers, Jessica Lyn Thomas, Ahmad Dejon Thomas, Karen Jean Thweatt, Austin Gage Vaughn, Johnathan Peter Verbaere, Melody Frances Walker, Tyler Wallace, Dominique Jamarr Wharton, Clayton Bradly Wiersma, Anna Caroline Wilson, Jodi Diane Woodford, Molly Elizabeth Woodrum, Julie Elaine Wooldridge, Lesa Thomas Wright,

Montgomery County, Md.: Logan Chandler Pawlik

Pope County, Ill.: Kristen Broadway, Marie-Louise Stalions

Pulaski County, Ill.: Lauren Marie Franco, Ryan Lance Wilson

Richmond County, N.C.: Brittany Ellen Pellam

Simpson County: Karla Rottstedt

Trigg County: Lillian Renee Sloan, Chelsea Crowder, Charles Stanford Powell, Jade M. Robinson

Weakley County, Tenn.: Katelyn McKayla Murphy 

Paducah, KY (December 19, 2016) – Classes begin at West Kentucky Community and Technical College January 9. To better assist students with registration for spring classes, the college’s Advising Center and business office will stay open later Monday, January 2 – Thursday, January 5 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours for Friday, January 6 will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, January 6.  

The Advising Center staff will help students with the registration process including admissions, financial aid, academic advising and registrar services. 

“We wanted to provide students an easier and faster way to register for classes, so made sure the services they need are in one convenient location within our Advising Center,” said Nate Slaton, WKCTC vice president of enrollment management. “ 

Assistance is also available in the business office for payment information. The Advising Center and business office are located in the Anderson Technical, 4810 Alben Barkley Drive.   

WKCTC offers more than 250 associate degrees, diplomas, and certificate options in 48 career and academic programs. The college provides students with a variety of ways to begin classes including day, evening and online courses. 

A full list of spring classes can be found online at https://secure.westkentucky.kctcs.edu/schedulesearch/Spring.aspx 

Students can also submit a free online application at westkentucky.kctcs.edu/Admissions/How_To_Enroll.aspx. Students submitting an online application must still register for classes. 

For more information about enrolling at WKCTC, call (855) GO-WKCTC or visit westkentucky.kctcs.edu.

PADUCAH, KY (January 4, 2017) – Movie and book trailers are one of the most effective ways to entice audiences to go see a film or read a book. With this in mind, West Kentucky Community and Technical College is sponsoring a student video trailer contest to attract readers for its 2016-17 One Book Read.

The contest, which is open to all WKCTC students, online and on-campus, as well as WKCTC dual credit and area high school or homeschooled students, is based on this year’s read of Little Princes by Conor Grennan. 

Grennan’s New York Times bestseller and number one best-selling international memoir tells the story of his unwavering work to reconnect trafficked children with their families in Nepal.

One Book organizers wanted to find a unique way to help promote this story and to encourage the community to join this year’s One Book Read.

“Several ideas were brought to the table when discussing ways to create awareness for the project and to inspire community members to be a part of our mission to encourage reading and improve regional literacy rates,” said Amy Sullivan, One Book Committee co-chair.  

“The student video trailer idea was something we all agreed would be fun, innovative and would involve the youth of our region with this important project.”

Trailer entries should have a good script, utilize creative editing and brevity and should visually hint at what takes place in the storyline rather than literally explaining all the details.

The deadline to enter the contest is February 10 by 4 p.m. Entries should be sent via a YouTube link emailed to brian.heller@kctcs.edu. Entry must include full names and contact information for all participants. 

One winner and one runner-up entry will be selected and will receive prizes of $100 and $50, respectively. Winners will be recognized at the opening reception for Little Princes author Conor Grennan on Tuesday, March 28 in the WKCTC Clemens Center.

Winning entries will be shared with audiences prior to Grennan’s public presentation on March 28 and student presentation on March 29. Other outlets may include the WKCTC website, Facebook and more. 

This year’s One Book Read is funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Kentucky Arts Council.

For all contest information and rules, visit http://westkentucky.kctcs.libguides.com/onebookread, click on the Little Princes 2016-17 tab.  

For more information, contact Brian Heller at 270-534-3213 or brian.heller@kctcs.edu.

Paducah, KY (January 9, 2017) – The popular jazz group, Todd Hill Quintet, returns to the Clemens Fine Arts Center at West Kentucky Community and Technical College for the Backstage Pass concert series January 21 at 7:30 p.m. 

“The Backstage Pass audience gets an up-close view of the band with a listening-room, intimate concert setting, and our audiences really enjoy this series because they can be so close to the performers,” and said Brian Heller, Clemens Fine Arts Center director.  “This group is one of the most talented and popular jazz ensembles in western Kentucky, and they had an overflow audience when they last played Backstage Pass in 2012.”

Todd E. Hill is director of Jazz Studies at Murray State University. He directs the Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Band, Jazz Lab Big Band, three Jazz Combos, and teaches courses in arranging, musicianship, music education and jazz history. As a free-lance pianist, he has performed with Doc Severinsen, Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Jr. and many more.

The Todd Hill Quintet features Hill at the piano and on vocals, Derek Jones on clarinet, tenor saxophone and vocals, Andy Brown on acoustic and electric guitar, Scott Thile on string bass and Dean Hughes on drums. 

The group plays jazz standards and standards from the “Great American Songbook” in new, fresh and sometimes startlingly different arrangements. The band has played concerts, dances and affairs from the Mississippi Delta to Columbus, Ohio, and from Nashville to St. Louis. 

Joining the Quintet will be award-winning vocalist Emily Duff. A Mayfield native, Duff has performed throughout the Purchase area since high school.

A season pass is available for all four events in the series, for $20. Tickets for individual shows are $8 in advance, and $10 at the door. To purchase tickets and stay up to date on all Clemens Fine Arts Center events visit artsinfocus.org or call the box office at 270-534-3212.

Paducah, Kentucky (January 10, 2017) Paducah School of Art and Design has opened its annual One Book Read Photo Contest and invites the community to participate in West Kentucky Community and Technical College’s 2016-17 read of Little Princes by New York Times bestselling author Conor Grennan. The contest is free to enter and open to the public.

The photo competition and exhibition complement other community-related One Book activities leading up to the author's two-day visit and public programs at WKCTC March 28-29. 

Paducah School of Art and Design (PSAD) and WKCTC’s Clemens Fine Arts Center are sponsoring the contest that will feature cash awards for first, second and third place winners. Winners will take home $100, $75 and $50 respectively, and will be announced during Grennan’s opening reception March 28.

Readers are encouraged to create works of art that relate to Grennan’s book about the breaking and mending of children and families in the remote Himalayan country of Nepal. Photographers might simulate a scene from the book; create an image or portrait study that speaks to the challenges of separation or broken families; explore the promise of mending and the power of love; discovery or personal growth through travel; or any related source of inspiration generated by the book.

“We welcome photographers of all skill levels to enter the contest, and hope to see both traditional and nontraditional photo entries,” said Paul Aho, PSAD dean. “We encourage everyone to start developing their ideas for their photos now.”

 Works will be accepted February 28 at the Clemens Fine Arts Center Gallery on the WKCTC campus. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

An exhibition of all submitted works will open in the Clemens Gallery March 16. Entry forms, contest details, loan agreement and One Book information are available at http://westkentucky.kctcs.libguides.com/onebook, click on the Little Princes 2016-17 tab. 

This year’s One Book Read is funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Kentucky Arts Council. 

Paducah School of Art and Design, a division of West Kentucky Community and Technical College, offers an Associate in Fine Arts degree, as well as studio art classes for students of all levels and disciplines. Classes are offered on WKCTC’s campus, 905 Harrison Street and 919 Madison Street in historic Lower Town. For more information about PSAD, call (270) 534-3901.

Paducah, KY (January 12, 2016) – West Kentucky Community and Technical College was recently named one of the nation’s Top 50 Online Community Colleges for 2016-17 by the Center for Online Education. 

WKCTC was one of two Kentucky Community and Technical College System institutions included in the top ranking.  WKCTC was ranked 18^th and Gateway Community and Technical College was 19^th on the list. 

“We are honored to be recognized by the Center for Online Education,” said Connie Heflin, WKCTC dean of online learning. “The mission of our Online Learning Department is to provide consistently high quality course content and faculty instruction. Both our full-time and part-time faculty are committed to student success. Being selected as one of the top 50 community colleges in the country lets us know we’re succeeding.” 

In order to produce the top 50 list, the Center for Online Education (COE) scored each school using a range of factors. All criteria were subdivided into three distinct categories, and each carried a different weight for determining a school’s overall score. The categories were online flexibility, academics, and experience and affordability. 

Students can attend WKCTC for less than half the price of attending a four-year university. The student to faculty ratio is 20 to 1 and over 3,300 students enrolled in one or more online courses this spring. 

WKCTC offers ten online programs including the marine technology and logistics and operations management programs, which provide educational opportunities and training in the high-wage, high-demand marine industry. WKCTC courses are evaluated annually for quality using a rubric based on the Blackboard Exemplary Course Rubric. 

For more information about the top 50 list, visit http://www.onlinecolleges.net/rankings/best-online-community-colleges/.