Roberts was one of six previous Student of the Month winners nominated for the award. Student of the Month winners were selected between February and November 2015 with Roberts winning in April.
"I feel honored and blessed that I have been given the opportunities on campus that allowed me to grow as a person and a leader," said the 28-year-old Graves County native. "I would not be here today without the encouragement of faculty and staff who helped and supported me along this journey."
Roberts had taken classes at WKCTC after graduating from Graves County High School in 2006, but took time off to take care of her father who lost his battle with Alzheimer's disease and cancer in May 2014. Roberts then returned to WKCTC in fall 2014 to fulfill a promise she made to her father - a promise to return to college, to earn a degree, and to pursue a career fueled by her passion to help others.
During her time at WKCTC, Roberts served as the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter president, and she continues to serve as Kentucky Region Vice President for membership for PTK. Roberts also currently serves as the college's Student Government Association president. As the student body president, she attends meetings of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) and serves on the Intellectual Property Committee for KCTCS, an appointed position by Dr. Jay Box, KCTCS president. She is a student worker and peer mentor in the Trio Student Support Services.
Set to graduate from WKCTC with an associate in arts degree spring 2016, Roberts will transfer to the University of Kentucky this fall. She plans to continue her education to earn a doctorate degree in psychology and hopes to become a Christian counselor.
"Success isn't a gift, it's a choice," Roberts said about continuing her education and her life goals. "Everyday you get up, you make a choice to conquer the day or let the day conquer you. I choose to be the conqueror."
Selection of the Student of the Year is based on continuous academic performance, active participation in various student organizational activities and community service, while exhibiting a positive and encouraging attitude. Students had to maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.7 or higher and must have held and been successful in a significant leadership role on campus or within the community.
As Student of the Year, Roberts will receive an award of excellence, $200 and recognition in various college and media outlets.