Calhoun Will Recognize Its Elite Top Ten Students During The College’s Annual Honors Day Awards Celebration
April 22, 2024Calhoun Community College will recognize and honor its top students for the 2023-24 academic year during the college’s 54th Annual Honors Day program, on Friday, April 26th, beginning at 10:00 a.m. in the Kelley Gymnasium on the Decatur campus.
Each year, Calhoun’s Student Services Department hosts a self-nomination process, open to students who meet the college’s top ten academic eligibility criteria. After submitting their applications, a dedicated multidisciplinary committee consisting of Calhoun faculty and staff meticulously reviews each nomination packet to select the finalists for this prestigious honor.
These students exemplify high academic achievement and servant leadership through their community service and are listed as follows:
REAGAN ATKINS is a General Studies, Pre-Engineering major from Decatur, AL. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Kappa Delta. As a former dual enrollment student, her academic journey includes graduating with a General Studies certificate with distinction before graduating Austin High School in 2023. Her commitment to service is evident in her extensive involvement with the Volunteer Center of Morgan County with over 300 hours of cumulative service, where she spearheaded projects like the Holiday Hope Chest, bringing joy to countless children in need. Reagan has turned the challenge of dyslexia into motivation to excel academically and is an inspiration for other students facing learning challenges. Reagan aspires to complete a degree in Industrial Engineering from Auburn University and is on track to graduate in May 2027. She continues a family legacy, as her mother, Leigh Ellen Rudolph Atkins, was honored as a Top Ten Student in 1992 and her grandfather, Bill Rudolph, served over 50 years as an employee at Calhoun. Her GPA is 4.0.
CASSAUNDRA COOK is a General Studies, Criminal Justice major from Albertville, AL. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and she served as the secretary for the Student Government Association. With honors like the SGA Scholarship, President’s List, Dean’s List, and the James B. Allen Pin Award, she demonstrates her commitment to her studies and service. Outside of the classroom, Cassaundra works full-time. She also attends and serves on the security team at Gospel Life Church and holds a role as Flotilla Staff over Materials in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. As she pursues her degree in Criminal Justice, her goal is to become a role model as a juvenile detention officer, providing guidance and support to those in need. Cassaundra’s dedication to her education and her desire to make a difference in the lives of others make her a deserving candidate this recognition. Her GPA is 3.8.
DOMINIC EBELHAR is a General Studies, Pre-Engineering major from Huntsville, AL. He is part of Calhoun’s Presidential Honors Program and is a member of the Additive Manufacturing Club and Chess Club. Dominic has earned a spot on the President’s List multiple times during his matriculation. Alongside his academic pursuits, Dominic generously gives back to his community, volunteering at events like the Huntsville Special Olympics and serving as an Altar Server at Our Lady Queen of the Universe for over a decade. His commitment to service extends to assisting at the Calhoun Cupboard and supporting local organizations like Triad Martial Arts. Dominic aims to complete his Engineering Design Technology certification and transfer to UAH to pursue Mechanical Engineering. His GPA is 4.0.
TRISTAN HOLMES is a General Studies, Business major from Decatur, AL. He has earned prestigious honors like the President’s List and Dean’s List and holds membership in Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Kappa Delta. Beyond academics, he’s deeply involved in community service, volunteering and mentoring at local schools, and supporting causes like the Ronald McDonald Pop Tab Drive. With a passion for both academics and the arts, Tristan plans to teach and practice photography while also training in machining. Even with a busy schedule managing his photography business and freelancing, he maintains stellar academic performance, showcasing his strong work ethic. His GPA is 3.8.
ADRIANNA INGRAM is a General Studies major from Athens, AL. She consistently is earning spots on the Dean’s and President’s Lists, as well as receiving prestigious scholarships like the Phi Theta Kappa Officer Scholarship and the Calhoun Academic Scholarship. She is Chapter President and Regional Vice President for Phi Theta Kappa. Beyond her academic achievements, she is deeply involved in community service, volunteering with organizations such as Kids To Love and participating in events like the Women of the World Unite Rally and Winter Jam at the BJCC. Adrianna’s passion lies in social work, and she plans to pursue a degree in Behavioral Science at Athens State before obtaining a Master’s in Social Work at the University of Alabama. Her ultimate goal is to earn a Doctorate in Sociology to advocate for improvements in education and support systems. Her GPA is 3.8.
LEAH JOHNSON is a Dual Enrollment student from Hartselle, AL. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Kappa Delta. Beyond her academic achievements, Leah is deeply committed to serving her community. From volunteering with the kids’ group at her church to assisting at the Cullman Agriplex and engaging with the Chamber of Commerce, she actively seeks opportunities to make a difference. Leah’s educational journey is marked by her determination to excel. She aims to graduate from Hartselle High School in May 2024 with an Honors Diploma before pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Biotechnology at Auburn University. Her dedication to her coursework at Calhoun demonstrates her commitment to growth and learning. Her GPA is 4.0.
GRACIE MONTGOMERY is a General Studies major from Russellville, AL. She is a student-athlete for the Women’s Cross-Country Team and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa. Gracie has consistently earned a spot on the President’s List. Alongside her studies, she devotes her time to serving her community, volunteering at Tharptown Elementary School Youth basketball games, the State of Alabama Cross Country Meet, and as a grocery shopper for the elderly. Gracie’s ambitions extend beyond her time at Calhoun, as she plans to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Biology at a four-year institution before attending dental school. Her ultimate goal is to become a dentist and open her own clinic to serve her community. Her GPA is 4.0.
AZARIA REED is a Dual Enrollment student from Madison, AL. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Kappa Delta and has earned a spot on the President’s List. Azaria dedicates her time to service, serving as a Teen Leader in Training at Oakwood University Church. She actively contributes to addressing societal issues by writing essays on homelessness and assisting in food distribution efforts. Azaria’s passion lies in computer science, where she is pursuing a dual enrollment program at Calhoun alongside her online high school studies at Alabama Destinations Career Academy. She will graduate high school in May 2024 on the same day she graduates from Calhoun with a Short-Term Certificate in Computer Science – Programming Essentials. Her future goal is to conduct groundbreaking research as a machine learning engineer, aiming to make a significant impact on both technology and humanity. Her GPA is 4.0.
JADA ROBERTS is a General Studies major from Montgomery, AL. She is a student-athlete on the Women’s Basketball Team who has consistently achieved academic excellence with placements on the Dean’s and President’s Lists. Jada is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Kappa Delta. She also earned a spot on the NJCAA 2022-23 All-Academic Second Team. Alongside her academic and athletic pursuits, Jada actively contributes to her community, volunteering as a mentor and assistant for the girls’ high school basketball team and participating in children’s book readings. Looking ahead, Jada plans to transfer to Tuskegee University to pursue a degree in Occupational Therapy while maintaining a commendable GPA and intends to give back by coaching girls’ basketball at her alma mater. Her GPA is 3.8.
STEVEN WILBANKS is a General Studies, Business major from Florence, AL. He is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Sigma Kappa Delta. Steven has earned a spot on the President’s List and earned an academic scholarship. Steven was also selected to serve on the Student Conduct Hearing Panel at the College. He actively contributes to his church’s mission, pioneering online worship services and supporting community programs like the Food Pantry. Planning to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Management of Technology at Athens State University, Steven aims to bridge the digital divide through his career in Business and Information Technology/Cybersecurity. His GPA is 4.0
Among the honors to be awarded will be the presentation of the College’s Athlete of the Year, James B. Allen Pin Award, Keith Wiley Sigma Kappa Delta Award, Sigma Kappa Delta National Awards, Most Outstanding Warhawk Student Ambassador, All-Alabama Academic Team Members, as well as the SkillsUSA State Winners. Academic awards will also be given to students receiving Calhoun scholarships, and scholarships from four-year colleges and universities will be awarded by representatives from those institutions.
Refreshments will be provided for students and their families immediately following the program.
