Heather Vandiver Named to the 2015 All-USA Community College Academic Team

2015 May 7

Heather Vandiver of Paducah was one of two West Kentucky Community and Technical College students named to the 2015 All-USA Community College Academic Team.

All-USA Team members are selected by USA TODAY and Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. The award is presented to exceptional students at the nation's community colleges with consideration of grades, academic rigor, growth and how well the students use their education to benefit their schools and communities.

"I am honored to be awarded the opportunity to be an ALL-USA Academic Team member," said Heather, 25, a Hopkins County Central High School graduate. "From all that I have achieved, it is rewarding for me just to have made it this far. I thought I would never be in college. I thought I would never have the chance."

In addition to the All-USA honor, Heather recently received an Outstanding Achievement in Business Administration award and a Who's Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges award.

Being selected for the All-USA Academic Team is a confidence-building step toward reaching for her goals, especially striving to make a better life for herself and her son, Daegon. "I want him (Daegon) to strive for education as I strive for it now," Heather said. "I have seen what it can do to a person. It gives Heather earned an Associate in Applied Science degree in business administration in December 2014. She is continuing her studies at WKCTC to earn an Associate in Arts degree with plans to transfer to Murray State University in fall 2015 to earn her bachelor's degree in business administration. She hopes to be CEO of a company that is intricately involved in working with the homeless and the environment.

Congratulations Heather!