Kelsey Couch Named WKCTC's October Student of the Month

2015 Dec 2

Kelsey Couch of Paducah was recently named October Student of the Month at West Kentucky Community and Technical College.

"I am very proud and honored to be named Student of the Month. This award shows that with hard work, you can accomplish anything, regardless of your situation, " said 25-year-old Couch. "This also shows my girls, Abrianna and Makaela what you can achieve when you set your mind to it."

Couch is actively involved both in the community and on the WKCTC campus. She participates in community service activities through Paducah's Child Watch, the Purchase Area Sexual Assault Center and the United Way. She is also one of the youngest members of the Paducah Human Rights Commission, a group that strives to promote equality and fairness among the citizens of Paducah. On campus, Couch serves in a leadership role as the Vice President of Alpha Epsilon Beta (AEB), WKCTC's local chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association.

A 2008 graduate of Egyptian High School in Illinois, Couch enrolled at WKCTC in fall 2013 to study criminal justice and follow her passion of becoming an FBI agent. "I want to work in the behavioral analysis unit, and WKCTC is my start to getting there."

Couch will graduate with an associate in applied science degree at WKCTC's commencement at the Luther F. Carson Four River Center December 14, 2015.

She plans to transfer to Murray State University in the spring to earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Future plans include hopes of working in administration at the Kentucky State Penitentiary, while completing a master's degree in criminal justice before applying for the FBI.

"I know reaching my goals will not be easy, but in the words of one my favorite music artists, Tupac Shakur - 'during your life, never stop dreaming. No one can take away your dreams' - that is how I live my life."

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.