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Paducah's Gavin Posey Among Many Recognized at WKCTC Event March 7

Posey Recognized at WKCTC's Student of the Year

Paducah, KY (03/09/2018) — Gavin Posey of Paducah was recognized as West Kentucky Community and Technical College's for his selection as the 2017 Student of the Year at a Student Development Leader Recognition Luncheon Red Carpet event March 7.

Posey was one of many recognized at the luncheon that was designed with student, campus and community leaders in mind honor exemplary leadership, dedication, and commitment to service.

"I'm proud to represent myself, my family, my school, and my community as the 2017 WKCTC Student of the Year, said Posey, a 2016 McCracken County High School graduate and Community Scholarship recipient at WKCTC. "This recognition wouldn't be possible without the support and guidance of those around me. My hope is that I can continue to be an example to others as time goes on."

Posey, who maintains a 4.0 GPA, dedicates himself to serving the college in many ways including his duties as Student Government Association president, vice president of both the college's Phi Theta Kappa honor society chapter and film club, a student ambassador and a student representative on the Kentucky Community and Technical College System Board of Regents - one of two students in the state serving in this capacity.

Before receiving his Student of the Year honor, Posey was one of five previous Student of the Month winners nominated for the award in 2017. Student of the Month winners were selected between February and November 2017 with Posey winning in November. All Student of the Month winners were recognized during the luncheon: Dayla Hale, April 2017; Austin Knapp, September 2017; Brooke Brown, October 2017; Mariah Davis, February 2018; Kyle Garner, March 2018. This year's Student of the Year will be named in December.

"Looking at the previous Student of the Month and Student of the Year winners, it is evident we have ongoing success stories here at WKCTC," Posey said. "I'll enjoy my recognition as Student of the Year of 2017, and look forward to seeing our student leaders of the future."

Amy Elmore, WKCTC coordinator of student development and activities and one of the recognition event master of ceremonies said, "Gavin is one of the most responsible and patient students I have met in my 11 years of higher education service. He works hard at everything he does...and is truly a remarkable young man. Gavin is going to achieve great success in life and I believe he is more than deserving of the honor of Student of the Year."

Posey is set to graduate this May with both an associate in science and an associate in arts degree at WKCTC and plans to continue his education majoring in either community and leadership development or organizational communications. He said attending WKCTC has helped him develop into a stronger leader and individual.

"One of the things I've noticed most since beginning my higher education at WKCTC is how invested our school is to students' success. I see this every day, whether it's in the classroom or around campus. By placing yourself at WKCTC, as a student, as faculty, or as staff, you're making a commitment to achieve great things," he said.

Crediting his family for showing him the importance of hard work, Posey is part of a long line of family members to attend WKCTC. One of the Posey triplets - Gavin, his sister, Brooke, and his brother, Mason - all attend WKCTC and are continuing the family tradition of earning a college degree.

Their grandmother, Elaine Smith, graduated with a nursing degree from Paducah Community College (what's now WKCTC) in 1971 at the same time her father, Kenneth Blackburn, was taking classes there. Posey's mother, Ashley, also attended classes at the Paducah college.

His father, Scott, who was at the luncheon to cheer on his son, has joined the Posey tradition working to finish his first semester at the college. After being laid off from his job, he is seizing the opportunity to earn a degree with plans to change careers and work in cyber security in the future.

"I will miss being a part of WKCTC after I complete my associate degrees. However, I know the future is in good hands. Maybe one day you'll see me back here at WKCTC as an employee," he said.

Others were honored at the luncheon include:

  • Outstanding Leadership - Representative Gerald Watkins
  • Dedication for Community/Diversity - Paducah Police Department
  • SGA Outstanding Achievement - WKCTC Alpha Epsilon Beta Club
  • SGA Campus Impact - WKCTC Hispanic Culture Club
  • Student ambassadors, West Kentucky Star basketball players and each of the campus clubs were also recognized.

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West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) has been recognized as an Aspen Prize Top 10 Community College each of the four times the Prize has been awarded by the Aspen Institute and has twice been named a Finalist with Distinction for providing students with strong job training and continuing higher education opportunity, for achieving high completion and transfer rates, and for providing strong employment results for its graduates. For more information visit, westkentucky.kctcs.edu.

Media Attachments

WKCTC's Gavin Posey received Student of the Year Award from WKCTC Vice President of Student Development Dr. Belinda Dalton-Russell at Student Development Leader Recognition Luncheon Red Carpet event at college March 7.

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