WKCTC's Community Scholarship Program Reception Recognized Student Success and Donor Support

Fifth Year for CSP Reception

Paducah, KY (02/27/2019) — When West Kentucky Community and Technical College graduate Jordie Russell Estrada stepped to the microphone at the college's Community Scholarship Program (CSP) reception Monday, she praised the program for making the difference in her life to help her achieve her dream of becoming a teacher. Estrada and others spoke to more than 100 students, donors and supporters at the 2019 CSP reception that was held in the college's Emerging Technology Center February 25.

"It's an honor and a privilege to speak with you today. As I started to research colleges during my senior year (in high school) I knew two things. I wanted to graduate with little to no debt and I wanted to stay close to home," said the 21-year-old, who graduated valedictorian of McCracken County High School in 2015. Estrada enrolled at WKCTC in fall 2015 and received the CSP scholarship and a presidential scholarship. She said the great financial benefits, being close to her home, and being able to work while attending classes made WKCTC the perfect fit for her.

"I had known for years that if I was going to go to college, I was going to be the one paying for it. The scholarships helped me out tremendously."

Estrada earned an associate in arts degree with a 4.0 GPA in May 2017. "Not only did I graduate from WKCTC, I also graduated debt free, thanks to the generous donors of the community scholarship," she said. Currently attending Murray State University (MSU), majoring in learning and behavioral disorders with an emphasis on elementary education, Estrada will fulfill her dream to become a special education teacher. She expects to graduate from Murray State this May.

A second CSP recipient and 2014 Paducah Tilghman High School graduate, Ben Sandman was also set to speak at the reception. However, Sandman asked WKCTC Success Coach Justin Hill to read his comments as he is working out of town.

"I will be putting what I learned at WKCTC to work. While at WKCTC I earned multiple certificates in welding; I knew I wanted to be a welder before I left high school," said Hill on Sandman's behalf. In Sandman's comments he said the knowledge and experience he received at the college led him to several job opportunities while at WKCTC, including being a member of Local Iron Workers 782.

"In March 2018, I had the rare opportunity as an iron worker to work in a nuclear power plant in Arkansas. In order to work in this facility, I went through two background checks, received two weeks of extensive training with exams and a welding test. My friend and I were two of 60 to pass these tests," Sandman wrote.

He said his brother, Andrew, who also received a CSP scholarship, graduated from Paducah Tilghman and WKCTC with an associate in arts degree. Andrew Sandman is currently the team leader in the transport division at Mercy Health.

"I want to thank all the donors and everyone at WKCTC who made this opportunity possible for me and my brother, but also for other students," Ben Sandman wrote. "Our parents also thank you for helping to ease their minds for how to pay for college."

CSP Director Dr. Lisa Stephenson congratulated everyone in the audience as this year marks five years of coming together to celebrate the program. "We look forward to this event every year because it gives us the opportunity to celebrate the accomplishments of our students and to thank those of you who support the program." In the past five years, 1,126 students have been served through the CSP.

Dr. Stephenson said statistics prove the CSP is providing a pathway to success. From the data collected on the program, she said CSP students are staying at WKCTC, earning higher GPAs, completing more college credit hours, and completing college credentials at higher rates than others in their respective freshman class. Stephenson added, CSP students are also graduating at nearly the same rate as some of the four-year institutions in Kentucky. CSP students transferring to universities are receiving transfer scholarships to help pay for their education and have continued success, and those entering the workforce are prepared for their respective occupations.

"Donors, thank you," Dr. Stephenson added. "When we asked for your support for the high school graduates by contributing to this program, you did not and have not hesitated to provide that funding."

Computer Services, Inc. (CSI) Chairman/CEO Steve Powless said the vision for the CSP was to create a public/private partnership, initiated by the Rotary Club of Paducah, to be funded by private and corporate donors. He said the overall goal was to break the cycle of high school students not going to college because of financial hardships. "It (CSP) was to create a hope for those that thought college was simply out of reach. We carry an obligation and not an option to do our part to better this community that we all love, live and work in," said Powless. "As the saying goes, 'we all rise by lifting others', and I think that is beyond question."

Powless said it was easy for CSI to buy into the vision of the Community Scholarship Program. "We knew it was going to take financial resources...that had to be over and above what the city and the county and the education environment in this area could do on their own. It needed financial support for this dream to really become a reality," he said. "We believe that we must give back, and giving back makes for better citizens, better employees, and ultimately, better leaders in our community."

During the reception, Dr. Anton Reece, WKCTC president, and Lee Emmons, WKCTC vice president of advancement and Paducah Junior College (PJC) Foundation executive director, thanked all CSP donors and educational supporters and recognized them for their continued support.

CSP financial partners are Bacon Farmer Workman, City of Paducah, Community Financial Services Bank, CSI, Edward Jones Investments, Paducah & Louisville Railway, Paducah Bank, PJC, Inc., Paducah Power System, Rotary Club of Paducah. Additional donors also contribute to the program. Educational partners for the program are Community Christian Academy, McCracken County High School, Paducah Tilghman High School, and St. Mary High School.

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