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WKCTC Student Honored to be Named Student of the Month

WKCTC MEDIA RELEASE: Paducah, KY (06/05/2017) — Paducah's Dayla Hale has two life dreams. She wants to be the best mother she can be and serve her community as a police officer. Both reasons brought her to West Kentucky Community and Technical College, where she received recognition for her hard work as April Student of the Month.

"It is an honor to have my hard work and dedication noticed by so many and be selected for Student of the Month. I could not be happier or thankful for this recognition," said the 24-year-old Hale, who enrolled at WKCTC in fall 2015.

The first in her family go to college, Hale said her life's purpose is to be a positive role model for her two-year-old son, Joshua.

"He is the reason I came back to college. I want him to see his mom succeed by striving for what I want in life so he will know he can do the same when he grows up," she said. "The only way I would be able to give him the life he deserves is go back to school to earn my degree. I want to show him that anything is possible if you set your mind to it, and giving up isn't an option."

A criminal justice major and an active member in the college's Alpha Epsilon Beta criminal justice organization, Hale has never given up on her childhood dream of serving and protecting others as a police officer.

"I have the upmost respect for those who go out every day and risk their lives for ours. They do so much for our community and ask for nothing in return. I would love to be a part of something like that, to serve my community and help those in need," said Hale. "I also hope to one day become a court designated worker for juveniles; I want to make a difference in the lives of children and have a positive impact on their lives."

Hale said the college and its faculty and staff have created a lasting impression of encouragement and motivation in her life.

"WKCTC has changed my life. I have been provided the opportunity to pursue my career while still being able to work (as a student worker) and provide for my child. The professors have given me hope and courage. They refuse to give up on you or to let you give up, and that means a lot to a college student," she said. "They remind you of what all the stress and struggling is for and give you the courage to keep going."

Set to graduate from WKCTC in December with plans to transfer to Murray State University next spring, Hale encourages others to begin their education at WKCTC.

"Without a doubt, I would refer WKCTC to everyone. When you graduate from here, you will be ready for whatever life has to throw your way."

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.

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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.

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Paducah’s Dayla Hale named WKCTC Student of the Month.

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