West Kentucky Community & Technical College

More than 500 students were recently named to the Dean's List for the Fall 2020 semester at West Kentucky Community and Technical College. To be named to the Dean's List, a student must be a full-time WKCTC student earning at least a 3.5 grade point average (GPA) and successfully completing 12 hours or more of course work numbered 100 or above for the academic term.

West Kentucky Community and Technical College recognized more than 840 candidates for graduation during a virtual Fall 2020 Commencement program aired on the college's Facebook page and YouTube channels December 18, 2020 The college's in-person commencement is normally held at The Carson Center for the Performing Arts and had been scheduled for December 19. The ceremony was canceled due to COVID-19. "We didn't want to miss the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our 2020 graduates while also keeping everyone as safe as possible," said Dr. Anton Reece, WKCTC president, of the decision to have a virtual ceremony. "While Commencement looks different this year, one thing is not different - pride. We are proud of each of our graduates and the support of their family and friends who may have helped them each step of the way to graduation."

Congratulations to Gabe Jones, an Eagle Scout with Troop #2200 of Paducah, who is currently enrolled as a first-year welding student at West Kentucky Community and Technical College. Jones was featured in the November newsletter, "The Blueprint," from AGC of Western Kentucky, which is a chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America. When Jones was in the seventh grade, he participated in the annual AGC/MSU (Murray State University) Boy Scout Merit Badge. At that time he completed the Welding Badge under welding instructor Virgil Holland, WKCTC Welding Technology Program coordinator. "I found my passion for welding while taking the merit badge," said Jones. Holland and WKCTC welding instructors said Jones is a "top notch" student and possesses the desired qualities companies seek in an employee. We are #WKCTCProud of him! Anyone interested in the WKCTC Welding Technology Program, can contact Virgil Holland at virgil.holland@kctcs.edu.

West Kentucky Community and Technical College's chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, Iota Eta, recently participated in a virtual 5K event held by the PTK National Foundation, the organization that supports scholarships for PTK members from around the world. WKCTC's virtual race, that raised $385 for the PTK Foundation, was held on the Paducah's Greenway Trail on September 19, 2020. Other participants ran or walked on their own at their preferred time and location. "We want to thank all participants for their support of our student members!" said Dr. Kevin Gericke, WKCTC Iota Eta advisor. Way to go everyone!

Joella Williams of Paducah was recently named the 2020 September Student of the Month at West Kentucky Community and Technical College. Congrats Joella!

West Kentucky Community and Technical College's student justice club, Alpha Epsilon Beta (AEB), presented a ceremonial check for $1,470 to Paducah's Child Watch Counseling and Advocacy Center October 15, 2020, outside the college's Student Center. Great job everyone!

More than 490 students were recently named to the Dean's List for the Spring 2020 semester at West Kentucky Community and Technical College. To be named to the Dean's List, a student must be a full-time WKCTC student earning at least a 3.5 grade point average (GPA) and successfully completing 12 hours or more of course work numbered 100 or above for the academic term.

Fatiah Turkmani of Paducah, a freshman at West Kentucky Community and Technical College, recently received a $100 gift card for participating in the college's Pathway to Enrollment in July 2020. "I found out about the Pathways to Enrollment event through email, and I signed up online to make an appointment with advising to sign up for my classes," said Fatiah, who said she planned to attend WKCTC after taking dual credit courses during her senior year at McCracken County High School. "I am trying to get my Associate in Science, to go into pharmacy school. I'm trying to get certified as a pharmacy technician right now." Congratulations Fatiah!

More than 80 students received their GED in 2019-2020 through West Kentucky Community and Technical College's Skills U program. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the College's adult education program was unable to hold an in-person GED graduation this year. To honor the hard work and dedication of the graduates in the significant milestone in their lives, WKCTC posted a GED video tribute on its social media channels on Thursday, July 9, 2020.

PHOTO RELEASE: Tyler Raker of Paducah, a student at West Kentucky Community and Technical College, won a laptop computer from a virtual event June 24 on the college's Facebook page and YouTube channel. Raker, who is working toward an associate in applied science degree, is among 30 current and new WKCTC students who registered for fall classes during a six-hour online event called "Fall Into Your Goals," which made them eligible to win the laptop. WKCTC faculty and staff answered students' questions about the college's student services including financial aid, advising, admissions, tutoring, career services and more. Several others won gift cards for participating in the event. "This is amazing," Raker said. Fall registration at WKCTC is underway. Contact the WKCTC Advising Center at 270-534-3216 or wkctcadvising@kctcs.edu to setup an appointment.

West Kentucky Community and Technical College recognized its 2019-2020 honor students during a virtual tribute May 20. More than 90 WKCTC students were recognized on the college's Facebook channel in a variety of subject areas for outstanding achievement. The college produced the tribute video to help recognize the accomplishments of this year's honor students, noting that an in-person celebration could not be held due to COVID-19 restrictions.

West Kentucky Community and Technical College announced more than 1,100 students who were conditionally eligible to receive one or more associate degrees, diplomas or certificates during Spring 2020. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, the college postponed its 2020 Spring Commencement which would have been held Saturday, May 9 at the Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center, and announced the ceremony will be held Saturday, December 19 at the Carson Center. The complete list of Spring 2020 candidate for graduation can be also be seen online and can be seen in alphabetical order by degree and county.

West Kentucky Community and Technical College's Selena Bell was recently named April Student of the Month. Congratulations Selena! We are #WKCTCProud of you!

Due to COVID-19, physical therapist assistant (PTA) students at West Kentucky Community and Technical College had their "First-Ever Best Stay Safe at Home Activity/Photo Contest" in April 2020. Students sent in photos and shared what they are doing with their families while staying safe and healthy at home. PTA Program Coordinator Mary Jo Campbell said there were "lots of great pictures with kids and dogs and surprisingly a lot of other animals too!" The PTA students who submitted photos were: 1st year students: Jessi Brewer Leah Kluemper (Mary) Carson Dubrock Allie Davis Deane White Randi Futrell Courtney Burkeen 2nd year students: Caitlin Shaffer Emily Crawford Walker Grubbs Kate Moore Kayla Baker Andrea Favela The winner was Jessi Brewer. This is what she said about her photo: "...helping my Grandpa who had a stroke last year get back on a horse! He was a three-time world champion barrel racer and wanted to get back in the saddle!" Jessi's prize was extra credit bonus points on her final exam and a "free homework pass". Great job to all the PTA students!

Eagle Scout Caleb Buford, a student at West Kentucky Community and Technical College, was recently featured in the Paducah Sun for his work helping Scouts across Kentucky make progress on their merit badges during COVID-19. Caleb teaches a group of Boy Scouts using the virtual tool, Zoom. Caleb is a WKCTC Community Scholar Program student studying communications, and a graduate of McCracken Co. High School. The Eagle Scout Award is the highest advancement award the Boy Scouts of America offers to Scouts. Caleb, a member of Boy Scout Troop 2066 sponsored by the Barlow United Methodist Church, earned his Eagle Scout Award in January 2018. Thanks Caleb for what you're doing for your fellow Scouts!

Paducah's John Putney was recently named West Kentucky Community and Technical College's March Student of the Month. A criminal justice major at WKCTC, Putney serves as the president of Alpha Epsilon Beta (AEB), the college's criminal justice club. Upon graduating from the college, Putney plans to transfer to Murray State University this fall to continue his education with a focus in criminal justice and social work. Congratulations!

West Kentucky Community and Technical College's chapter of the National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses (NALPN) recently raised $357 for Paducah's Hope Unlimited Family Care Center. The money was raised through a bake sale and walking taco lunch at WKCTC. Four NAPLN students and faculty advisors presented the check to Hope Unlimited representative Nicole Farley in early March 2020. Great job!

Congratulations to Olivia Chell for being named 2020 February Student of the Month at West Kentucky Community and Technical College. Olivia lives in Pope County, Illinois, and is studying to be a social worker. At WKCTC, she serves as the Student Government Association president, a student ambassador, a member of the Hispanic Culture Club, and has been attending the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) Student Leadership Series in 2019-2020. At WKCTC and at the KCTCS, Olivia strives to find new ways to encourage students to get involved on campus and to have the best educational experience possible. Olivia plans to transfer to a four-year universtiy when she graduates from WKCTC. Way to go, Olivia!

Four WKCTC students are serving as student ambassadors during spring 2020. Student ambassadors are outstanding student leaders selected to publicly represent WKCTC, Office of Student Services, and the community in a multitude of essential capacities. The ambassador is positive, professional, displays enthusiasm, and a genuine desire and spirit of helpfulness. They seek increased involvement and knowledge of academic programs, student concerns, employee roles, college resources, facilities, and social interaction. The ambassadors are part of a dynamic team of student leaders, dedicated to creating positive change and student success. Ambassadors make students and campus guests feel welcomed, comfortable, and supported through building strong connections. Ambassadors, thank you for all you do for WKCTC and the community! If other WKCTC students are interested in becoming a student ambassador, just visit the WKCTC website at westkentucky.kctcs.edu and search for student ambassador to find out how.

Dental Assistant Recognition Week (also known as DARW) is held the first full week in March each year. The dental assistant students at West Kentucky Community and Technical College celebrate DARW 2020 on March 1-6. Each is choosing to do something special for the dental assistants at their clinical sites, such as taking sweet treats to the sites and writing a thank you card! WKCTC dental assisting program faculty also recognized the Class of 2020 dental assisting students by surprising them with a brunch on March 2 to celebrate the week. Congrats to all the students!

On Friday, January 24, 2020, seven West Kentucky Community and Technical College dental assisting students and two, fourth year University of Louisvile dental students, with Paducah dentist Dr. Daniel Abell, participated in one of the children's dental clinics on the WKCTC campus each semester. WKCTC, UofL and the Purchase Area Health Education Center (AHEC) partner for the clinics once a month each semester to provide free dental care for kids. The kids who attend the clinic are scheduled through Missy Stokes, AHEC center director. WKCTC provides dental assistants and the facility and UofL students provide the dental work including restorative and preventive treatments. Dr. Abell (general dentist) supervised the January 24 clinic. Eleven children were treated at that clinic. All ten current WKCTC dental assisting and other local dentists participate in AHEC dental clinics for children throughout the semester. Way to go everyone!

More than 525 students were recently named to the Dean's List for the Fall 2019 semester at West Kentucky Community and Technical College. To be named to the Dean's List, a student must be a full-time WKCTC student earning at least a 3.5 grade point average (GPA) and successfully completing 12 hours or more of course work numbered 100 or above for the academic term. The Fall 2019 Dean's List recipients are listed below.

Congratulations to Trina Cruse, a nontraditional student who is returning to WKCTC. She registered for the spring 2020 semester during the week of January 6-10, when the college was open for extended hours. Students who registered during that week were entered into a drawing for a gift basket from Paducah's Midtown Market. Trina won! She is returning to WKCTC after more than ten years. She earned as associate in science degree and has come back to earn an associate in applied science degree in medical information technology, medical coding. Trina plans to work from home upon graduating, and hopes to continue her education at WKCTC in the future to become a nurse. Welcome back, Trina!

West Kentucky Community and Technical College recognized more than 175 candidates for graduation who participated in its Fall Commencement Ceremony at the Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center December 16, 2019. More than 1,000 WKCTC students were conditionally eligible to receive one or more associate degrees, diplomas or certificates during Fall 2019.

Courtney McMackin was all smiles as she accepted her Holiday Gift to Yourself grand prize from WKCTC President Anton Reece on December 13, 2019. Holiday Gift to Yourself encouraged students to register early for the 2020 spring semester and have their names entered into a prize drawing. WKCTC students who registered for spring classes were entered into the drawing for a $50 gift card, with one student winning a card each week between October 29 and December 10. As the grand prize winner, Courtney won a $50 gift card as well as $500 toward 2020 spring tuition! Courtney is studying to be an elementary school teacher. Congratulations Courtney and all the WKCTC student winners!

Congratulations to the winners of the Sustainability Month Donation Challenge for The Campus Cupboard food pantry at West Kentucky Community and Technical College. The winners were announced early in November 2019. First place winners were the Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Educators (IECE) club. Before donating their boxes of instant oatmeal, they spelled out IECE! for a photo with the boxes. Their group won $100. Second place winner ($50) was Alpha Epsilon Beta (AEB), for their donations of canned carrots. Third place winner ($25) was the West Kentucky men's basketball club for donations of canned pasta. The Campus Cupboard is always appreciative of all donations of shelf-stable food, as well as toiletries and personal hygiene products. Participation in this contest helped stock the shelves!

Several West Kentucky Community and Technical College business students volunteered their time at the unveilling of the college's new Business Immersion Center. Students demonstrated the benefits of having a center to incorporate enhanced technology and innovations into the classroom while providing students with a collaborative creative workspace. The new center will allow students in WKCTC's business programs to use workplace-based computer simulations to help students develop soft skills and professional behavior needed in today's workplace. Students who helped at the grand opening of the center on Nov. 21 were Kylie Cavanah, Kelsey Couch, Nakyia Kelly and Hannah Lester, all of Paducah, Alisha Boone of Grand Rivers, Tish Canter of Symsonia, Lindy Warner of Fancy Farm, Audrey Thompson of Metropolis, Ill, Patrick Stephens of Benton, and Greg Kildow of Almo.

Several students in the physical therapist assistant program at West Kentucky Community and Technical College recently participated in the 2019 international Physical Therapy Day of Service by volunteering at the Regional Special Olympics Bowling Tournament in Paducah. Since its inception, Physical Therapy Day of Service (PTDOS) has grown exponential with service projects occurring each year in countries all over the world, and in all 50 states across the United States. PTDOS is the first global Day of Service coordinated by a physical therapy profession. It gives physical therapists and physical therapist assistants the chance to lead and serve at the same time.

Several members of the Kentucky Association of Nursing Students (KANS) chapter at West Kentucky Community and Technical College recently participated in the Purchase Area's 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer's in Paducah October 26. More than 350 people participated in 47 teams and raised $81,769. WKCTC's KANS chapter raised $1,040 to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research. Faculty advisor Angela Fisher said KANS is the organization for students enrolled in the nursing program at WKCTC. The KANS students initially raise $400 at a fundraising Nacho bar. "These ladies worked hard and were able to raise additional monies, along with many other classmates, bringing their total to over $1000," Fiser said shortly after the walk. "Today, they represented KANS and WKCTC with pride."

National Pharmacy Technician Day 2019 was October 15. In a morning math calculations class, several students in the Pharmacy Technology Program at West Kentucky Community and Technical College celebrated the day with an eye-opening cake. A pharmacy technician plays a vital role in assisting pharmacists and providing safe care to patients in a wide variety of settings. Future employment for these students may include pharmacy settings in retail, hospital, compounding, veterinary, and oncology centers. Nice job!