ANNISTON, AL — Gadsden State Community College recently recognized student excellence during its 60th Annual Honors Day, hosting ceremonies across multiple campuses to highlight academic success, leadership, and perseverance.
The primary event for students attending the Ayers Campus in Anniston was held at the Learning Resource Center, while a second ceremony took place at Wallace Hall on the Wallace Drive Campus for students from Etowah and Cherokee counties. Across both events, more than 230 awards and scholarships were presented during the April 14–15 celebrations.
Among the highest honors awarded was the President’s Cup, presented annually by college president Alan Smith to students demonstrating exceptional achievement across all aspects of college life.
This year’s President’s Cup recipients include:
- Academic Division: Erin McGuire of Piedmont, recognized for academic excellence, leadership, and service, including her work as a tutor and mentor. She will graduate in May with a degree in Office Administration – Health Information Technology and plans to continue her education at Athens State University.
- Health Science Division: Kayleigh Lee of Heflin, who will earn her Registered Nurse degree and plans to pursue a career in emergency care.
- Technical Division: Braxton Bussie of Talladega, an Industrial Automation student who maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA and plans to continue his career with Honda.
In addition to academic honors, the Outstanding Achievement Award was presented to Annelise Feazell of Piedmont. The award recognizes students who have overcome significant adversity while pursuing higher education.
Feazell was honored for her resilience after the loss of her mother, during which she assumed responsibility for caring for her younger siblings while continuing her education. Despite these challenges, she maintained strong academic performance, remained active in student support programs, and plans to pursue a career in diagnostic medical sonography.
Additional recognitions included departmental awards across multiple academic disciplines, scholarships presented by the Cardinal Foundation, and honors such as Rising Scholar Awards and Student of Distinction Awards for students demonstrating strong academic performance and community involvement.
The annual Honors Day events highlight the college’s commitment to recognizing student achievement, perseverance, and leadership across its academic, technical, and health science programs.
