GADSDEN, AL — Gadsden State Community College recently honored hundreds of students for their academic excellence, service, and perseverance during its 59th Annual Honors Day events, held April 15-16 across multiple campuses. More than 300 awards and scholarships were presented during ceremonies at the Beck Conference Center for students attending the Gadsden and Centre campuses, and at the Learning Resource Center on the Ayers Campus.
One of the most prestigious recognitions each year is the Allen-Ray Award, which has been presented annually for all 59 years of Honors Day. This year, Chris Ray, a relative of the late Jack Ray—former CEO of the Exchange Bank of Alabama—presented the award to Ashley Marie Hawk of Gadsden. Hawk, a mother of three, has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA and will graduate summa cum laude in May with an Associate in Applied Science in Office Administration-Word Processing Specialist.
In addition to the Allen-Ray Award, Hawk received the inaugural Kathy Brown Memorial Scholarship, named in memory of a longtime college administrative assistant. She was also named Outstanding Speech Student, Outstanding Office Administration Student, and a Student of Distinction. Hawk has been actively involved in Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), volunteering for numerous college and community events, and currently serves as resident vice president for the Emma Sansom Homes.
President Dr. Kathy Murphy presented the annual President’s Cup, awarded to students who demonstrate excellence in all aspects of college life. The Academic Division award went to Gracie Smith of Attalla, an active member of PTK, the Student Government Association, and Baptist Campus Ministries. Smith plans to continue her studies at a four-year university after receiving her Associate of Science in General Studies.
The Health Science Division President’s Cup recipient was Tiffany Durham of Leesburg. A nursing student with clinical experience in critical care, Durham has received numerous accolades including the Louis and Elaine Marsalis Scholarship and was previously crowned Gadsden State Homecoming Queen.
Cheyenne McCollum of Lineville received the President’s Cup for the Technical Division. McCollum, a court reporting student with a 3.9 GPA, is a Gadsden State Ambassador and has consistently earned spots on the Dean’s and President’s lists.
Three students received Outstanding Achievement Awards for overcoming significant life challenges to pursue higher education:
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Macey Johnson of Huntsville, who battled epilepsy and recovered from a severe sports injury while maintaining a 3.7 GPA.
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Makenzi Mae Collins of Rainbow City, who managed personal loss and family responsibilities while excelling academically and volunteering as a tutor.
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Kristina O’Neal of Centre, who rose above a difficult childhood to become an active member of campus organizations and will soon graduate as a registered nurse.
Numerous departmental awards were presented during the Wallace Drive Campus ceremony, recognizing excellence across programs ranging from Welding and Nursing to Computer Science and Mathematics.
Several students were awarded transfer scholarships to four-year institutions, including the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The Gadsden State Cardinal Foundation also awarded a wide range of scholarships funded by community donors and family foundations.
Among additional honors:
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Outstanding Ambassador: Ava Wilson
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Outstanding Cardinal Tutoring Center Peer Tutors: Kristina LaRae O’Neal, Levi Benefield, and Lillian McDill
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Outstanding Student Support Services Student: Joseph Lockridge
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All-Alabama Academic Team: Collins Davis and Chase Lopas
Dozens of students were also recognized with the Rising Scholar Award for their academic promise and dedication.
The Honors Day celebrations reflect Gadsden State’s commitment to recognizing the hard work and resilience of its student body. As graduation approaches, these honorees stand out as leaders and role models in their academic journeys and communities.
