Isothermal Community College Honors 20 Students of the Semester – Fall 2025

By: Blakely Hollifield
Published: December 15, 2025

SPINDALE (Dec. 11, 2025) — Isothermal Community College recognized 20 outstanding students during its Fall 2025 Students of the Semester Awards. The ceremony honored students from a wide range of programs and pathways who demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, perseverance, and service.

Each student was nominated by one or more instructors, with nominations highlighting exceptional performance, dedication to learning, and positive contributions to the campus community.

The Fall 2025 Students of the Semester are:

Bonnie Elizabeth Bailey
Bonnie Bailey, a junior at Polk County Early College, is an outstanding student and leader. She excels academically and is actively involved in Key Club, FCA, SAVE, and Student Council. After school, she works at a local elementary school, helping students with homework. Bonnie is known for her kind heart, strong work ethic, and dedication to serving others. She is respected by her peers and teachers alike.

Sarah Blackmon
Ms. Blackmon entered EMT training due to a long-standing interest in public safety and service. Ms. Blackmon had a negative experience in another county and did not want to be “that EMT”. Sarah stands out as a student who consistently produces strong work and takes initiative to deepen her understanding of course material. In class, she is a model student and has recently assisted in educating young students in the Gear Up Tour.

Brandy Byrd
Brandy is a resilient and inspiring individual who exemplifies determination and service. A veteran of the armed forces, they returned to college to pursue a career in human services and have excelled academically with an impeccable GPA—all while undergoing chemotherapy. Brandy’s dedication extends beyond the classroom through their service in the Student Government Association and Human Services Club. Graduating in December, Brandy truly deserves recognition for their exceptional perseverance and commitment.

Deni Cockerham
Deni completed Isothermal’s inaugural Dental Assisting program and is now in the inaugural Dental Hygiene program. Deni is a great student, classmate, friend, and Dental Assistant. She is already showing growth and skill in the Dental Hygiene program and is going to continue to do great things.

Joshua Collins
Josh is an outstanding REaCH student, who is completing both his high school diploma and Associate in Science degree. Inquisitive, collaborative, and driven, he approaches learning with a genuine desire to grow. He is a natural leader among his peers, encouraging others, keeping them focused, and offering support when they struggle, all while maintaining a positive attitude. His intellectual curiosity, dedication, and thoughtful engagement make him a model student and a deserving recipient of this award.

Skylar Leigh Davis
After diligently working to improve her reading skills in the Adult Basic Education program, Skylar joined the Adult High School class last May. She works consistently and regularly to get her coursework finished. Already she has completed three classes and is working on a fourth class. Additionally, she has earned 8 computer certifications through the Digital Skills Basics and Digital Skills Applications classes. She is always willing to help other students. Her dream is to enter the military after graduation. Skylar is very deserving of the Student of the Semester Award.

Nydia Lira Garza
Nydia has attended ESL classes regularly and is an active participant in classes. She makes attending class a priority by coming to both daytime and evening classes as her schedule permits. A diligent ESL student, Nydia is very organized and keeps a detailed English notebook for review and practice. She has made significant progress in the Burlington English program; she sets goals, tests, and strives to complete each level of the program. She is a positive and upbeat student who encourages others and reaches out to students who don’t speak her first language (Spanish). We want to recognize Nydia for both her work ethic as a student and as an encouraging classmate.

Gregory Giggie
Gregory is a dedicated student who brings great energy to the classroom. He is always engaged, asks thoughtful questions and offers interesting discussions to the class. He uses critical thinking skills to dig deeper into subjects and pushes his instructors to do the same. He brings humor to the classroom as well and is fun to have in class. For all of these reasons, he deserves the Student of the Semester award.

James Gingerich
The Arts & Sciences Division recognizes James Gingerich for his academic excellence and exemplary work ethic. James approaches learning with diligence and curiosity, consistently exploring course material in advance and in depth. In class, he actively engages in discussions, and after class, he explores various applications and extensions. His dedication to mastering difficult concepts and maintaining high personal standards makes him an outstanding student within our campus community.

Balsam Higgins
The Arts & Sciences Division is proud to recognize Balsam Higgins for her dedication and commitment to academic growth. She takes ownership of her learning, meeting challenges with determination. When faced with difficult coursework, she asks questions for clarification and makes time to strengthen her understanding. Balsam also supports classmates by explaining tough concepts and collaborating effectively in lab work. Her drive to learn and willingness to help others make her a valued member of our campus community.

Cecelia J. Higgins
CJ is not only an excellent student, but she is also an all-around excellent person. She is a pleasure to work with and is a well-rounded young woman. She has a strong work ethic and strives to give her best every single day. CJ builds positive relationships with her peers as well as instructors. She has proven herself to be an achiever, talented, and academically gifted, making her an outstanding choice for Student of the Semester.

El Huffman
The Arts & Sciences Division is proud to recognize El Huffman for her commitment to excellence and positive influence on others. El stands out as a student who consistently produces strong work and takes initiative to deepen her understanding of course material. El is friendly, collaborative, and contributes meaningfully in group settings. By sharing her knowledge and encouraging others, she enhances her peers’ understanding of course content and exemplifies the spirit of leadership within the Isothermal community.

Jordan Keller
The Arts & Sciences Division proudly celebrates Jordan Keller for his academic leadership and exceptional school spirit. Jordan takes initiative and works ahead to build a deep understanding of the material. He asks thoughtful questions that strengthen class discussions and encourage broader learning. He sets a positive example as a student leader for his peers. He also supports others to pursue education, reflecting his commitment to learning and his pride in Isothermal’s mission.

Laurel Kellum
Laurel is a standout Phlebotomy student whose perseverance, work ethic, and positive attitude are inspiring. Despite facing significant obstacles, she never makes excuses, she simply puts in the effort to learn and excel. Her work in the classroom and lab setting is diligent and focused, and her performance reflects the pride she takes in her education. Laurel has shown that when you truly want something, you find the strength to make it happen.

Mary Piercy
Mary is an exemplary Paramedic student and a leader in the classroom. She sets an example for other students to follow. She participates with purpose and consistently goes above expectations. Her professionalism, reliability, and strong communication skills make her stand out as a leader among her peers.

Mikala Schlabach
It is with great pride that I present the Student of the Semester Award to a truly remarkable Nail Technology student. Throughout this program, she has consistently demonstrated excellence, professionalism, and dedication to the highest standards. Her passion for learning, attention to detail, and commitment to success have set her apart as an outstanding example for her peers. She is truly deserving of this recognition and represents the very best of our program. 

Tonia Tate
Tonia Tate demonstrates excellence in every aspect of her studies. She produces high-quality work, participates with purpose, and consistently goes above expectations. Her professionalism, reliability, and strong communication skills make her stand out as a leader among her peers. Tonia’s positive attitude and steady commitment to learning represent the best qualities of Isothermal Community College, making her an outstanding choice for Student of the Semester.

Jessica Van Dyke
Jessica exemplifies the dedication, resilience, and compassion we seek to foster in our healthcare programs. She completed her Nurse Aide 1 training this semester and always showed up eager to learn. Jessica demonstrated exceptional compassion while providing care in the clinical setting. She not only performed her skills accurately and confidently, but she took time to assist classmates who were still building their confidence. She is motivated and deeply committed to her education and her future in healthcare.

Mercy Waller
Mercy demonstrates exceptional dedication in the Computer Programming and Development program. She engages actively in class, asks thoughtful questions, and shows a strong desire to master new concepts. She consistently submits work in a timely manner, maintains a dependable presence, and contributes positively to the learning environment. She also supports her peers by offering help and encouragement. Her commitment and enthusiasm make her an outstanding student and a valued member of the program.

Morgan Whisnant
Tonight, we proudly honor a remarkable cosmetology student who has pushed forward and completed this program against all odds. She has faced challenges that could have easily stopped her, yet she continued with determination, grace, and an unshakable spirit. We often say a student is “most deserving,” but if you knew her story—her resilience, her dedication, and her achievements—you would agree she truly stands apart. She exemplifies what it means to never give up. It is my absolute honor to recognize her as a true miracle and an exceptional student.

Category: Awards