Outstanding students recognized during 2026 Spring Awards Day ceremony
By: Blakely Hollifield
Published: May 07, 2026
Spindale, NC (April 30, 2026) - Isothermal Community College recognized outstanding students from across academic programs during its annual Spring Awards Day ceremony held Thursday, April 30, at The Foundation Performing Arts Center.
The event highlighted student achievement in academic excellence, leadership, workforce development, and program-specific performance, celebrating students who demonstrated exceptional dedication throughout the academic year.
Among the College’s highest honors, Cindy McAbee was named the NCCCS Academic Excellence Award Nominee. Chelcie Biddix was recognized as the Dallas Herring Achievement Award Nominee, and Alexander Cook was named the Governor Robert W. Scott Leadership Award Nominee.
Matthew Humphries was selected as the recipient of the Robert Wendell Eaves Award. Finalists included Ariel (Starr) Tate and Michael Lyda.
Maëva Christine Hassani was recognized as Outstanding Alumni, honoring continued achievement and impact beyond graduation.
Student leadership was also celebrated through recognition of the Student Government Association, including Alexander Cook (President), Tony McKinney (Vice President), Pryce Dellinger (Secretary), Zoe Shehan (Public Information Officer), Francisco Chavez (Outreach Ambassador), Delfina Sebastián-Carrillo, and William Campbell (Senators).
Students of the Semester, division academic awards, and program-specific honors were also presented across Arts and Sciences, Applied Technologies, Health and Public Services, Workforce Development, and College and Career Readiness programs.
These recognitions highlight the wide range of academic programs at Isothermal Community College and the dedication of students who continue to excel in their chosen fields of study.
Spring 2026 Award Recipients
NCCCS State-Level Nominations & Honors
- NCCCS Academic Excellence Award Nominee: Cindy McAbee
- Dallas Herring Achievement Award Nominee: Chelcie Biddix
- Governor Robert W. Scott Leadership Award Nominee: Alexander Cook
Robert Wendell Eaves Award
- Recipient: Matthew Humphries
- Finalists: Ariel (Starr) Tate, Michael Lyda
Outstanding Alumni
- Maëva Christine Hassani
Student Government Association
- President: Alexander Cook
- Vice President: Tony McKinney
- Secretary: Pryce Dellinger
- Public Information Officer: Zoe Shehan
- Outreach Ambassador: Francisco Chavez
- Senator: Delfina Sebastián-Carrillo
- Senator: William Campbell
Spring Students of the Semester
Arts and Sciences
- Chess Kates
- Gabriel Levert
REaCH
- Lirah Wiggen
Polk Early College
- Pixie Lilburn
College and Career Readiness
- Pauline Shipman
- Kevin Cody Willoughby
Workforce Development
- Osia Gaines
Applied Technologies
- William L. Kratky
- Isaiah Oakes
Health and Public Services
- Kaitlyn Byars
- Samantha Westbrook
Arts and Sciences Division Academic Awards
- Biology: Cory Rossignol
- Chemistry: Emma Millard
- Communication: Keerstin Lawler
- Engineering: Chess Kates
- English: Ava Blankenship
- Fine Arts: Brandy-Nicole Barker
- Humanities: Caleb Houser
- Mathematics: Cory Rossignol
- Pre-Allied Health Natural Sciences: Maricela Deleon Gonzalez
- Self-Enrichment (English): Danielle Camp
- Self-Enrichment (Math): Bryce Cannon
- Social Sciences: Brandy-Nicole Barker
- Spanish: Josh Collins
Applied Technologies Division Academic Awards
- Audio and Video Production Technology: Megan Biddix
- Building Construction Technology: William Weiss
- Business Administration: Crystal Mullinax
- Economics: Chawntel Smith
- Computer-Aided Drafting Technology: Austin Soos
- Computer Engineering Technology: Bradley Lail
- Electrical Systems Technology: Evelin Cabrera-Lopez
- Electronics Engineering Technology: Lauren Ruppe
- Graphic Design: Kelly Owens
- Industrial Systems Technology: Aaron Deviney
- Information Technology: Dean Lipscomb
- Mechanical Engineering Technology: Thomas Giggie
- Mechatronics Engineering Technology: Bretton Norris
- Medical Office Administration: Destiny Strong
- Welding Technology: Cobie R. Elliott
Health and Public Services Division Academic Awards
- Cosmetology: Johanna Pina
- Criminal Justice Technology: Georgia Mitchell
- Dental Hygiene: Morgan Richardson
- Early Childhood Education: Serena Green
- Nursing: Jacie Cook
- Social and Human Services: Breonna Denson
Category: Awards