Tri-County Honors Students at Annual Awards Ceremony

CONTACT: LISA GARRETT, EXT. 2315

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4/22/2002
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- Commit yourself to your country and to your community, Lieutenant Colonel William "Bill" Hanson, professor of military science at Clemson University, told a group of Tri-County Technical College students being honored at an annual awards ceremony.

Lt. Col. Hanson centered his remarks around the definition of patriotism. "I propose that patriotism is when we commit to something other than ourselves," said Lt. Col. Hanson. "Selflessness, sacrifice and service begin to describe patriotic Americans. You can make a difference. Find a greater purpose; commit to and live it, and you'll find the full meaning of patriotism," he said.

After his speech, the following awards were presented:

Shannon Marie Johnson, of Anderson, was among the students from the state's technical colleges named to South Carolina's All-State Academic Team at the State House earlier this year. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the national academic honor society for community and technical colleges.

Mandy Leigh Gentry, of Iva, was named Outstanding Dental Assisting Student.

David Maine Major, of Belton, was named Outstanding Industrial Mechanics Student.

Evelyn Hall Vinson, of Westminster, was named Outstanding Medical Assisting Student.

Ramzieh Samir Itani, of Anderson, was named Outstanding Practical Nursing Student.

Traci Donn Crudge, of Seneca, was named Outstanding Surgical Technology Student.

Cecil Joshua Stewart, of Sunset, was named Outstanding Welding Student.

Carolyn Joyce Bradish, of Liberty, was named Outstanding English Student.

Richard Morgan Reese, of Anderson, was named Outstanding Humanities Student.

Alison Marie Reed, of Anderson, was named Outstanding Math Student.

Angela Dawn Nabors, of Easley, was named Outstanding Science Student.

Robert Leslie Baker, of Central, was named Outstanding Social Sciences Student.

Michael Reed Towery, of Six Mile, was named Outstanding Student Support Services Student.

Outstanding graduates in each department are:

Accounting - Kristen Gayle Farrier, of Liberty.

Associate Degree Nursing - Rachel Schlager Lee, of Six Mile.

Associate in Arts - Melissa Jean Stark, of Anderson.

Associate in Science - Gary Lee Stancil, of Seneca.

Business Technology – Steven Travis Simmons, of Easley.

Computer Technology - Zuna Mansoor, of Clemson.

Criminal Justice Technology - Shannon Michelle Ellenburg, of Pickens.

Early Childhood Development – Sonya Leigh Russell, of Six Mile.

Engineering Graphics Technology - Christina Melissa Campbell, of Fair Play.

General Engineering Technology – Electro-Mechanical – Thomas Joseph Fischer, of Walhalla.

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology - Christopher George Bailey, of Anderson.

Industrial Electronics Technology - Adam L. Littleton, of Walhalla, and Jamey Dwain Yates, of Liberty.

Machine Tool Technology - Gerald Harley Dodgens, of Pickens.

Medical Laboratory Technology - Margie McManus Cain, of Seneca.

Office Systems Technology - Crystal Renee Burdette, of Anderson.

Radio and Television Broadcasting - Bernard Reid, Jr., of Seneca.

Respiratory Care – Joni Nicole Thompson, of Piedmont.

Textile Management Technology - Britt Jason Grooms, of Anderson.

Veterinary Technology- Laura Beth Day, of Simpsonville.
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