Northern Maine Community College celebrated senior achievement during an Evening of Excellence on May 4 to honor students who exemplify the NMCC experience – both in and out of the classroom.
Seventeen students were selected – one from each program area – to receive an Academic Achievement Award. A variety of criteria was used to determine the honorees, including academic performance and attitude. The instructors spoke of the qualities and achievements of each of their students and the reason why each student was selected.
A resounding influence in the selection process was attendance, preparedness, work completion, and leadership.
This year’s Academic Achievement Awards were given to Rebecca Book (early childhood education), Christina Probst (liberal studies), Rebecca Merry (accounting), Ryan Ashby (business administration), Seth Tapley (network administration & cybersecurity), Angela Fuller (emergency medical services), Danielle Carter (nursing), Stephanie Kelley (medical assisting), Sarah Hebert (medical coding), Ian Howland (automotive collision repair), Kyle Sperrey (automotive technology), Olivia Guertin (building construction technology), Brandon Wright (computer numerical control), Francis “Frank” Sullivan (diesel hydraulics technology), Jonathan Kimball (electrical construction & maintenance), Deborah Bushey (plumbing & heating), and Kyle Gleason (structural welding).
In addition to the Academic Achievement Awards, several other accolades were presented by Matthew Grillo, dean of students. “These awards identify and celebrate those students who not only stand out in the programs, but stand out amongst the entire student body and NMCC community,” said Grillo.
The Falcon Spirit Award was presented to Linus Tayong, a nursing student graduating this spring. This award recognizes students who have gone above the call of duty to help make the campus a better place. Linus has volunteered his time for the campus, worked collaboratively with fellow students and faculty, and consistently makes the NMCC campus a brighter place.
NMCC’s honor society, Phi Theta Kappa, announced the All-Maine Academic Team honorees, Rebecca Book and Deborah Jean-Francois. Each has demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and community service. Each Maine community college presented honorees with their awards in a virtual ceremony held in April.
The Award of Excellence was presented to Francis Sullivan and Desiree Baker. This award honors students who have demonstrated high excellence for themselves, are creative thinkers, possess high standards of honesty and integrity, and have been an inspiration to others.
Ryan Ashby was congratulated for his Student of the Year distinction. A virtual reception was recently held to honor Ashby and six other students, one from each of Maine’s Community Colleges.
The Instructor of the Year award was determined by student nominations and was presented to Jessica Lahey, a nursing instructor who has been with the college full-time since 2018 and worked as an adjunct instructor prior to that. Students selected Lahey because of her consistent positivity and encouragement. Student Senate President Rowan Graham presented Lahey with the award, offering some words about Lahey’s positive impact on her life and education.
For more information on the programs at NMCC, visit nmcc.edu.
