Last week ended with faculty, staff, students, and guests joining in the Vaughn Chapel for the annual Academic Awards Ceremony.
The ceremony, held from 4-6 p.m., drew a packed chapel of those who wanted to celebrate the award recipients.
Chaplain Dave Taylor began the ceremony with a prayer, which was followed by an inspirational opening speech by President Mirta Martin.
“Graduation may change your student status, but it will never change who you are,” she said, “Once a Panther, always a Panther.”
After the opening speech and remarks, athletic director, Cleive Adams, presented two awards for athletes who showed a strong performance in both athletics and academics throughout the school-year.
As the recipients rose to receive their awards the choir team prepared to preform a song in between speakers.
After the song was preformed, Dean Eric Vanden Eykel was called to the stage to begin presenting the awards.
He began by acknowledging the staff that was seated to his right.
“We are celebrating our very best students,” he said, “But they don’t do it alone; they succeed with the support, love, and guidance from our staff and faculty.”
After an applause, he began presenting awards.
Awards were given to students who succeeded in the areas of communications, English, math, and religion, as well as several other majors and leadership roles.
Students who were recognized received plaques, certificates, and even small gifts from their awarding professor.
Sophomore Tyjee Covington received an award for his outstanding performance in radio.
“It feels nice being appreciated for the hard work you put into class, you know?” he said.
The chapel filled with applause as each name was called, highlighting not only the students’ academic excellence, but also the sense of community shared among students, faculty, and families alike.
The event served as a reminder of the dedication required to achieve these accomplishments and the bright futures ahead for the award recipients.
As the ceremony concluded, students took pictures with their awards and left feeling inspired by their recognized achievements.
