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NASHVILLE (March 31, 2022) – The College System of Tennessee celebrated 51 of the top honor society students at its community and technical colleges Wednesday, March 30, during the system’s 2022 Student Honors Luncheon.
The annual luncheon saluted 26 top-achieving members of the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) from the Colleges of Applied Technology. NTHS honors and recognizes students in career and technical education.
The TCAT Dickson & Clarksville Campus students honored Wednesday were Carlos Felix and Braxton McEntire, nominated by the college and recognized by President Dr. Arrita Summers with medallions and certificates signifying their achievements.
“For all of you, your presence here today means that you have already achieved a level of excellence that demands attention and led to your induction into these two honor societies. The academic and technical skills that you have demonstrated will serve you well – regardless of whether you’re planning on continuing your studies at a university – or going straight into your new careers,” Dr. Russ Deaton, TBR executive vice chancellor for policy and strategy, told the honorees.
“Take a moment to pause and look around the room at the impressive array of talent gathered here today. This room teems with leadership, service, dedication, perseverance, and excellence. It jumps off the page from your bios and it is evident in the eyes of each of our honorees. This room is full of Tennessee’s present and future, and our state is in good hands,” Deaton said.
The Honors Luncheon is a part of the College System of Tennessee’s fourth Statewide Outstanding Achievement Recognition (SOAR) program.
The Student Honors Luncheon was presented this year by The Ayers Foundation, founded by Jim and Janet Ayers to improve the quality of life for the people of Tennessee with a focus on improving postsecondary education opportunities for high school students in rural counties. Jim and Janet Ayers were among several benefactors presented Chancellors Awards for Excellence in Philanthropy by TBR Chancellor Flora W. Tydings during the program.
Others addressing the students included Dr. Tydings, Dr. Rebecca Ashford, president of Chattanooga State Community College and this year’s PTK Tennessee presidential ambassador; and Jacob Tucker, executive assistant of The Ayers Foundation. Nikki Burdine, co-anchor of WRKN-TV’s Good Morning Nashville, was master of ceremonies.
The SOAR program also included TBR Day on the Hill, when college presidents, student government leaders, system office staff and friends of the system visited with legislators to share their success stories.