Special to IFN
Mitchell Community College recently celebrated the outstanding achievements of its students during the annual Awards Day Ceremony—a tradition that highlights the college’s commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and community impact.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Equity and Inclusion Awards, which honor individuals who embody the spirit and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through their dedication to equity and service. Named in memory of Viola Kimbrough Parker—a beloved former Mitchell employee and community leader—the awards are presented annually to a Mitchell student, a College employee, and a community member:
♦ Graduating Nursing student Jamie Forney, whose actions embody the values of equity, inclusion, and empathy. For the past three years, she has worked in Student Services and served as a Student Ambassador to support her peers, faculty, and prospective students. Jamie has a gift for making others feel welcome and empowered—from giving campus tours to helping classmates succeed through study groups and peer support.
♦ Community member Marlene Scott was recognized for her passion of working to expand access to quality education for Statesville. After serving as principal of Third Creek, she transitioned into a new role as Director of Community Engagement, where her focus has been on providing equitable educational experiences—especially for our neighbors in public housing. This past year, Marlene joined a small team to walk through Housing Authority neighborhoods, speaking one-on-one with residents about educational opportunities at Mitchell. She continues to advocate for a strong partnership between Iredell-Statesville Schools and Mitchell, ensuring that no student who drops out of high school is forgotten. Scott is a reminder of how values turn into action.
♦ Mitchell Employee Vermel Moore was nominated for her exceptional dedication and lasting impact on the campus community. Working closely with the VP for Student Services, Moore has been a driving force in creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for Mitchell’s minority students. Her actions embody the spirit of service valued at Mitchell Community College.
Dallas Herring Achievement Award
Mitchell student and Student Government Association President Joshua Davidson was nominated for the 2025 Dallas Herring Achievement Award in recognition of his exemplary actions which echo the philosophy of the award’s namesake. Joshua’s leadership, service, and transformation on campus reflect the best of community college education.
SECU Scholarship
♦ State Employees’ Credit Union People Helping People scholarships: Jeremiah Capko and Miranda Glover
Student Leadership and Service Awards
♦ Financial Aid: Jamie Forney, Mason Julian
♦ Library: Keenan Moore
♦ Mooresville Campus: Joseph Barnette
♦ Phi Theta Kappa: Manan Bhuva
♦ S.A.F.E. Club: Bailey Walls, Nicholas Gonzalez
♦ Student Ambassador: Angiela Abrogena
♦ Student Government Association: Joshua Davidson
♦ Tabletop & Teamwork: Board Game Club: Maria Bourdon, Ryan Hein
Academic Awards
♦ Accounting and Finance: Faith England, Chelsea Farber
♦ Business Administration: Spencer Schray
♦ Culinary Arts: Simon Graham, Talisha Vaughters, Elliot Selman, Sydney Morgan, Savannah Pressley
♦ Early Childhood Education: Elizabeth Balderaz
♦ Early College—Agriculture and Science Early College: Maycee MacDonald
♦ Early College— Collaborative College for Technology and Leadership: Manan Bhuva
♦ Early College— Crossroads Arts and Science: Mia Sundman
♦ English Department: Dakota Wilson, Ryleigh Knox
♦ Fine Arts — Music: Mackenzie Puckett, Luke Yang, Iliana Alonzo
♦ Fine Arts — Visual Arts: Evelyn Gardner
♦ Graphic Design: James McKeon, Mercedes Gift
♦ History Department: Lillyan Cass
♦ Human Service Technology: Lu’cresha Smith
♦ Mathematics Department: Jacob Muller, Carsen Roetken
♦ Medical Assisting: Samantha Sickles
♦ Nursing—Associate Degree: Gabriel Ferron, Natalie Nunez
♦ Paramedic to Associate Degree Nursing: Scott Willis
♦ Social Sciences: Clayton Ellis
♦ Teacher Prep: Payton Pearson
Special Recognitions
♦ Graduation Marshals: Kendria Fisher will recognize Jenifer Bacon, Jim Brown, Connor Clifton, Daisy Garcia-Matute, Callie Hernandez, Peniel Katamba, Whitney Kerber, Larali Larsen, Mikhail Likhtenbaum, Joselyn Moreno, and Nikyah Windle.
♦ Student Ambassadors: Kendria Fisher will honor Angiela Abrogena, Jeremiah Capko, Joshua Davidson, Jamie Forney, Mason Julian, Cole Rogers, Addison Santee, and Zahra Skakir.
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