July 2, 2009... Students were honored for their academic achievements and involvement in student organizations at Trident Technical College at the annual Awards Day ceremony held at the college’s Main Campus.

Christine Buzzell and Kendall Nowocin received the highest honor, the President’s Award/Kurtzman Prize, given to graduating students on the basis of academic achievement, contributions to the college and community service.

The recipient of the SC State Credit Union award was Joe Branton. This award recognizes a returning student who demonstrates a commitment to service, exhibits perseverance toward completing higher educational goals, displays commendable personal attributes, and serves as an exemplary role model to other students.

Merit Award winners were recognized for academic and personal excellence, identifying them as the top student in their respective programs of study. Each program of study may nominate only one student as a Merit Award winner.

The Outstanding Student Organization award went to the Hospitality and Culinary Student Association. The American Student Dental Hygienists’ Association was first runner-up, and the Society of Broadcasters was second runner-up. The Award of Distinction, given to organizations that have won the Outstanding Student Organization award for more than three years, was presented to Phi Theta Kappa and the Society of Student Leaders.

Outstanding advisors were honored for their contributions to student organizations. Vikki Gottsman of West Ashley, advisor to the Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association, and Cary Krieger of Mt. Pleasant, advisor to the Society of Student Leaders, received the Distinguished Student Organization Advisor award. This award is reserved for advisors who have been named Outstanding Student Organization Advisor for three or more years. Deborah White of Summerville, advisor to the Society of Medical Assistants; David Vagasky of James Island, advisor to the Hospitality and Culinary Student Association; and Christine Solomon of Summerville, advisor to Phi Theta Kappa honor society, received the Outstanding Student Organization Advisor award.

Each organization also recognized one student as the Outstanding Member of a Student Organization for individual contributions. By joining one of the approximately 40 student organizations at TTC, students have opportunities to network with students who have similar interests, gain additional practice in their fields of study, interact with future colleagues, and offer time and energy to community service.