Photo: Winners of the Best Attitude Award at TRIO Day were, from left, Maria Stubbs, of Hayden High, Cameron Heffner, of Hanceville Middle School and Jordan Armstrong, of Hayden High.
HANCEVILLE – Wallace State Community College’s Talent Search department celebrated its annual TRIO Day recently, inviting participating students from the sixth-ninth grades to campus.
Talent Search students who attended TRIO Day at Wallace State were welcomed by Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics. Guest speaker Melissa Arnold, a Wallace State math instructor, followed Karolewics, and the group was treated to a performance from the Wallace State Singers. Talent Search students on campus were also given a campus tour.
“You being on campus is incredibly important because you are thinking about your future. It’s never too early to think about your future. The opportunities you have available to you as a young person in higher education and for a career for the rest of your life are unprecedented,” said Karolewics. “I commend you for thinking about your future and beginning to plan and work for it.”
Arnold, who previously worked in the Wallace State Talent Search Department before transitioning into math department last September, asked the students in attendance to share what their career goals are in life.
The students responded with a variety of answers, including video game designer, mechanical engineer, nurse, diesel mechanic, veterinarian, lawyer and physical trainer, among others.
“If you have the confidence in yourself and surround yourself with the right people who believe in what you are doing, you can accomplish anything,” Arnold said. “We all have hopes and dreams, and sometimes we have hurdles to overcome before we fulfill those dreams.”
Arnold, who is a first-generation college graduate, said she didn’t have the best family support when she was growing up and, therefore, didn’t pursue a college education directly out of high school.
Years later, after marrying and having kids, Arnold began her educational career and graduated with an associate’s degree from Wallace State in 2006. A decade later, Arnold has also earned a bachelor’s degree from Athens State and a master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University and is completing her doctorate work.
Arnold said she has used lessons from “The Wizard of Oz” for inspiration throughout her educational journey, implementing aspects of heart, courage and knowledge along the way.
“Education is your knowledge. You have tons of cheerleaders in your corner I didn’t have. You have favorite teachers, your TRIO staff, your counselors and many people rooting for you,” Arnold said. “I hope you can take advantage of it.”
Selected students in attendance received recognition and medals for most improved academic achievements and good attitudes throughout the entire school year. Wallace State Talent Search Project Director Kristi Nyquist commended all of the students in attendance for their hard work throughout the course of the year and thanked the school counselors and mentors in the audience.
“You are preparing seriously for college, and it really does begin early. We are proud of you, and we want you to know that by celebrating you,” Nyquist said.
The Most Improved Award for those in attendance went to Devon Warnick and Kira Brown of Falkville High School.
The award for Best Attitude went to Travis Ricks and Madison McClendon, of Falkville High, Maria Stubbs and Jordan Armstrong, of Hayden High and Cameron Heffner, of Hanceville Middle School.
Wallace State’s Talent Search is a federally funded TRIO program, which provides college information, academic support and activities such as campus visits in order to encourage students to complete high school and enroll in college. The Wallace State Talent Search program includes participants in Blount, Cullman, Marshall and Morgan Counties.
Along with Nyquist, Evelyn Timmons, Todd Abbott and Sheila Mosley are each Wallace State Talent Search employees.
For more information about Wallace State, visit wallacestate.edu.
