ECCC Recognizes Hall of Fame, Award Winners

East Central Community College recently announced inductees into the 2015 Hall of Fame, the highest honor a student can receive at the college. They include (from left) Leah Ferguson and Allison Johnson, both of Philadelphia; Lauren Cantey of Collinsville, Caleb Stallings of Enterprise, Zach Allen of Louisville and Warner Parkes of Nanih Waiya. The honorees were announced during Awards Day activities held April 30, 2015 in Huff Auditorium. Their photos will hang in the Hall of Fame Collection in the lobby of Huff Auditorium. (EC Photo)

Recipients of Hall of Fame and other honors were recognized during the annual Awards Day program held April 30, 2015, at East Central Community College in Decatur.

Selection to the Hall of Fame is considered the highest honor a student can receive at the college, according to Dr. Billy Stewart, ECCC president, who presented the awards.

“To be considered for the prestigious honor,” Dr. Stewart said, “students must demonstrate exemplary character, superior scholarship, worthy leadership and contribute to the betterment of East Central Community College.”

Hall of Fame inductees for 2015 include: Zachary Allen of Louisville, Lauren Cantey of Collinsville, Leah Ferguson and Allison Johnson, both of Philadelphia, Warner Parkes of Nanih Waiya and Caleb Stallings of Enterprise.

A 2013 graduate of Winston Academy, Zachary Allen, of Louisville is involved in various clubs and activities at East Central Community College, many of which he serves in a leadership role.

The sophomore biochemistry major is a member of the Student Body Association, Warrior Corps, Phi Beta Lambda, Sigma Sigma Mu Tau, Astronomy Club, Baptist Student Union and Students Against Destructive Decisions. He serves as president of the college’s Theta Xi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges; President’s Council; and of the sophomore class. In addition he represents the college as president of the Mississippi/Louisiana Region of Phi Theta Kappa.

At ECCC, Allen received the Jack B. Mayo Phi Theta Kappa Award and was chosen to Who’s Who Among American Community & Junior College Students. He was awarded the Presidential, Yates, ACT, Mississippi Land Bank and Dizzy Dean Baseball scholarships.

He is the son of Todd and Janet Allen.

Those nominating Allen described him as an excellent student, saying, “He strives to do his best at everything he does. He always goes out of his way to help and does more than asked.”

Another nominator said, “Zachary is involved with East Central. Not many colleges have students who are passionate about their school and other students. He speaks to everyone and always has a smile on his face.”

Lauren Cantey

A 2013 honor graduate of West Lauderdale High School, Lauren Cantey is a sophomore at East Central Community College, where she has maintained a stellar grade point average. The Collinsville native’s career goal is to attend medical school and work in pediatric emergency medicine.

Cantey was selected to represent East Central Community College at the 2014-15 Higher Education Appreciation Day: Working for Academic Excellence program. A President’s List scholar, she is a member of Theta Xi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges, in which she serves as vice president for leadership. In addition, she is a member of Warrior Corps, a select student group that assists in recruiting and serves as hosts for special events on campus. She was selected to Who’s Who Among American Community & Junior College Students and was a recipient of the Harvey Wheeler Pre-Med, J.C. White Memorial and ACT scholarships.

Cantey is the daughter of Michael Cantey and Dr. Sherri Cantey.

Those nominating Cantey described her as an “enthusiastic” member of the student body, saying, “She was selected as one of the vice presidents of Phi Theta Kappa and has performed admirably.”

In addition to her campus involvement, her nominators noted her academic achievements and ambitions.

One nominator said, “As a pre-med major, she has taken some of the most demanding courses available, stayed active and engaged on campus, and achieved a 3.950 grade point average.”

Another nominator said, “The young lady has big dreams and high goals. One day we will read in our alumni magazine about ‘how Dr. Lauren Cantey, MD’ got her start at East Central Community College.”

Leah Ferguson

Leah Ferguson, a sophomore education major from Philadelphia, is a 2013 graduate of Neshoba Central High School. The Dean’s List scholar holds leadership positions and is involved in numerous campus activities at East Central Community College.

At ECCC, she serves as president of the student body, co-president of the Baptist Student Union, secretary of Phi Beta Lambda and vice president of the Student Education Association, her sophomore year. Her freshman year, she served as vice president for Phi Beta Lambda and freshman class president. In addition, Ferguson is a member of Theta Xi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa international honor society, Baptist Student Union council and Praise Band leader, EC ENCORE, President’s Council, Concert Choir and Students Against Destructive Decisions. She serves on East Central’s Recruitment and Retention and Student Activities committees.

Ferguson has won multiple state honors with PBL including 14th in the nation in Small Business Management Plan and selection for Who’s Who in PBL at national conference. She was the recipient of the Presidential, Leon Eubanks Kaljyc-Peers, Robert J. Moody, Jr. Special Education, Future Business Leaders of America and ACT scholarships. In addition, Ferguson was selected to Who’s Who Among Students in American Community & Junior Colleges.

She is the daughter of Jerry and Christy Ferguson.

Ferguson’s nominators described her as a “top-notch” student. “She is involved in many leadership activities and does an exceptional job with them all. She goes over and beyond her duties and always has a positive attitude about anything asked of her.”

Another nominator said, “She is the epitome of an East Central student and does everything Excellent with Class. She is a well-rounded student who does everything with a smile. She is that quintessential student who so represents the ‘ideal’ ECCC student.”

Allison Johnson

Allison Johnson, a sophomore education major from Philadelphia, is a 2013 graduate of Neshoba Central High School. The President’s List scholar has held leadership positions and is involved in numerous campus activities. She serves as president of the Student Education Association, opinions editor of The Tom-Tom newspaper staff, and was treasurer for Phi Beta Lambda her freshman year. She is a member of Theta Xi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges, where she serves as reporter. In addition, she is a member of the Wo-He-Lo yearbook staff, ECCC Environmental Club, Warrior Corps, President’s Council and the Baptist Student Union.

Johnson received multiple honors and scholarships based on her ACT score and grade point average. She received the Ben Meyers Memorial, Presidential and ACT scholarships. In addition, Johnson was selected for Who’s Who Among Students in American Community & Junior Colleges and won a first place award in the 2015 Mississippi Press Association’s Better Newspapers Contest-Student Division for Best General Interest Column.

Johnson is the daughter of Hillary Ann Hancock and Jeremiah Johnson.

Her nominators described her as an “all-around exceptional student.”

“She excels at everything she participates in and she is an effective leader. She has high moral character and is very involved in the college. She is the model student in all aspects and represents the college well,” said one nominator.

Another nominator said, “She works hard to be a good role model for other students at East Central, and to add to the outstanding reputation of the college. Allison exemplifies the qualities of a well-rounded, successful student, and displays an admirable amount of morality.”

Warner Parkes

A 2013 graduate of Nanih Waiya Attendance Center, Warner Parkes is an active part of East Central Community College’s student body, participating in various campus organizations and clubs as well as being a member of two of ECCC’s athletic teams.

He served as president of Warrior Corps for 2014-15 and of the Student Education Association his freshman year. Parkes was elected treasurer of the Student Body Association, freshman class favorite and was a homecoming court escort. He is a member of Students Against Destructive Decisions, Phi Theta Kappa international honor society and President’s Council. Parkes is an active participant in intramural sports, serving as a referee for flag football in 2013-14. In addition, he is a member of the Warrior Cheerleader Squad and serves as basketball statistician and student assistant for the Warrior basketball teams.

A President’s List scholar, Parkes was selected Mr. ECCC by his peers and was chosen as a member of Who’s Who Among American Community & Junior College Students.

Parkes was awarded the Presidential, ACT and Mississippi Association of Supervisors scholarships.

A sophomore optometry major, Parkes is the son of Tammy and Luke Parkes.

Those nominating Parkes said he “epitomized involvement ever since stepping foot on campus.”

“His leadership in Warrior Corps and SBA has been instrumental in helping ECCC accomplish one of its most successful student activities years ever.”

He was described by nominators as “dependable,” noting that his participation is “a given” in all campus activities, and one said Parkes seems to have “done it all.”

Multiple nominators described him as an “exceptional” student ambassador for the college. “Warner is and always will be a great ambassador for the college and truly loves ECCC.”

Caleb Stallings

Caleb Stallings, a sophomore pre-med major from Enterprise, is a 2013 graduate of Enterprise High School. The President and Dean’s list scholar has held several leadership positions and is involved in numerous campus activities at East Central Community College.

At East Central, he serves as president of Students Against Destructive Decisions and the Residence Council. He is a dormitory Bible study leader and is a member of the Baptist Student Union’s Leaders Council. In addition, Stallings is a member of Theta Xi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges, Baptist Student Union, President’s Council, Sigma Sigma Mu Tau, Wo-He-Lo yearbook staff, Phi Beta Lambda and President’s Council.

Stallings was awarded the Mathematics Award his freshman year and was selected to Who’s Who Among American Community & Junior Colleges Students his sophomore year.

He is the son of Cindy Stallings and the late Walter Stallings. Stalling’s nominators described him as a “great representation” of a well-rounded student.

“Every time I see him on campus he has a smile on his face and is so encouraging.”

Another nominator said, “Caleb is a very active student on EC’s campus, participating in several student organizations. As an instructor it is exciting to see young Christian students excel spiritually and academically. Caleb is never lost for words, always has a smile, and always is willing to learn.”

In addition, Stallings was credited for his boisterous personality.

“Caleb is a very outgoing and kind person. He never meets a stranger and loves to participate in all EC has to offer.”

Additional honors presented during Awards Day include the following:

Career award recipients include Kendrell Peden of Philadelphia, Residential Carpentry Award; Kelsey McDonald of Conehatta, Cosmetology Award; Sean Tyler McElfish of Union, Welding & Cutting “Taylor Cup;” and Tyler Faulkner of Carthage, “Career Student of the Year.”

Technical awards were presented to Christopher Warren of Philadelphia, Collision Repair Technology Award; Stephen Armstrong of Decatur, Automotive Technology Award; Leah Corhern of Decatur and Tania Marie Rhodes of Conehatta, co-recipients, Early Childhood Education Technology Award; William Milner of Lena, Electrical Technology Award; Asif Zaffar of Philadelphia and Chad Simoneau of Louin, co-recipients, Heating and Air Conditioning Technology Awards; Sarah Tatum of Union, Culinary Arts Technology Award; Joseph McBeth of Carthage, Hotel and Restaurant Management Technology Award; James Travassos of Lawrence, Manufacturing and Machining Technology Award; Mark Hale of Little Rock, Network Support Technology Award; and Timothy Laird of Newton, “Technical Student of the Year.”

Recipients of healthcare education awards include Hayden Stokes of Louisville, Associate Degree Nursing Outstanding Achievement Award; Lauren Whitehead of Louisville, Practical Nursing Award; and Michael Reynolds of Philadelphia, Paramedic Technology Award.

Those receiving special awards were Eli Parker of Little Rock, Citizenship Award; Kristen Gordy of Forest, Ann Burkes Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship; Zachary Allen of Louisville, Dr. Margaret Mosal for Leadership Scholarship; Jeremy Hudson of DeKalb, Alford J. Deaton Physics Award; Zach Peden of Philadelphia, Richard Fisher Organic Chemistry Award; Noah Corcoran of Louisville and Matt Griffin of Union, co-recipients, East Central Environmental Club Award; Jenna Lovorn of Louisville, Astronomy Club Award; Quinton Campbell of Wilmer, Ala., Anthony Coleman Men’s Basketball Award; Jerry Byrd of Biloxi and Tesia Keith of Corinth, co-recipients, Roy Pete Award for Soccer; Kara Yates of Morton, ECCC Concert Choir Award; Anna Girling of Carthage, EC ENCORE Award; Keona Foster and Contessa Peoples, both of Philadelphia, co-recipients, ECCC Gospel Choir Award; Megan Parrish of Pascagoula, S. Lebrun Hutchinson Engineering Scholarship; John Bruce Hedrick of Newton, Freshman Mathematics Award; John Davis of Carthage, Sophomore Mathematics Award; Allison Johnson of Philadelphia, Secondary Education Award; Keri Ann Mayfield of Union, Myrtle R. Hutchison Elementary Education Award; Virginia Easley of Philadelphia, Mississippi Business Educators Association Award and Phi Beta Lambda Hall of Fame; Austin Jordan of Conehatta and Leah Ferguson of Philadelphia, both recipients of Phi Beta Lambda Hall of Fame; Christy Bryan of Philadelphia, Alyne Simmons Recruitment Grant; Madison Barnett of Noxapater, The Tom-Tom Award; Bristol Buffington of Starkville, ECCC Players Award; and Louise Berryhill of Union, Lucille Wood Scholarship.

Alumni Memorial Awards were presented to Hanna Williams of Conehatta, Billy Wayne Baucum Secondary Education Award; Charles Thorne of Decatur, W.A. Coursey, Jr. Engineering Award; Delton Harrison of Little Rock, Danny Ray Killens Engineering Award; John Thames of Decatur, Ruth Carr-Vincent Academic Award for Excellence in Non-Traditional Education; Christy Bryan of Philadelphia, Opal McMullan Dickerson Elementary Education Scholarship; Rachel Laird of Meridian, Alatha Chaney English Award; Tiffany Watkins of Lawrence, Sara Carr Deaton Business Technology Award; Stephen Stewart of Decatur, Sue Yarbrough Fulgham Speech Award; Anna Katherine Nowell of Philadelphia, Arno Vincent Award for Academic Excellence in Athletics; Jeremiah Chapman of Newton, William S. Giffin Men’s Intramural Award; Jaleshia Jones of Waynesboro, Earline Wood Memorial Award for Women’s Basketball; Julian Fuentes of Newton, Homer F. Hunter Athletic Managers Award; LaMarcus Franks of State Line, Andrew F. Webb Football Award; Ramone Tate of Bay St. Louis, Howard Sessums Men’s Basketball Award; Allison Johnson of Philadelphia, Jack B. Mayo Phi Theta Kappa Award; and Zach Allen of Louisville, Dr. Edwin Miller Medical Services Award.

Faculty Memorial Awards were presented to Ben Pace of Philadelphia, Aaron R. Davis Memorial Scholarship; Pashien Simone Kelly-Johnson of Gulfport, Frank Edwin & Nena Holt Leatherwood Biology Science Award; Sam Mitchell of Decatur, Dr. Shelby L. Harris Memorial Scholarship; Bryan Burton of Louisville, J. Wallace Bedwell Business Award; Brooke Payne of Union, Frank M. Cross Freshman Chemistry Award; Devin Skinner of Philadelphia, J. Andy Miller Freshman Engineering Award; Timothy Laird of Newton, O.L. Newell Drafting Award; Tracy Gray of Lake, Charles E. Pennington Business Technology Award; Tallie Johnston of Lake, Robert G. Fick Memorial Scholarship; Emily Cook of Carthage, Ruth Hull Memorial Wo-He-Lo Award; Chance Whitten of Batesville and Will Myers of Philadelphia, co-recipients, Jamie Clark Memorial Baseball Award; Kaylee Yates of Decatur, Leon Eubanks Kaljyc-Peers Leadership Award; Louise Berryhill of Union, L.B. Simmons History Award; John Hedrick of Newton, Thomas W. Thrash Memorial Scholarship; and Christy Bryan of Philadelphia, General William Patrick Wilson Academic Scholarship.