PAINTSVILLE — Big Sandy Community and Technical College honored students for academic achievement in an ceremony held at the Mayo Campus of BSCTC on Friday night.

On a night filled with thunderstorms and heavy rain, family and friends watched as fifty-seven students crossed the stage to receive honors in categories that included the President’s List, Dean’s List, Who’s Who in American Junior Colleges, Phi Theta Kappa and the BSCTC Honors Program.

The President’s list honors students who achieve a grade-point average of 4.0 in courses numbered 100 or above. The Dean’s List recognizes students with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher in courses numbered 100 or above.

Who’s Who in American Junior Colleges recognizes the academic excellence of sophomore-status students who have completed 33 degree credit hours and have excelled in their coursework.

Phi Theta Kappa is an honor society of two-year community and junior colleges. Students who are members of Phi Theta Kappa must have completed 12 credit hours, be currently enrolled and have achieved a 3.5 grade point average.

The BSCTC Honors Scholarship Program is an innovative program with stringent requirements. For a student to be considered for this program, he or she must have a 3.25 GPA, recommendations from both high school counselors and teachers, a minimum ACT composite score of 24 and at least a minimum score of 20 in all disciplines. The student must also submit a written prospectus statement regarding the future they see for themselves and the way an education at BSCTC fits into that overall plan. Students must finally, take part in a timed, on-demand essay on a topic chosen by the Honors Program Committee.

Dr. George D. Edwards, president of BSCTC, said, “I am extremely proud of all of the students at Big Sandy Community and Technical College. The young men and women that we see here tonight are examples of the quality of students that attend our college. They represent hundreds more that achieve academic excellence on our campuses. Thus far this year we have had 411 students achieve the Dean’s List, 142 achieved the President’s List, 35 are members of Phi Theta Kappa, 121 were honored with inclusion in Who’s Who in American Junior Colleges and 37 students are members of the current Honor’s Program. That is academic excellence and I am proud to be associated with this group of students.”

Henry Webb, guest speaker for the Honor’s Program, encouraged the students to continue to strive for excellence. Webb, superintendent of Floyd County Schools, reminded the students that education and dedication were key to a successful future.

Big Sandy Community and Technical College offers students an opportunity to earn two years of post-secondary education without having to move away from Eastern Kentucky. It is less expensive and closer to home than the regional and state colleges and universities, yet offers high quality education that will transfer to the college of choice after graduation with an associate’s degree.