More than 320 Greenville Technical College graduates participated in Commencement Exercises on Friday, Dec. 14 at the Greenville Convention Center.
Several graduates were honored with the President’s Award, which recognizes those who continually maintain a high academic rating and show exceptional leadership, character, and service to their departments and the college.
Chelsea Daniel received a President’s Award. A gifted leader and energetic volunteer on campus and outside the college, she tutors students who are struggling, helps on move-in day at Campus Pointe, volunteers at community events to tell people more about the college, helps students find their way to class, and assists with college-hosted conferences and seminars. She serves as a Peer Leader for College Skills classes, helping new students make a successful transition into college by teaching them about resources, time management, study skills, and more. Beyond the college, she works to make the community better, helping at food banks, volunteering at homeless shelters, and assisting with Habitat for Humanity builds.
Johanna Cassidy also received a President’s Award. Prior to the death of her husband during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Johanna Cassidy was a mom who homeschooled her two daughters. After her husband’s death, she went back to work as a patient care technician at Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital and enrolled at Greenville Technical College in both the Accounting and Paralegal programs. At GTC, Johanna has excelled, earned a perfect GPA while a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the Greenville Technical College Paralegal Association. She has volunteered to assist in the community with income tax returns, served as a Spanish translator, and worked at Project Host Soup Kitchen and Hope Reach Facility.
Laura Acevedo-Velasquez was also a President’s Award recipient. She began the Early Childhood program uncertain of her talent for working with children, responding to instructor feedback with an open mind and a clear determination for self-improvement. Her growth was both significant and consistent throughout her coursework. She regularly demonstrated leadership among her peers with her encouraging and energetic spirit. She readily shared lesson plan ideas and provided helpful feedback to her peers. By the end of the program, she had become confident and certain of her ability to be a teacher and advocate for young children.