“Tonight, we come together not simply to recognize achievement, but to celebrate the journey behind it — the long hours of study, the challenges overcome, the perseverance shown and the goals pursued with determination and purpose,” said David Beighley, Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “Each student we honor has demonstrated a commitment to excellence that reflects both personal ambition and the values of this institution.”
Students were recognized for academic achievement and leadership in the School of Business, Aviation & Technology; the School of General Education & Professional Studies; the School of Health Sciences; and student organizations.
“At Pierpont, we take great pride in providing opportunities for students to grow — academically, professionally and personally,” Beighley said. “The individuals recognized represent what is possible when talent is matched with effort, and when faculty, staff, family and peers work together to foster success.”
“Your success did not happen by chance,” said Dr. Michael Waide, Interim President of Pierpont Community & Technical College. “It is the result of long hours, steady effort, and the decision to keep going when the work became difficult. Tonight is about recognition, but it is also about momentum — about the habits, professionalism and standards you will carry forward into what comes next.”
After opening remarks, academic deans, program coordinators and college leaders presented awards recognizing students who demonstrated excellence in scholarship, leadership and service across Pierpont’s academic schools and student organizations. Award recipients were selected for their academic performance, professional standards, campus involvement and commitment to their chosen fields of study.
School of Business, Aviation & Technology
Presented by Dr. Kari Coffindaffer, Dean
Outstanding Aviation Maintenance Technology Student: Jahkari Mesidor
Outstanding Aviation Maintenance Technology Student: Kaylee Markle
Outstanding Accounting Student: Devin Criss
Outstanding Advanced Welding Student: Steve Moats
Outstanding Business Management Student: Hoyt Michael
Outstanding Information Systems Cybersecurity Student: Elisabeth Shinault
Outstanding Information Systems Specialist Student: Nicholas Poling
Outstanding Student in Applied Design/Fashion Merchandising: Christa Lechner
Outstanding Applied Process Technology Student – Energy Systems Operations: Mason Norris
Outstanding Applied Process Technology Student – Instrumentation and Controls: Sean Kimble
Outstanding Petroleum Technology Student: Brandon Musall
School of General Education & Professional Studies
Presented by Jennifer Ellison, Interim Dean
Outstanding Student in Mathematics: Matthew Johnson
Outstanding Early Childhood Education Student: Heidi Tucker
Dr. Joanna Nesselroad Early Childhood Award: Allyson Frymier
Outstanding Criminal Justice Student: Christopher D. George
Outstanding Student in Food Service Management – Nutrition and Dietetic Technology: Ashley Cook
Joe & Marty Rhodes Endowed Nutrition and Dietetic Technology Scholarship in Memory of Charlotte B. Flynn: Patricia Dover
Outstanding Student in Food Service Management – Culinary Arts: Matthias Freeman
Martha Rhodes Culinary Arts Scholarship – Culinary Arts: Lillian Tate
Martha Rhodes Culinary Arts Scholarship – Pastry & Baking Arts: Rachel Baker
Chef Harvey Christie Memorial Scholarship: Natalie Nesselrotte
Outstanding Student in Food Service Management – Pastry & Baking Arts: Michael McAra
Outstanding Student in Paralegal Studies: Morgan “Annika” Riley
Outstanding Student in AMSL/Interpreter Education: Carrie Jones
Outstanding Student in English – Writing: Elisabeth Shinault
School of Health Sciences
Presented by Melissa White, Acting Dean
Paramedic Student of the Year – Cohort 1: Kelsi Andrews
Paramedic Student of the Year – Cohort 2: Tyler Sine
Outstanding Physical Therapist Assistant Student: Rachel Lemley
Paul A. Edwards PTA Scholarship: Sophia Taylor
PTA Scholarship: Addison Legg
Outstanding LPN Student – Day Cohort: Kim Kolar
Outstanding LPN Student – Evening Cohort: Joy Williams
Outstanding Medical Laboratory Technology Student: Josie Reep
Outstanding Health Information Technology Student: Jennifer Blake
Outstanding Respiratory Care Student: Olivia Luchuck
Higinbotham-Quintrell Scholarship for Outstanding First-Year Veterinary Technology Student: Nora Getz
Outstanding Graduating Veterinary Technology Student: Addison Bolyard
WVVMA Foundation Award: Aryana Echols
Outstanding United Hospital Center Technical Studies – Radiologic Technology Student: Isabella Mayle
Student Leadership Awards
Presented by Raven Thomas, Student Involvement Coordinator
Outstanding Student Leader – Phi Theta Kappa: Morgan Myers
Outstanding Student Leader – Culinary and Hospitality Organization for Professionals: Kalina Marcano-Javier
Outstanding Student Leader – Student Physical Therapist Assistant Club: Addison Legg
Outstanding Student Leader – Student Respiratory Association: Lydia Moore
Outstanding Student Leader – Student Nurse Association: Elliott Allende
Mesidor maintains a 4.0 GPA, tutors peers in his program, and assists classmates with industry certification preparation. He was also named West Virginia’s 2026 New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar, an honor awarded annually to one workforce student statewide.
“Phi Theta Kappa is not something you apply for — it’s something you’re invited to because someone looked at your work and decided you belong,” said Dr. Chris Treadway, Vice Chancellor for the West Virginia Community and Technical College System. “Membership reflects a steady habit of excellence that faculty notice long before tonight — and Jahkari represents that standard.”
The ceremony concluded with the induction of 23 students into Pierpont’s Alpha Tau Pi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for students at two?year colleges. Membership in Phi Theta Kappa is by invitation and recognizes students who have demonstrated a high level of academic achievement, as well as a commitment to leadership and service. Newly inducted members join a global network of scholars encouraged to continue their academic, professional and civic growth.
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