The Williamson Association of Alumni (WAA) honored six members of the Class of 2W5 for academic achievement and six members for exhibiting commendable growth in academics, shop performance, and personal character at the 29th Annual Student Achievement Awards on April 17 in the Clara Schrenk Memorial Chapel.
The Academic Achievement Award recognizes one student from each trade who has demonstrated academic excellence with a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and one student from each trade who has exhibited cumulative improvement in academics, shop performance, and personal character.
The students receiving the Academic Achievement Award were: Jack A. Wooten, Construction Technology-Carpentry; Joshua H. Illing, Construction Technology-Masonry; Michael E. Miles, Construction Technology-Electrical; Harrison I. Pritt, Landscape Construction and Management; Levi S. Hoffman, Machine Tool Technology; and Michael Kling, Power Plant Technology.
The students receiving the Persistence Award were: Victor D. Valentine, Construction Technology-Carpentry; Marquan B. Coleman, Construction Technology-Masonry; Aidan P. Griffin, Construction Technology-Electrical; Michael P. Collas, Landscape Construction and Management; Timothy P. Zaborsky, Machine Tool Technology; and Nicholas Z. Burdumy, Power Plant Technology.
In his opening remarks, President Michael Rounds said “Thank you to the WAA for continuing this great tradition of recognizing members of our junior class who have exhibited outstanding achievement and growth.
“We all know Williamson is a unique and special place. It is a challenge and it is not easy. It is not supposed to be easy and just making it to graduation is an achievement. But truly excelling takes a special person. Diligence and excellence are two of our core values and that is what we are celebrating tonight. You are not satisfied with good enough; you push yourselves to constantly improve. Excellence is a part of good leadership so remember, this recognition comes with extra responsibilities and expectations.”
Dr. Michelle Williams, vice president of academic affairs/CAO, in her academic program introduction said, “This program seeks to honor the ideals and intentions of our great founder. Williamson teaches trades, academics, and character development. With theory and concepts in academics and trade classes, our students are given many learning opportunities and we work hard to make sure they take advantage of this.
“We are honored that the WAA seeks to acknowledge the achievement of juniors and their academic excellence and overall achievement in two awards.”
Chris Moran 9W9, president of the WAA, explained the association’s mission. “It is a strong community of alumni that support Williamson’s mission, its vision, the faculty and staff, and, most importantly, the students. We provide leadership, we are active mentors, we engage with the students and help them through their 1,000-day Williamson journey.
“You are not going to find another Williamson. It is something unique and special. As an alumnus you form a sense of brotherhood, togetherness, and you really take care of one another on campus and into the future.
“Each year we recognize members of the junior class who exhibit outstanding achievement in their studies and their work here at Williamson.”
Two 7W5 50-Year Affiliate Members, John Rex and Dennis Hull, presented each awardee with a certificate and trophy.
Then, the Artisans, under the direction of Sherre Gaertner, led the singing of the alma mater.
Mark Specht 7W7 opened the event with an invocation and closed the evening with the benediction. The event began with dinner in the dining room.
