May 1, 2024
The Dr. William Lewis Honors Institute at Pearl River Community College held its annual Medallion Ceremony in the Ethel Holden Brownstone Center for the Arts on the Poplarville campus on April 29. The ceremony recognized honors students from Forrest County and Poplarville Campuses, including several Middle College students.
PRCC President Dr. Adam Breerwood and Dr. Jennifer Seal, Dean of the Honors Institute on the Poplarville Campus, welcomed the students, family, friends and faculty in attendance.
“Welcome to a day of celebration, the day where we recognize the remarkable academic achievements of these outstanding students,” said Dr. Breerwood. “I want to take a moment to thank the proud parents and families and cherished loved ones who have joined us this afternoon. We recognize the instrumental role that each of you has played in their journey, their unwavering support, encouragement and guidance on which their success has been built.”
Dr. Douglas Donohue, Associate Dean of the Honors Institute on the Forrest County Campus, provided an overview of the institute. This included its creation in 2011 with the vision to nurture the brightest minds while fostering a culture of critical thinking and inspiring a love of life-long learning.
“The Dr. William Lewis Honors Institute is a beacon of academic excellence and intellectual curiosity at PRCC,” said Dr. Donohue. “The heart of our Institute is a commitment to providing an enriched educational experience that challenges our students to push the boundaries of their knowledge and creativity.”
To receive a medallion, students had to complete at least 21 hours of honors coursework and maintain a cumulative 3.4 grade point average. The honors coursework covers the same material as covered in regular sections of a course but in greater depth with more opportunity for students to pursue individual interests.
Brandon Gwin and Emily Smith, both attending the Forrest County Campus, as well as Allison Gobuzzi and Aden Levy both attending the Poplarville Campus, were chosen to say a few words on behalf of their compatriots. Each expressed the impact being a member of the Honors Institute had on their experience at PRCC and how it will serve them well in future endeavors.
Dr. Jana Causey, Vice President for Forrest County Center, Allied Health, and Nursing Programs, shared information about each student’s achievements and associations as a PRCC student. The physical presentation of the medallion was done by Dr. Breerwood and Dr. Seal.
Closing remarks were provided by Dr. Ryan Ruckel, Dean of the Honors Institute on the Forrest County Campus. He gave a heartfelt and inspiring speech that challenged students to forge their path ahead in life by beginning with the end in sight.
“None of us knows what life holds for us,” said Dr. Ruckel. “All of us may want to do the very best. Thinking about our days being numbered, thinking about what we have been given, and then looking for ways to make the most out of that and to give that – that’s something that all of you have done.”
Students Awarded an Honors Medallion
Deamy Alvarado – Hattiesburg
Raegan Anderson – Purvis
Jiana Atencio – Soso
Elijah Barberi – Ocean Springs
Yessica Bernal-Solis – Hattiesburg
Madison Burge – Carriere
Fisher Decam – Bay St. Louis
Solis Dewease – Hattiesburg
William Ellard – Kiln
Connor Fogarty – Carriere
Abigail Ford – Purvis
Mackenzie Galbraith – Kiln
Anthony Gibson – Hattiesburg
Allison Gobuzzi – Picayune
Lauren Gobuzzi – Picayune
Ariel Goynes – Picayune
Javien Griffith – Hattiesburg
Brandon Gwin – Purvis
Jaxen Harmon – Kiln
Grace Harrison – Laurel
Natalie Herrington – Petal
Jayden Hibbets – Sumrall
Aden James – Brandon
Abbilyn Jones – Sumrall
Leighlynn Kihneman – Picayune
Makenna Ladner – Gulfport
Devyn Lee – Carriere
Aidan Levy – Bay St. Louis
Rebecca Madden – Purvis
Juan (Alex) Martinez – Hattiesburg
Grant Matheny – Columbia
Michael Mims – Carriere
Mikayla Newell – Waynesboro
Lacie Nugent – Kiln
Bailey Parker – Kiln
Aidan Rasmussen – Bay St. Louis
Tucker Shaw – Saucier
Savannah Sylvest – Sumrall
Emily Smith – Petal
Sydney Smith – Hattiesburg
Kaeden Thigpen – Hattiesburg
Sydney Thornton – Sumrall
Ryleigh Wallace – Petal
Sarah (Cat) Williams – Sumrall
Helen Yang – Hattiesburg
For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS), and Facebook (@PRCCMKTG).
Article by Laura O’Neill. Photography by Lauren P. Johnson and Laura O’Neill.
