Tracy Sewell, an Environmental Horticulture student from Lithonia, earned one of the college’s most prestigious awards as the 2015 Distinguished Student.
“It’s a great privilege to recognize the achievements of these dedicated and talented students and a joy to help them celebrate withtheir family and friends. Being successful at college, most often while balancing the responsibilities of work and family, requires real commitment and we take pride in being able to applaud these students and contribute to their success,” said Dr. Glen Cannon, president, Gwinnett Tech.
Outstanding students in each Gwinnett Tech program of study were honored, as were members of National Technical Honor Society, SkillsUSA winners and a host of individual program honorees. In all, almost 300 students were recognized.
Aaron Poulsen, program director for Environmental Horticulture, nominated Sewell for the Distinguished Student award and describes her as an exceptional student and leader. “She has been involved from day one. As a member of the Horticulture Club, she works to attend all industry events, trainings and seminars. She is always ready to volunteer, and has participated in tree plantings, plant sales and other service projects. She has many interests but all are related to landscaping and urban food production. She has accomplished so much in a short time, all while being a single mother.”
On campus, Sewell is a Student Ambassador, a member of Phi Theta Kappa national honor society, and the leader of two campus projects for Gwinnett Great Days of Service. She is also the Student Farm Manager, leading Gwinnett Tech’s ‘Farm to Fork’ program, a joint effort between the horticulture and culinary arts programs where culinary students cook with produce and herbs grown on campus by the horticulture students.
Last month, Sewell earned two national horticulture scholarships, from the Professional Grounds Management Society and from theProfessional Landcare Network.
“Gwinnett Tech has been my life-saver – my chance to do it over,” explains Sewell, who enrolled for a career change after relocating to the area. “It’s been a place to not only learn, but also to practice ‘book knowledge’ with kind, caring and knowledgeable teachers. I found tremendous support and an extended family by being involved in campus clubs and organizations.”
Sewell was one of five finalists for the Distinguished Student award. Other finalists were:
• Kelly Fleming, an Interiors student from Sugar Hill
• Rasheeda Lake, a Radiologic Technology student from Hoschton
• Robert Siple, an Information Security student from Hoschton
• Lisa Dyer, a Registered Nursing student from Lawrenceville
GTC offers more than 50 degree, diploma and certificate program options that can be completed in two years or less. Call 770-962-7580.
About Gwinnett Tech
Gwinnett Technical College, one of Georgia’s largest technical colleges, is committed to delivering relevant knowledge to meet the workforce training needs of its community. The college offers more than 50 associate degree, diploma and certificate programs and hundreds of seminars, workshops and courses providing specialized training. GTC is Gwinnett County’s largest provider of corporate training and also serves residents and businesses in north Fulton County. Gwinnett Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges andSchools Commission on Colleges to award the associate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Gwinnett Technical College. In addition, some college programs hold separate licensure or accreditation status with appropriate agencies. For more information, visit www.GwinnettTech.edu
A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia.
