Paintsville Herald

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. (May 13, 2005) - Two hundred eighty three graduates of Big Sandy Community and Technical College (BSCTC) were awarded degrees, diplomas or certificates on May 13, 2005. The ceremony was held at The Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg, Kentucky.

The graduates celebrated their commencement with excitement and anticipation of great careers or advanced study at a four-year college or university. Each graduate had a dream and a story that guided their footsteps as they stepped forth to receive their hard-earned degree or diploma. The future, once seen from a distance, appeared near as they grasped the document they had worked two or more years to attain.

Dr. George D. Edwards, President of BSCTC addressed the graduates with a message to each of them saying, "You can be proud of your success. You have worked hard and proven that you can accomplish your goals. You are now prepared to face the challenges you will meet as you go out into the world, but you are prepared. You have proven that you have what it takes to be a winner."

Jessica Hackworth, 2005 graduate and president of the Student Government Association, delivered the student address, encouraging the graduates to continue their education and fulfill their dreams.

Connie Sammons was honored posthumously as one of two Outstanding Alumni for 2005. She was recognized for her service and dedication to education and to the students who knew her for so many years. Her husband John D. Sammons, a 35 year tenured faculty member at the college, accepted the award in her name.

Guest speaker Kenny Rice, also named Outstanding Alumnus for 2005, delivered an inspiring commencement address. Mr. Rice, a well known sports announcer for HDNet Sports, NBC Sports, ESPN Racing, and notably the Kenny and Kenny Sports Show, which he co-anchors with Kenny Walker, is a graduate of the former Prestonsburg Community College. Following his years at the college he continued his education at the University of Kentucky before going into a career of journalism. He has made exceptional and outstanding contributions to the broadcast industry over the last 33 years.

Big Sandy Community and Technical College bestowed two honorary degrees during the graduation ceremonies. Mr. James H. Booth received an honorary degree in humane letters for his valuable assistance to the Big Sandy College Educational Foundation in the early stages of its Fulfilling the Promise Campaign. He has made exceptional, outstanding and lasting contributions to the community and to eastern Kentucky as a whole. As president of Czar Coal Corporation, Mr. Booth has chosen to stay in eastern Kentucky, providing many jobs for the area.

Mr. Paul R. Gearheart received an honorary degree in humane letters for his service as a member of the Big Sandy Community and Technical College Board of Directors from 1988 until 2001 and as its chair from 1994 until 2000. He also serves on the Big Sandy College Educational Foundation Board. He has actively supported the college through his gifts to improve the facilities, to enhance the scholarship program and to enable faculty to engage in professional development.

Recognition went to Dr. Bill R. Gillis, the recipient of the 2005 Great Teacher Award, presented by the student body. Elaine Shiber and the Honorable Greg M. Stumbo, Attorney General, were honored with the Faculty Service Award in recognition of their support and service to the BSCTC community. Interstate Natural Gas Community Service Awards were presented by Jerry Kanney to employee Tim Cooley and student Jimmy McCoy.

Special recognition was also given to those graduates achieving a 4.0 grade-point average.

Special music was produced by the Big Sandy Community Choir, under the direction of Laura Ford Hall; Clayton Case, a student at the college; and Bryen Lynne Goble, staff member. The Allen Central High School ROTC Honor Guard presented the flags in an impressive opening ceremony.

A reception was held in the atrium of the Mountain Arts Center immediately following the commencement.