FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 29, 2026
FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Pierpont Community & Technical College recognized outstanding student achievement across academic programs and student leadership during its annual Student Awards Ceremony, celebrating students whose accomplishments reflect perseverance, commitment, and purpose.
“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
Before the Phi Theta Kappa Induction Ceremony, Jahkari Mesidor, an Aviation Maintenance Technology student, received special recognition as a Phi Theta Kappa All‑West Virginia Academic Team honoree, one of only four students selected statewide.
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.
Pierpont Community & Technical College congratulates all award recipients for their exceptional accomplishments and continued contributions to the college and community.
Pierpont Community & Technical College provides accessible, responsive, and high‑quality education to students and businesses across North Central West Virginia. With a strong focus on career readiness and workforce development, Pierpont offers academic programs and industry‑aligned training that create clear pathways to employment. Through this work, the college helps students discover their path while supporting the region’s economic and workforce needs.
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Pierpont Community and Technical College
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