Lake Charles, Louisiana – June 10, 2025
SOWELA Technical Community College recently recognized 25 exceptional students for their academic excellence and leadership at its annual Honors Ceremony. Awardees include:
Chancellor’s Award: Cathryn Dionne
Student Leadership Award: Kelvingston Jones, Iesha Martin, Isaac Temple
McNeese University Transfer Scholarship: Zoie Guidry, Kaitlin Johnson, Kira Meaux
Key to Success – Accounting: Elisa Campa
Key to Success – Business Administration: Chelsie Salyards
Key to Success – Information Systems Technology: Raymond Jorden
SAGA Award (General Studies): Cameron Tomplait
Culinary, Gaming and Hospitality Center Excellence Award: Alexander Montesinos
Spectrum Award (Digital Arts and Communication): Sophie Candler
Nightingale Award – Main Campus: Macee Devillier
Nightingale Award – Morgan Smith: Elizabeth Benton
Nightingale Award – Oakdale: Kori Doyle
Nursing Leadership Award: Julie Agent
Surgical Technology Graduate Award: Hannah Jenkins
Sterile Processing Graduate Award: Maggie Cormier
360 Award: Linda Allin
InTech Award: Lucas Lenhart
Process Excellence: Kelvingston Jones
Electrical Excellence: Nathan Palombo
Aviation Excellence: Cheyenne Pearce
Top Gear: Ethan Vincent
Carpentry Excellence Award: Darren Obermeyer
Welding Hall of Fame Award: Jayden Meadows
Blue Collar of Virtue Award: John Pruden
Catalyst Award: Isaac Lavine
Outstanding 1st Year Student Award: Margaret Savage
Rising Star: Rosa Chavez
ACE Award: Loretha Charles
Registration is open for Fall 2025, which starts Monday, August 11. Visit www.sowela.edu/apply for a complete list of available programs and to register. Scholarships and financial aid are available for those who qualify.
SOWELA is ranked the #1 community college in Louisiana by WalletHub based on Cost & Financing, Education Outcomes and Career Outcomes, and it ranks in the top 40% of community colleges nationally. SOWELA recently achieved the highest summer enrollment in its history with a 28.45% year-over-year increase.
SOWELA offers over 30 programs and 60+ industry-based credentials, including Industrial Instrumentation, Machine Tool Technology, Chemical Laboratory Technology, Drafting and Design Technology, Nursing (LPN and RN) and Accounting.
About SOWELA Technical Community College:
SOWELA Technical Community College offers dynamic instruction and practical learning opportunities that prepare students to seamlessly transfer or to excel in today’s workforce. For more information, visit www.sowela.edu.