LTC Honors Students and Employees

Lincoln Trail College honored seven students and seven faculty and staff members at its annual Awards Banquet.

Abigail Vaughn and Brenna Higginbotham won the Joseph C. Piland Excellence in Scholarship Award. It is presented to a full-time Lincoln Trail College student who has demonstrated outstanding academic merit and sustained excellence in the classroom. The award is given to honor Joseph C. Piland who was the first President of Lincoln Trail College.  His vision and passion for education were instrumental in the development of a comprehensive community college for Crawford County.

Vaughn, who played volleyball for LTC, served as an ambassador, and was the co-Social Media Officer for FBLA-C, was recognized as a dedicated student with an amazing positive attitude. Her nomination stated, “She worked very diligently on every project she submitted and had a positive influence on the classroom culture.”

Higginbotham managed to earn her Associate’s Degree and high school diploma in the same year, all while battling a health condition. Her nomination praised her dedication to education through her trials. “Brenna has overcome many challenges this year regarding her health and still continues to strive for excellence in every assignment, test, and project.”

Maya Curtright, Madison Davis, and Leticia Guimaraes were co-winners of the J. Rod Harmon Excellence in Service Award. It is presented to a full-time Lincoln Trail College student who has demonstrated outstanding service to the college or the community. Rod Harmon served as a faculty member at Lincoln Trail College for 27 years and has been the Executive Director of the Lincoln Trail College Foundation since 2005.  He is well known for his rich sense of humor, dedication to his wife Diana, and commitment to creating opportunities for all residents of Crawford County to have access to a high-quality education.

Curtright was cited as an exceptional individual who consistently demonstrates a solid commitment to excellence in all academic and extracurricular endeavors. As a member of Student Senate, Curtright was recognized for her near-perfect attendance and work ethic for events. 

Davis, who serves as a student worker in the Business Office, was cited for her work ethic and dedication to both her job and the classroom all while maintaining a busy schedule. “She is extremely active with participation in Phi Theta Kappa, the Process Tech Club, and volunteering through our local library.”

Guimaraes, who won the Bev L. Turkal Excellence in Leadership Award in 2023, was recognized because she is a campus leader who volunteers for growth opportunities and is the epitome of “willingness to learn something new.” She was nicknamed the mom of the soccer team, has been active in FLBA-C and Phi Theta Kappa, and worked in the LTC Marketing Office. 

Madisyn McIntosh and Sean Stone were co-winners of the Bev L. Turkal Excellence in Leadership Award. It is presented to a full-time Lincoln Trail College student who has shown great Leadership qualities and skills.  This award is given to honor Bev L. Turkal, a true Leader in Education, whose passion was to make a difference and change the lives of children, teens, adults, and lifelong learners.   Bev believed to be a strong leader one must live life, care, and show empathy, must have high energy, and be competitive to accomplish the goals set to make things happen.

McIntosh, who served as a Student Ambassador and was active in FBLA-C, was recognized as a student who shined at LTC the last two years. “Madisyn is always willing to step up and volunteer for any event or project presented to her. Her personality and enthusiasm are a few of her great qualities. She is also a high-achieving student with great social and emotional skills.”

Stone also served as a Student Ambassador, was involved in FBLA-C, and played baseball. His nomination cited his attitude. “Sean is a hardworking student who can influence others to work hard as well. Sean is always willing to help anyone who needs it and is not afraid to ask for help or ask questions as needed.”

Marcia Thorsen and Dr. Phil Thorsen shared the Excellence in Teaching Award. 

Marcia Thorsen was recognized for her enthusiasm. “Her enthusiasm for psychology and mental health is contagious, igniting a passion for the subject in all who have the privilege of learning from her.” One student said she impacted her life more than any other teacher she has ever had.

Phil Thorsen was recognized for his innovative methods of instruction. A student nomination for Thorsen stated, “I believe he is an exceptional educator who exemplifies the highest standards of teaching excellence.” Another cited his ability to make the student a part of the class through discussion and debate. 

Carrie Brown and Amie Mayhall were the co-winners of the Excellence in Online Education Award. 

Brown was cited as an amazing teacher and kind person who makes sure that students understand the material. Mayhall was recognized as being hardworking, loving, and caring.

Cyndi Boyce, Dana Goodwin, and Angel Kerner were co-winners of the Staff Excellence Award. 

Boyce was recognized as a trusted colleague who embraces change and challenges with professionalism. “Cyndi excels as a role model for other instructors, is a huge student advocate, and has recently led LTC during times of transition without skipping a beat.”

Goodwin’s roles as academic advisor, volleyball coach, and athletic director were noted in her recommendation. “Dana goes above and beyond in all three roles, takes obstacles that are thrown at her with a smile on her face, and believes that everything is ‘figureoutable’."

Kerner’s nomination stated that she hit the ground running and learned her job as an academic advisor in record time and went right to work with a student-centered focus. “Kerner is also devoted to promoting LTC to the community, while also serving on IECC committees and creating opportunities for students to succeed.”

The six awards are given annually. Students are nominated by faculty and staff members while faculty and staff are nominated by their peers and students. A committee selects the recipients of the awards.