Students and faculty from the Tennessee College of Applied Technology at Chattanooga State Community College were one of two groups in the state of Tennessee to win the Gold President’s Volunteer Service Award at the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville, Kentucky in June.

To earn the Gold level, a team must achieve over 1,000 community service hours in one year. TCAT Chattanooga documented 1,568 service hours. “Volunteer service hours were performed in several diverse parts of our community including churches, community centers, libraries, hospitals, and retirement communities. Our students have gone above and beyond their classroom requirements to receive this prestigious award. Time is very valuable and we are proud of their commitment to serving our school and community,” says Senior Instructor Mike Mercer. 

The President’s Service Award is issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation on behalf of the President of the United States to recognize the best in the American Spirit and to encourage all Americans to improve their communities through volunteer service and civic participation.

“This award is evidence of the selfless service in which many of our faculty and students engage on a regular basis and reflects the values that we teach our students,” states TCAT Executive Vice President Dr. Jim Barrott.

Along with the ultimate honor of presidential recognition, recipients also received a personalized certificate, an official gold pin, and a congratulatory letter from the President of the United States.

Award recipients and the programs they represent include:

Administrative Office Professional: Annie Howell, Chele Roberts, Rebecca Youngblood

Computer Support Technician: Chantal Simmons, Daniel Shirley, Eli Hardin, Isaiah Dagnan, Kendra Williams, Kenny Melton, Kyle Bales, Patrick Foster, Rex Weeks, Sam McDonald, Tim Hawkins, Tristan Sharp

Cosmetology: Brittany Smith, Michaela Rogers

Massage Therapy: Alexis Moulton, Bambi Grant, Brandon Pell, Brittany Durham, Cori Danielle Hill, Desirae Danielson, Devida Bone, Donna Thrasher, Elizabeth Crawford, Elizabeth Hudson, Jared Popp, Jennifer Hernandez, Jessica Hernandez, Kelsey Glenn, Rebecca Hernandez, Stephanie Harden, Tammy Oister, Yana Sidlinskiy

Medical Assisting: Molly Sweetland

Instructors: Bill Heckathorn, Renee Johnson, Elonia James, Mike Mercer

Chattanooga State TCAT students receive a high-quality education as reflected in the 96 percent job placement rate, 70 percent completion rate, and 98 percent licensure pass rate. 

For more information about the Tennessee College of Applied Technology programs visit www.chattanoogastate.edu/tcat.