CHATTANOOGA, TN – On Thursday, April 11, Chattanooga State Community College inducted 26 students into the National Spire Honor Society, a national honorary society for adult and other non-traditional students. Spire was created to provide non-traditional students with the same level of recognition that outstanding traditional students have always received.

"The Spire program at ChattState embodies our commitment to recognizing the diverse pathways to academic success,” said Marsha Barker, Director of Adult Services at ChattState. “Each of these 26 students has overcome unique challenges, and their induction into the Spire Honor Society is a celebration of their resilience, leadership, integrity, and commitment to lifelong learning."

Carla Frizzell, a ChattState alumna, spoke at the induction ceremony. A graduate of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Frizzell now works for the Tennessee Valley Authority. She was a recipient of ChattState’s “Eye of the Tiger” award and was recognized as a Tennessee Reconnect Student of the Week.

"In everything I do, I've got my family and friends in mind,” Frizzell said. “They’re my rock, pushing me to be my best, whether I'm at work at TVA or just living life. Beating cancer showed me it's not just about me—it's about showing others that no matter what life throws your way, you can come out on top. I've taken the rough patches and turned them into opportunities, and look at me now, still standing and smiling."

Established in 1989, Spire represents the highest achievement of academic performance and out-of-class accomplishments that a non-traditional student can attain in America’s community and junior colleges.

To be selected for Spire, individuals must qualify as an adult or non-traditional, be within 12 months of graduation or have completed 33 college credit hours, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, be involved in at least three campus or community activities, demonstrate leadership, persistence, future promise, and maintain the highest ethical standards.

Inductees:

• Fatma Aldarwish
• Byron Banks
• Tammie Beers
• Francena Bibbs
• Rebecca Boling
• Matthew Casey
• Allisa D'Apice
• Stephanie Dotson
• Jody Emanuel
• Jordan Filippi
• Justine Hernandez
• Gweniqua Jacobs
• Margie Lawhorn
• Leslie Lawrence
• Alexandra Lepley
• Christopher McJunkin
• Kellie Mills
• Jessica Partin
• Tessa Sentell
• Nancy Sharkey
• Wendy Sheppard
• Ashley Spresser
• Casey Sullivan
• Marvin Toms
• Brandy Wyrick
• Tatyana Zharova-Smitherman