By Susanne Reynolds

During the 90th Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony of the Bainbridge-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce held last week, two Bainbridge State College employees who are enrolled at their workplace were recognized for their outstanding leadership.

April McNair and Barry Smith were among the many community leaders being honored for their successes in a leadership role.

Each year, the members of the General Assembly of the Georgia Legislature recognize college students for their superior academic achievement. All institutions in the University System of Georgia select a representative on their campus. McNair was chosen as the 2015 Academic Recognition Student for BSC.

Currently, McNair is employed as an administrative assistant/dispatcher at the BSC Public Safety Department. Not only is she an employee, but also a student. Last semester, McNair completed the requirements for the Associate of Arts with a concentration in Business Administration. Each semester, she has been on the Dean’s list and has maintained a 4.0 GPA.

McNair is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Mu Alpha Theta and Sigma Kappa Delta honor societies and has been the recipient of the Walter and Mary Cox Scholarship, Sigma Kappa Delta Scholarship; and the Kermit Bates Scholarship.

“I am honored to be Bainbridge State College’s Academic Recognition Student for 2015,” said McNair. “The college enabled me to complete my Associate’s Degree in Business Administration by offering learning opportunities in the classroom, online and through independent study. The flexibility of learning environments at BSC can make it possible for anyone to attend and complete a college education.”

McNair will be further recognized by Georgia Legislators with the presentation of proclamations from both the House of Representatives and the Senate during the spring BSC Honors Night program.

Annually, the state honors a Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) recipient. The GOAL program is jointly sponsored at the state level by the State Board of Technical System of Georgia and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. Its purpose is to give proper emphasis to the dignity and importance of technical education in today’s world.

Bainbridge State College is pleased to announce Barry Smith as its 2015 GOAL recipient.

Smith is employed with BSC’s Maintenance/Plant Operations Department while also being enrolled as a student. He is currently enrolled in the Computer Information Systems program, maintains a 4.0. Additionally, Smith is a member of Sigma Alpha Pi, serving as the Success Networking Team Coordinator and a member of BSC’s Anime Club.

According to the GOAL student, he appreciates the college’s support in his present and future educational endeavors.

“Bainbridge State provides me with both the means to support myself in the present and the education on which to build a successful future,” said Smith. “The encouragement from the faculty and staff motivates me to keep moving forward and accept new challenges. I am grateful for this and honored to represent the college as its 2015 GOAL student.”

Smith will compete at the state level for the opportunity to serve as a state-wide ambassador for technical education in Georgia.