The Valley Wins in More Ways Than One
TVCC students showcase research and creativity at Learning Symposium
(Post sponsored by Tinsley Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy.)
By Michael V. Hannigan
I thought I was just showing up to judge some student projects, but instead I got a glimpse of something bigger.
They celebrate a lot of victories at Trinity Valley — championships, trophies, banners on the wall. But if you want to see what makes The Valley special, spend a Friday morning at the Learning Symposium. That’s when you quickly find out that excellence there doesn’t stop at the gym doors.
You could feel it as soon as you walked into the Learning Center. Tables lined one side of the room, students stood by their displays, and the coffee and donuts were ready. The symposium was divided into two parts: a tabletop section with an old-school science fair vibe and a classroom where students gave full presentations on a big screen.
Judging started at the tables, and it didn’t take long for the students to pull me in. They were nervous, sure, but more than that, they were excited to share what they had learned. It was impossible not to get caught up in it.
But what stood out most wasn’t the projects.
It was the connection between the students and their mentors. The work that went into each presentation, and the obvious pride of the instructors. It was a glimpse into what learning looks like when it’s working the way it’s supposed to.
Judging wasn’t easy. I was blessed to work with Jack Duffie and Alicea Elliott, and while we had categories and score sheets, the quality of the projects made it tough to decide. Still, a few projects stood out, and I’m glad we get to recognize them.
The top honors included:
- Impact Award ($500): Jheanelle Brydson and mentor Mary Van Cleave for Phones: A Bacterial Hotspot We Overlook
- Creativity Award ($500): Danyelle Nelson and Kate McGrath for Hair and Scalp Disorders and Diseases
- Research Award ($500): Amaya Mayfield, Alannah Miranda, and Angel McNeal with mentor Brie Day for Survival of the Smallest: The Effects of Varying Turbidity on Competition between Paramecium
- People’s Choice Award ($250): Daniil Tikhonov and Delana Rosberg with mentor Sheree Daniel-Huddleston
- Table Presentation Honorable Mention ($125): Abbie Stokes and mentor September Kirk for Printed Word Takes Flight
- Classroom Presentation Honorable Mention ($125): Scott Peebles and mentor Jennifer Hannigan for Rebuilding the Ivory Tower
“Thank you to all the students and mentors who took the time to research and work on these incredible presentations,” said Learning Symposium Committee member and Philosophy & Economics Instructor Matt Cleaver. “We are truly impressed by the talent on display. A special thanks to our judges and to the Henderson County Bar Association and Richards Law for their support of the symposium.”