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Two LBW Community College students received prestigious recognition for exceptional achievement, distinguished leadership, and community service.

Clay Herrington and Alana Wheeler of Andalusia were named as 2024 All-Alabama Academic Team members with the Alabama Community College System at the recognition program on Friday. Both students are 2022 graduates of Andalusia High School.

“Both Clay and Alana are to be commended for this honor,” said LBW President, Dr. Brock Kelley.  “They both represent this institution and its values as students as well as outside of the classroom.”

All-Alabama Academic Team students are nominated by their respective colleges and must possess a minimum grade point average of 3.25, be involved in campus activities, and have completed a minimum of 12 semester hours at the institution.

Herrington, a sophomore, was also named as a Coca-Cola Bronze Scholar, one of 150 national finalists to receive this special recognition along with a $1,000 scholarship.

Herrington will graduate with an Associate in Science in May and plans to attend Troy University and pursue a master’s degree with the goal of teaching American History collegiately.

“I’m honored that LBW nominated me to represent them on the All-Alabama Academic Team,” Herrington said. “I have enjoyed representing the College as an Honor Student and as an Ambassador, so I am extremely grateful I was chosen to partake in such a unique opportunity and position once more.”

Herrington’s involvement at the College has transformed his experience, and he feels grateful for the opportunities he has been afforded as a student.

“The college can easily feel like a second home at times,” he said. “In the short time I was at LBW, I wanted to do my best. Not just for myself, but for the College as well, given how helpful everyone has been.”

Wheeler, a sophomore nursing student, plans to graduate from LBW with an Associate Degree in Nursing with the goal of working as a NICU nurse.

“I’m blessed with the opportunity to be able to earn my nursing degree right here in my hometown,” Wheeler said. “LBW has outstanding faculty and staff that have helped me succeed and become the best version of myself.”

Serving as a hostess for events in the community and at the college as a campus ambassador has allowed her to become involved and improve leadership roles.

“I’m grateful for the doors that have been opened and led me to where I am today,” she added. “I am forever thankful to call LBW home. Go Saints!”

The All-Alabama Academic Team recognition program was founded in 1995 to complement the All-USA National Academic Team Program sponsored by USA Today, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and the American Association of Community Colleges.