Jessica Clark of East Waterboro, Maine has been selected as SMCC’s Student of the Year for her hard work and dedication to excellence during her time at SMCC. Clark will be recognized at the Maine Maple Hill Farm in Hallowell Wednesday, April 26 in an event hosted by the Maine Community College System (MCCS) Board of Trustees.
Clark, who has already earned an associate degree in Culinary Arts from SMCC and is about to graduate with her Business Administration associate degree, has been a member of the SMCC Student Senate, worked as a resident assistant and front desk worker, and currently works at Sodexo.
“I was pretty shocked I received the award,” Clark said. “On the other hand, being recognized for working so hard to get two degrees quickly was great. I’m proud of myself; it’s an amazing accomplishment.”
Clarke said she is still working on school. She plans to attend the University of Southern Maine (USM) in the fall to get her bachelor’s degree in business administration.
“We’re so happy for Jessica,” SMCC President Joe Cassidy said. “Jess embodies the spirit and work ethic we so thoroughly enjoy seeing from our students at SMCC. She has worked tirelessly to earn not one but two degrees and plans to transfer her hard earned credits to USM where she will continue her education. Another SMCC student working hard to improve their life and the lives of those around her. Congratulations.”
As a Student of the Year recipient, Jessica will receive a John and Jana Lapoint Leadership $1,000 Award.
Mr. Lapoint was president of UF Strainrite in Lewiston and a Maine Community College System trustee. After his death in 1995, his widow, Jana Lapoint, served on the Board from 1995 to 2006 and helped establish the fund for the annual awards.
Clark said she plans to stay active in the culinary industry while finishing her degree at USM. After graduation, she plans to work hard to become an executive chef.