McCook Community College students garner top honors at national conference

Friday, September 7, 2012
Courtesy photo MCC PBL students competing in nationals included, front row from left, Diedre Doyle, Brisa Rodriguez, Jessica Midkiff. Back row, Kasha Messersmith, Desiree Washum, John Reeves, Carlos Dominguez, Kacie Greenlee, Trisha Rickel and Veronica Waddell.

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Members of the McCook Community College Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) chapter competed in the national leadership conference this summer and won 10 trophies, including a first place award in desktop publishing.

The team of Trisha Rickel and Kasha Messersmith won first place in desktop publishing earning national recognition. (Rickel claimed a second place award at the 2011 national conference in desktop publishing.)

"We have had a phenomenal year for Phi Beta Lambda and I am very proud of these students who have excelled on the local, state, and national stages," said PBL co-advisor Janet (Weber) Stalder.

Additionally, Veronica Waddell and Desiree Washum captured third place honors in desktop publishing.

According to Lorrie Mowry, chapter co-adviser, every state is allowed two entries in each competition at nationals.

"So earning two top-10 finishes is phenomenal, and to come home with first and third in one event is amazing!" Mowry said.

The desktop publishing competition includes a comprehensive examination along with a design entry where students design a logo, business card, invitation, and flyer for a mock business, all under the pressure of a two-hour time frame. "I think our awards speak volumes of the quality we have here at MCC, including our Graphic Design Instructor, Becky Meyers," Mowry said.

"I was and am extremely proud of the graphic design students,' said graphic design instructor Becky Meyers. "They did an outstanding job, especially when you consider that they were competing against two and four year colleges."

Also at the competition, Veronica Waddell earned fourth place in management concepts, which consists of a comprehensive examination.

"Veronica's a bright and talented student and I knew she would do well," Mowry said.

Rounding out the competition was the MCC Parliamentary Procedure team which placed eighth in the nation. This team consisted of Diedre Doyle, Kacie Greenlee, Jessica Midkiff, John Reeves, and Brisa Rodriguez.

"This team worked really hard practicing and studying for their event, I'm so pleased with their performance," said Mowry.

Kacie Greenlee also placed in the top 15 in the help desk competition. MCC student Carlos Dominguez also participated in contemporary sports issues and fared well at the national level.

To compete at the national competition, students must place either first or second at their state conference.

"I was so proud of our students; just earning the right to participate at nationals is quite an honor. They walked into the National Conference and represented MCC, the community, and the state of Nebraska with poise, respect, and professionalism. It's been an amazing year, we have a lot to be proud of," Mowry said.

This team consisted of Diedre Doyle, Kacie Greenlee, Jessica Midkiff, John Reeves, and Brisa Rodriguez.

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