Two members of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Gadsden State Community College have earned accolades for outstanding academic achievement as well as college and community service. Sebella Henry and Harry Glenn were selected for the Phi Theta Kappa All-Alabama Academic Team. In addition, Henry has been named a Bronze Scholar on the Coca-Cola Academic Team.
All-Alabama Academic Team members are nominated by faculty and reviewed by a selection committee. To be eligible, students must have a 3.25 minimum GPA, complete at least 12 hours at the nominating college and be involved in campus activities. Each community college in Alabama nominates two students for the team. Henry and Glenn each received $1,000.
Students are nominated by college administrators for the Coca-Cola Academic Team. They must be members of PTK and are selected based on academic achievement, leadership and engagement in college and community service. As a Bronze Scholar, Henry was awarded $1,000 to use for educational expenses. She is one of only 50 Bronze Scholars nationwide and was chosen from more than 2,400 applicants.
“I’m so honored to be recognized,” Henry said. “My time at Gadsden State has truly been a positive experience.”
Henry was homeschooled before she came to Gadsden State in Fall 2022. She scored an honors scholarship at the College.
“I only applied to Gadsden State,” she said. “I wasn’t ready to leave home. I had a lot of social anxiety. Being a student at Gadsden State brought me out of my shell. I will never be able to adequately thank everyone at Gadsden State for the difference they made in my life.”
On May 9, Henry graduated with an associate degree in general studies. She is transferring to the University of Alabama at Birmingham to work towards bachelor’s and master’s degrees in math education.
I enjoyed math when I was in high school, but when I got to Gadsden State, my love for it grew,” she said. “I was able to learn from some wonderful teachers. They have really inspired me to become a teacher myself.”
Henry has been recognized multiple times for her academic success as well as her commitment to student life at Gadsden State. At the recent Honors Day, she was presented the coveted Allen-Ray Award, the highest honor bestowed on a Gadsden State student. It is named for the late Sen. James B. Allen and the late Jack Ray, the former CEO of Exchange Bank of Alabama.
The 20-year-old also was named a Student of Distinction and was awarded the Presidential Scholarship to UAB, the Transfer Excellence Scholarship to the University of Alabama, the Opportunity Transfer Scholarship to Jacksonville State University and the Institutional Scholarship to Athens State University.
Henry is the president of PTK and served as a Gadsden State representative at the recent PTK international convention, where the local chapter was recognized as a Five-Star Chapter and won the Distinguished College Project Award for the work done at an Etowah Chamber event for local teachers, counselors and administrators.
In addition to her commitment to PTK, Henry served as a volunteer tutor in math and computer literacy for Gadsden State’s Adult Education Services. She was on the 2024 Gadsden State Homecoming Court and volunteered at the Cardinal Gala, Candy with the Cardinals, G-Day and Get on Board Day.
“I have really loved being a Gadsden State student,” she said. “I could not recommend Gadsden State more to other students. The faculty is absolutely wonderful. They advocate for their students. They want to see us succeed. Students can be assured that the teachers at Gadsden State have their best interest at heart.”
Glenn chose Gadsden State because it’s close to his Rainbow City home, and the College provides multiple ways for students to get involved.
“There’s always something to do at Gadsden State,” he said. “There are many opportunities to be involved in campus life. It’s what you make of it.”
It was his involvement and academics that landed him on the All-Alabama Academic Team.
“It’s such an honor,” he said. “I was excited to be selected. For others to select me is a high honor. It was appreciated but definitely unexpected.”
Glenn came to Gadsden State after graduating from Southside High School in 2022. He was chosen as a Gadsden State Ambassador and led over 50 tours for prospective students. He was on the President’s List for his 4.0 GPA and was elected to the 2024 Gadsden State Homecoming Court. He also volunteered at many college events, like graduation, Cardinal Commit and Candy with the Cardinals.
At Honors Day, the 20-year-old was awarded the President’s Cup, a designated award for students who demonstrate exceptional success in all phases of college life. It was presented by Dr. Kathy Murphy, Gadsden State president. He was also named a Student of Distinction and was awarded the Opportunity Transfer Scholarship to JSU as well as the Roll Tide Transfer Scholarship and the Leadership and Achievement Scholarship to UA.
He recently received an associate degree in general studies. He will enroll at UA this fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in healthcare management. He hopes to one day be the CEO of a hospital.
“I am always recommending Gadsden State to people,” he said. “You can’t beat the per-credit tuition. It was much more affordable. It also helped me to be in classes with fewer people. It is easier for me to learn with less distractions. I’m really happy that I made the decision to start at Gadsden State. It has prepared me to continue my education at Alabama.”