Wade Herrin, left, of GE receives the Unsung Heroes corporate award from Dr. Keith Miller of Greenville Tech.
The evening included a special tribute to the late Curtis Harkness, a vice president with the college who conceived of the event in an effort to recognize the efforts of those who quietly contribute.
Tina Harris received the Curtis Harkness Unsung Hero Student Award. Harris is a board member for the Unshackled Prison Ministry, president of the ROA Missions Ministry, director of "A New Beginning Transitional Housing," and part of the Upstate Homeless Coalition Speakers Bureau – all activities aimed at helping others turn their lives around as Harris has done.
Amber Morgan, who leads the college's First Year Experience initiative, was honored for impacting the lives of students by working hard for their success. This year, she helped hundreds of students get off to the right start with "Get the Scoop" events that introduced them to Greenville Tech and welcome tents where they could get directions as they navigated campus for the first time.
Eric Williams, the college's student activities director, was recognized for impacting the lives of young people through coaching and mentoring that inspires confidence, a positive attitude, a good work ethic, and a sense of teamwork.
Dr. E. Gail Everett, an educator of special needs children for 31 years, received the community award. For the past seven years, she has served as director of STRIDES, a Christian nonprofit that provides individual instruction to children who are having academic difficulty.
Corporate winner General Electric's gas turbine plant was recognized for a history of being proactive in partnering with local stakeholders to develop the necessary skills for a dynamic industry. The company partnered with Greenville Tech in 2012 to launch GE Greenville's Gas Turbine Apprentice program, which helps identify and develop skilled craftsmen and craftswomen for the industry. The company has also worked with the college to provide hands-on training for GE engineers and through these endeavors, serves as one of Greenville Tech's strongest business partners. Wade Herrin of GE received the award on behalf of the company.