LYNCHBURG — Each year there’s only one, and this year’s Motlow State Student of the Year is Jaxen Waggoner, who attends classes on the Moore County campus.

At the sixth annual Statewide Outstanding Achievement Awards (SOAR) event hosted by the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR), Waggoner received the Community College Student of the Year Award. TBR is the largest system of higher education institutions in the state and presides over all 13 community colleges and 24 colleges of applied technology.

The college says Waggoner’s dedication to Motlow State’s Student Government Association (SGA) and the betterment of state education made her a prime candidate to nominate for the award. She currently works as a part-time writer for the Manchester Times newspaper and a part-time dance teacher at Duck River Dance. Waggoner is a graduating sophomore who plans to double major in English and Political Science with minors in Education and Dance. She hopes to one day become a middle school English teacher because she is a firm believer in the power of education and desires to be a positive influence in the lives of children so that they always feel seen and heard.

Stephen Crook, former Executive Director of the Industrial Board of Coffee County, praised her dedication to education and her community. He stated in his recommendation letter, “I have known Jaxen since I arrived in Coffee County to serve as the Executive Director of the Industrial Board in January 2022. In that time, I have watched Ms. Waggoner grow into an outstanding student leader and an essential part of our community’s future. Through her positive attitude and confident stewardship, the Moore County Campus’s SGA has elevated in both reputation and impact throughout the area.”

When asked about her time at Motlow, Waggoner stated, “While at Motlow, I’ve taken on a very active role in SGA. As a freshman, I was elected as Freshman President, the sole first-year executive. In the 2023-24 year, I have served as Vice President, presiding over the Moore County campus. I joined SGA because it has changed my life again and again in fifth grade, high school, and at Motlow. It has inspired my ambitions, provided my closest friends, and given me many opportunities to serve those around me. We have coordinated events over the past two years including Fall Festival, Spring Fling, Weeks of Welcome (WOW), and more.”

Dr. Yaritza Gotay, Dean of Students at Motlow, stated, “For the first time in Motlow history, we have won the category of Student of the Year Award, and I am so proud to have nominated Jaxen Waggoner.  She embodies leadership and tenacity in the pursuit of her dreams.”

Waggoner also thanked those in her Motlow family who encouraged her in her pursuits. She added, “It’s a great honor and I’m ever so grateful. I would like to thank Lori Rogers and Amanda Starks for being my second Moms at Motlow. I love them very dearly, and I am so appreciative for them every day. Another thank you to Dr. Chatney Spencer, Lisa Mayo, Janice Morey, Brenda Cannon, Sarah Raymond, and the countless wonderful faculty and staff at Motlow State. I’m incredibly grateful for the loving and caring community here that has made such a positive impact on my life.”

Motlow College exists to help students like Waggoner achieve their goals and find avenues for professional and personal development. To learn about SGA and how you can use your voice for the improvement of Motlow’s student life, visit motlow.edu/belong/clubs/sga. •

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