Laker Nation News

Lake Land College presented the Non-traditional Student of the Year Award to Gertie Schrock, Tuscola, during a ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 7. Schrock was among 11 students who were recognized for their perseverance and outstanding determination in pursuing their academic goals.

The nominees were: Jessica Jones, Tuscola; Jean Michael Rincon Rojas, Columbia; Kelly Richardson, Charleston; Eric Stanley, Charleston; Corinne Coad, Toledo; Lacey Crawley, Mattoon; Darin Miller, Shelbyville; Tamara Beck, Stewardson; Glen Sharpmack, East Alton; and Robert Shoraga, Mattoon.

“The individuals we honor this evening are a special group of students. We know their journeys have been full of obstacles, and yet, as they come to class every day ready to learn with smiles on their faces, you would never guess the hardships they’ve overcome to be here today,” said Kelly Allee, Director of Marketing and Public Relations. “With resilience and determination, they inspire their peers and instructors. They all are shining examples of what it means to be Lakers.”

Gertie Schrock is a non-traditional student from Tuscola. Growing up in the Amish community, she was taught German as her first language and was not afforded the opportunity to earn a high school diploma. As an adult, she enrolled in Lake Land’s Adult Education program to earn her GED along with her daughter. She completed her GED and currently studies in Lake Land’s BNA program to fulfill her dream of becoming a CNA.

Schrock was nominated by Adult Education Transition Coordinator Mariah White-Landrus. In the nomination form, White-Landrus said, “You could not ask to have a better student than Gertie. She stands as a beacon of strength to those who are lucky enough to know her.”

Jessica Jones is a non-traditional student from Tuscola and attends Lake Land to pursue her dream of working in archeology. She balances her college studies with two jobs, demonstrating great determination to complete her degree. After graduating from Lake Land, she plans to transfer to a university to continue pursuing her archeological studies.

Jones was nominated by Director of TRIO Programs Lori Ohnesorge. In the nomination form, Ohnesorge said, “Jessica is a very humble person with grounded values. She is thankful for all the opportunities that Lake Land College has provided to her.”

Jean Michael Rincon Rojas is a non-traditional, international student from Columbia. He came to Lake Land College to improve his English skills and prepare for his ultimate goal of earning a master’s degree in agriculture. He is always upbeat and positive as he navigates a foreign culture and is driven to succeed in his classes. Recently, he excelled as a research intern in plant breeding for Ag Alumni Seed Improvement in Lafayette, Indiana.

Allee nominated Rojas for the honor. In the nomination form, she said, “Jean is a very caring person with a lot of ambition and goals. He absorbs information from all his experiences, and I am confident he will be an excellent leader when provided with the opportunity.”

Kelly Richardson is a non-traditional student from Charleston who is studying in Lake Land’s nursing program. She is dedicated to her studies and balances her time between work, school and raising a family. She is driven to excel and shows incredible integrity and compassion for others in all that she does.

Richardson was nominated by Library Cataloging/Acquisitions Assistant Kathryn Helmink. In the nomination form, Helmink said, “It is admirable to see Kelly finding her way and becoming successful as a non-traditional student through the different challenges and barriers.”

Eric Stanley is a non-traditional student from Charleston who is studying biology. He initially faced uncertainty about how to fit in as a non-traditional college student, but he was quickly grown to excel at Lake Land and stands out as a leader among his peers. He serves as a TRIO ambassador, is active in the Alternative Education Club and has maintained a strong GPA.

Stanley was nominated by Director of Student Success Services Kim Hunter. In the nomination form, Hunter said, “Eric is kind, helpful and ready to help folks out. He is everything we want a standout of the Laker community to be.”

Corinne Coad is a non-traditional student from Toledo who balances her studies with her responsibilities as a single mother. She is a first-generation college student and has worked diligently, maintaining strong grades throughout her time in both the practical nurse and registered nurse programs. She leads other students in classroom exercises and group work, always willing to assist other students in the class.

Coad was nominated by Nursing Instructors Nichole Jones and Karla Hardiek. In the nomination form, they said, “Corinne is a model student. She works hard and uses her resources well, and it shows in her grades. She is humble, kind and focused. She empathizes with her fellow classmates and patients.”

Lacey Crawley is a non-traditional student from Mattoon who balances her studies with her employment at both LIFT and The Learning Zone. She is also a dedicated mother, and has shown great resilience in balancing all of life’s responsibilities. She is a leader among her peers and a willing volunteer in the campus community, consistently lending a hand to others and always ready to offer help when needed.

Crawley was nominated by Director of Student Life Lisa Shumard-Shelton and Early Childhood Education Instructor Tanille Ulm. In the nomination form, Shumard-Shelton said, “With a willingness to face new challenges, Lacey inspires those around her to do the same. Her unique insights, shaped by her personal and professional experiences, contribute to enriching class discussions and group dynamics, further highlighting her leadership potential.”

Darin Miller is a non-traditional student from who comes to Lake Land after working for more than two decades at Graphic Packaging in Shelbyville. He manages his studies along with his role as a father, as he and his wife have adopted multiple children. He brings a fresh perspective to the classroom with his years of workforce experience and often steps up to lead group projects. At Lake Land, he studies Agriculture Business and Supply and serves as a motivating example to the younger students around him.

Miller was nominated by Shumard-Shelton and Agronomy Instructor Christian Kessler. In the nomination form, Kessler said, “Darin is an exemplary student that anyone on campus can look up to and utilize as a role model. He truly embodies all traits that make leaders effective and fair. He always has a smile on his face and is determined to succeed to matter what life throws at him.”

Tamara Beck is a non-traditional student from Stewardson. A single mom of four, she earned her GED in 2023 and is currently pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse. Tamara always gives back to others, volunteering to support her daughter’s softball team and providing care to others by working in a nursing home. She gives full effort in everything she does and always maintains a positive attitude.

Beck was nominated by Perkins Specialist Joy Kaurin. In the nomination form, Kaurin said, “In continuing to pursue her education, Tamara is showing her children that anything is possible. Truly, her potential is limitless because of her determination to continue to pursue her education, even when it’s difficult.”

Glen Sharpmack is a non-traditional student from East Alton. He is pursuing a degree in business while also maintaining a full-time job and serving as a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He entered the workforce at just 18 years old back in 1985 and always prioritized his children’s needs over his own interests. By attending Lake Land now at 56 years old, he is pursuing a lifelong dream of earning a degree. Sharpmack is an inspiration to others through his hard work and commitment to personal growth.

Sharpmack was nominated by his daughter, Bailey Cole, Foundation Awards & Corporate Relations Coordinator, and his son-in-law, Dylan Cole, Assistant Comptroller & Purchasing Coordinator. In the nomination form, Bailey said, “Glen sets a strong example of what a non-traditional student can achieve if they put their mind to it. I am so proud of him and the role model he has been, teaching us to work hard, to be grateful and prioritize family.”

Robert Shoraga is a non-traditional student from Mattoon and is pursuing a degree in broadcast communication. With his age and background in the U.S. Navy, he brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to his studies. He helps his peers through his leadership, character and ability to connect with his others. He also sets an example to future generations with his determination and passion for learning.

Shoraga was nominated by his daughter, Constance Rickey, Nursing Instructor. In the nomination form, Rickey said, “Not only is Robert an inspiration, he is the best dad and grandpa anyone could ask for. He embodies the spirit of perseverance and lifelong learning, proving that it is never too late to pursue one’s dream.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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