Two LBW Community College students will soon receive prestigious recognition in Montgomery for exceptional academic achievement, distinguished leadership, and community service.

Emilee Hudson of Opp and Noah Rider of Andalusia are named as 2017 All-Alabama Academic Team members with the Alabama Community College System.

“These students represent the highest achievers of our college,” said Dr. Herb Riedel, LBWCC president. “We are extremely proud of what they have accomplished both in and out of the classroom and this is well-deserved recognition for them both.”

Hudson, daughter of Tim and Michelle Hudson, graduated from Elba High School as valedictorian. She recently completed requirements for an Associate in Science Degree at LBWCC with a 3.9 grade point average (GPA), and is now studying accounting at Troy University. She plans to ultimately become a certified public accountant, work for an accounting firm, and eventually open her own firm.

“I actually completed all my coursework (at LBW) in one and a half years” by averaging 15 credit hours each semester and attending a few summer classes, she said.

This accomplishment was achieved while also working part-time at PowerSouth Energy Cooperative and participating in several campus clubs and organizations, including Student Government Association, Mu Alpha Theta mathematics honor society, Civitan Club, and serving as vice-president of Phi Theta Kappa’s Alpha Beta Eta chapter and as an Ambassador.

“Being involved in many clubs and organizations not only led me to meet some best friends, but also helped me develop important skills in organization, public speaking, and teamwork.”

Hudson had several college options as a high school valedictorian, and selected to start her college career at LBWCC.

“I chose to attend LBW after graduation from high school because of all of the positive things I heard about the faculty and staff,” she said. “At LBW, everyone truly cares about the students.”

She said she chose an accounting major “because I honestly love math and dealing with numbers. This is a major where I can really help people manage their money and help them make important decisions about their money. I have always wanted to work in a profession that I could help people but also work with numbers.”

She said being named as a 2017 All-Alabama Academic Team member is gratifying.

“I am extremely excited and blessed. Academics have always been a huge part of my life and I have always worked hard to do the best I can at everything I do. This proves that my hard work is being recognized and that I need to keep striving to do my best throughout my college career and then into my professional career.”

Noah Rider, son of Tom Rider and Cindi Cross, is a graduate of Straughn High School and is in the Honors Program at LBWCC with a 4.0 GPA. He will complete required coursework for an Associate in Science degree in May.

As a high school student, he participated in dual enrollment classes and completed two college-level English courses. He also attended LBW during summer semester and finished two chemistry courses in mini-sessions.

He serves as an Ambassador and treasurer of the Student Government Association, and is active in Mu Alpha Theta, Civitan, and Phi Theta Kappa. He also works part-time at David’s Catfish.

“Some people attend LBW for convenience, but you can’t put a value on the quality of education you get here because of the great relationship between instructors and students,” he said. “They guide you inside and outside the classroom in ways that help make you a well-rounded student.”

He plans to transfer to Auburn University in the fall to pursue a four-year degree in biomedical science, then continue his studies toward a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.

“My anatomy classes in high school and biology classes in college made me realize my sincere interest in medicine,” he said. “My dad is a physical therapist and I really admire him for his choice of career. My goal is to eventually participate in medical mission trips overseas.”

Rider said it is an honor to be named as an All-Alabama Academic Team member.

“It is a great honor to represent the college that has treated me so well,” he said. “Any kind of recognition is good support in making future choices, persevering in future studies, and in life. It’s always good to be able to look back on achievements.”

For current high school students, both Hudson and Rider have some advice.

“Do your best at everything you do, whether it is academics, sports, or being in clubs or organizations. If you strive to do your best and be your best, your hard work will pay off,” said Hudson.

“They can do whatever they want to do as long as they apply themselves and not let any person diminish their value,” Rider said.

Students from the 23 colleges and one military institute within the Alabama Community College System will be recognized in April at a luncheon in Birmingham.

The All-Alabama Academic Team recognition program was founded in 1995 to complement the All-USA National Academic Team Program sponsored by USA Today, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and the American Association of Community Colleges.