Ivy Tech’s Kokomo Service Area recognizes achievements of Class of 2026

Last Updated on May 12, 2026 by Cass County Communication Network

KOKOMO, Ind. — Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo has honored students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and leadership during awards ceremonies for the Class of 2026. They were also recognized during commencement ceremonies May 8.

Jenna Jackson of Kokomo, who has earned an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration, has been honored with the Chancellor’s Award for Academic Excellence as the outstanding scholar in the graduating class.

Homeschooled, Jenna completed her high school curriculum in May 2025. She has worked at an accelerated pace as a member of the current cohort of Ivy Tech’s ASAP program and is completing her associate degree in Business in less than a year

“Even taking 24 credit hours in her final semester, Jenna maintained a perfect 4.0 grade point average,” Crista Kendall, chair of the Business programs at Ivy Tech’s Kokomo Service Area, said.

In completing her degree, Jenna also earned Ivy Tech’s TSAP (Transfer Single Articulation Pathway) credential, a designation that allows graduates to transfer directly to Indiana public four-year universities as juniors. She is excited to continue working on her bachelor’s degree in Business at Indiana University Kokomo.

“I have learned a lot at Ivy Tech,” Jenna said. “It’s really given me an inside look into how business works, and I have enjoyed learning from people who have experience in areas like accounting and business administration. I hope to be a leader in business who can impart knowledge like my Ivy Tech instructors and help others get a start in their career by sharing what I’ve learned.”

 Outside of school, Jenna plays guitar and is active in her community. She not only plays soccer with the Kokomo Soccer Club but also serves as a coach. She also works part-time as a nanny and attends Abundant Life Church in Kokomo.

The Chancellor’s Award winner is selected from the list of Dean’s Award honor students who were named the outstanding student by the faculty chair for each program. Recipients of the Dean’s Award for 2025 are:

Accounting

Caitlin Smith, Kokomo

Agriculture

John McManus, Bunker Hill

Biology

Josephine Nieto, Kokomo

Business Administration

Jenna Jackson, Kokomo

Cyber Security & Information

Mark McNew, Kokomo

Data Analytics

Stacey Little, Elgin AFB, Florida

Dental Assisting

Megan Williams, Kokomo

Early Childhood Education

Emerson Jones, Walton

Elementary Education

Izabella Coffing, Rochester

General Studies

Jenneva Seely, Kokomo

Healthcare Specialist

Kirsten Wehinger, Kokomo

Human Services

Amelia Begley, Peru

Industrial Technology

Lucus Pitzer, Kokomo

Information Technology Support

Keegan Buttermore, Russiaville

Liberal Arts

Karen Inman, Kokomo

Medical Assisting

Fahlin White, Jonesboro

Nursing

William Sturch, Peru

Professional Communication

Nicole Melcher, Lake Village

Psychology

Kristen Flowers, Kokomo

Surgical Technology

Danyela Hernandez, Kokomo

Visual Communications

Victoria Brew, Kokomo

Other honors recognized at Ivy Tech Kokomo’s May 8 commencement ceremonies included:

Faculty and Adjunct Award Winners:

  • Kyle Wiley, Assistant Professor of Visual Communication, President’s Award for Excellence in Instruction
  • Hans Lapp, Adjunct Faculty in Cyber Security & Information Assurance, Adjunct Award for Excellence in Instruction
  • Daniel Wyant, Business and Marketing teacher at Peru High School, Dual Credit Faculty of the Year

Military Veterans Honors: Kevin C. Richmann, Nicholas R. Walker, Corey E. Summers, Levi D. King, Aspyn McKay, Jennifer Yoder, Anthony Seda, Boqb Carmichael, Douglas Parsons, Dylan Cessna, and Edgar Rodriguez Sanchez.

Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society members: Jada Abbott, Cassie Adams, Shelly Brown, Eliza Barkley.

Senior graduates of the Ivy Tech Community College Student Leadership Academy: Reagan Hawes and Jessica Trett.

Students inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success: Westley Johnson, Lauren K. Adams, Kirsten Wehinger, Kendra Johnson, Stacy Davis, Ty Mullen, Payton R. Johnson, Charles J. Adams, Zachary R. Davis, Araya Johnson, Katherine Davis, Cassie Adams, Haley J. Miller, Emma Pratt, Victorrea Willis, Andrew Miller, Elizabeth Hummel, Ashlyn Horton, Matthew Meyers, Adrianna Hall, Shara K. Johnson, Kyle Horton, Bradley A. Miller, Stephanie Ellis, Amanda N. Miller, Spencer P. Gee, Kayla N. Meyers, Ame Begley, Seth M. Sorrell, Emma Eilene Miller, Reid Johnson, Nolan Evan Miller, Kamyah Adams, Jaxson Miller, Roxie Wray, Brysen Begley, Destiney Miller, Evan Adams, Akeem Davis, Aubrey Miller, Casey Miller, Destiny Skinner, Braydon Miller, Mariah Miller, Madyson Miller, Valerie Johnson Maldonado, Mara Enders, Sarah M. Johnson, Samantha Hall, and Alexis Jade Mason.

SOURCE: News release from Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo Service Area