Gwinnett Tech Names 'Distinguished Student'

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA -- Angel Esquivel, a first-generation college student studying to be a dental assistant, has received Gwinnett Technical College's Distinguished Student Award.

She was awarded the school's top academic honor at Gwinnett Tech's 31st annual awards ceremony Monday night.

"She is an honor student who has shown excellent leadership in her program. She takes it upon herself to assist other students and faculty with anything that needs to be done with a wonderful attitude," Gwinnett Tech President D. Glen Cannon said at the awards ceremony.

"She is such a great organizer and multi-tasker that her internship site said she is the best student they have ever had. Her initiative, leadership and hard work are truly admirable."

Along with a medal, Esquivel received a check for $500.

The 2016 finalists for Distinguished Student were Esquivel, Amber Whilhite, Caryn Ridenour, Jennifer Miller, Margaret Megaro, and Kristen Ferreira.

Esquivel was selected out of roughly 7,000 Gwinnett Tech students. The first in her family to go to college, she maintained a 4.0 GPA while juggling school with a full-time job.

Esquivel also took part in several student-life programs, fundraisers and community volunteer initiatives, according to the school. They included helping patients at Truth's Community Clinic and offering oral-health education presentations to elementary school students.

"This award means a lot," Esquivel said in a news release from the college. "This recognition shows me that my hard work has paid off. I’m excited to graduate in just two weeks and achieve my goal of becoming a dental assistant."

To become eligible for the Distinguished Student Award, students must first have been selected as the outstanding student in their program areas.

Nominees' credentials were then judged by a screening committee. The top candidates then were interviewed by a selection committee and judged on their expressed personal goals, value of training, ability to communicate, enthusiasm and confidence.

The 2016 finalists were Esquivel, Amber Whilhite, Caryn Ridenour, Jennifer Miller, Margaret Megaro, and Kristen Ferreira.