By Jayson Larson/TVCC Public Information
The Trinity Valley Community College Student Government Association continued a tradition of excellence when it was named Region III Chapter of the Year by the Texas Junior College Student Government Association.
The announcement was made during the Region III TJCSGA meeting held on the TVCC Athens campus on February 28. The honor qualified TVCC SGA to compete for state chapter of the year in April. TJCSGA is composed of six regions and 72 member colleges.
TVCC, one of the most active student government associations in the state, was recognized for its strong participation in community service projects and chapter activities. Student government members this term participated in projects including a Thanksgiving food drive, two Trash Bash efforts, Drop Everything And Read (D.E.A.R.) at a local elementary school, the Meals of Kindness food ministry sponsored by Eastern Hills Church of Christ and various support efforts at events such as the Kiwanis Pancake Day, the Hope Springs Water Color Run and the area Senior Olympics.
The campus group also hosts a number of activities for its members, including bowling and movie nights, throughout the fall and spring semesters.
“It was exciting to hear we had been named regional chapter of the year,” said TVCC SGA President Allyson Braggs, a Dallas native who plans on attending the University of Arkansas next year. “We were recently talking about why we strive for awards and it really puts into perspective why we do what we do for the community. I don’t live in Athens and I’m not from Athens, but it really feels like home because we put so much time into trying to make this community better. It really has a special place in my heart and it always will.”
The role of the TVCC SGA continues to be significant, advisor Cortney Curran said, as the college works to show its students how they can make a difference and have a positive impact on the community in which they live.
“We want them to know they have a voice, that they can ignite and effect change on the campus and in the community,” Curran said. “Students want to have a seat at the table, and through the SGA process, we teach them a process by which they can make a difference.”
SGA’s voice was heard last year when it passed a resolution requesting a four-way stop in the interest of student safety at the intersection of Farm-to-Market Road 2494 and Dean Street – an area heavily traveled by students walking from their dorm rooms to class. That input was considered by TVCC President Dr. Glendon Forgey as the college sought, and ultimately succeeded, in having the four-way stop installed by the Texas Department of Transportation.
Forgey continues to meet monthly with SGA officers to listen to their thoughts and concerns.
“Sometimes we forget the reason we are here,” Forgey said. “We are here for the students. The SGA provides a venue for the students to participate in the governance of the college, as do the faculty and the staff. It also teaches students the importance of giving back to the community through various forms of service.”
TVCC SGA officers for 2013-14 are Allyson Braggs, president; Evin Basher, vice president; Quadra Walton, secretary and 2014-15 president-elect; Albanee Martin, treasurer; David Mena, parliamentarian; and Kolby Meshack, freshman representative.