By WNCC
SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. - Two Western Nebraska Community College students were recently honored at Phi Theta Kappa's national "Catalyst" convention. Michael Aldridge, of Benkelman was named Nebraska's 2024 New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar and Ryan Lenhart of Scottsbluff was named Nebraska's 2024 New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar.
The scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. Only one scholar is selected from each state for each award.
Aldridge graduated earlier this month with his Aviation Maintenance Certificate. For Aldridge, the award was the combination of hard work and motivation from the sacrifices that he and his family made while he went back to school.
"I told myself that because of all the support and sacrifice I was putting on the people I cared most about, that I would do the best I could to make sure that I completed my goal to get my Airframe and Powerplant license from the FAA," Aldridge said. "The award I received really goes to my family, my instructors."
Alridge is now employed as a mechanic at G2G Aviation in Wray, Colorado where he also held an internship during the Summer of 2023.
"Since 1969 the Aviation Maintenance program is Sidney has been producing great mechanics. I'm glad to have had the opportunity myself," Aldridge said. "Being around and working on these as airplanes helped to solidify my desire to do my best."
Lenhart received his Associate of Arts in May, but he finished his coursework in the Fall 2023 semester.
"I am both honored and humbled to receive my recent accolades. To be included among the other national PTK honorees is especially humbling, as these scholars are remarkable," Lenhart said. "In many ways, academic awards are difficult to reconcile in my mind, as learning is truly its own reward. I feel a sense of redundancy to be honored for something that has been complemented by such extraordinary and unexpected personal returns."
Lenhart is now enrolled in the Anthropology program at Oregon State University, where he intends to complete his bachelor's degree in 2026.
"WNCC was prepared to take on my history and nontraditional circumstances, and the institution immediately—and continually—stimulated an ambition to gain knowledge in me," Lenhart said. "There is no chance I would have achieved my goals—or received any personal accolades—without the encouragement, guidance, and instruction from many key people at WNCC."
PTK is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. There are nearly 1,300 chapters spread across 11 countries.
The New Century Scholar program is sponsored by the The Coca-Cola Foundation, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, Phi Theta Kappa, and the American Association of Community Colleges.
About Western Nebraska Community College
For more than 90 years, Western Nebraska Community College has been educating residents of Nebraska's Panhandle. With campus locations in Alliance, Scottsbluff, and Sidney, WNCC offers educational, training, and growth opportunities for students, partners, and community members throughout its 12-½ county service area.