TCAT Henry/Carroll Names SOAR Recipients

The Tennessee College of Applied Technology Henry/Carroll announces the local recipients of the College System of Tennessee (TBR) Statewide Outstanding Achievement Awards (SOAR).

The local college, with a main campus located in Paris and branch campus located in McKenzie, named recipients in three categories: Technical College Student of the Year, Technical College Faculty of Year, and Technical College Staff of the Year.

Mason Arant of Dresden was selected as the student recipient. He is enrolled in the Industrial Maintenance Integrated Automation program on the McKenzie Branch campus. Arant was nominated by his instructor, Jason Bloodworth, who said, “In the classroom, Mason is trustworthy and dependable. His interest in learning and willingness to lend a hand to students who are struggling make him well-liked and admired by his classmates. He enjoys being able to demonstrate his skills and training to current and future students. His dedication and independent leadership would make him a great spokesperson for our college and our state.” In addition to being a full-time student, Arant works full-time at Stanley Black and Decker in Martin and recently celebrated the birth of his first child.

Paris resident Donald Drinkard, Health Information Management Technology instructor, was named the faculty honoree. Drinkard has been teaching at TCAT since 2014 and also has served as the college’s SkillsUSA and Student Government advisor since 2018. Currently, he is serving on the TBR Board of Regents faculty sub-council.

Dr. Lorie Goodgine, Vice President, said in her nomination, “Donald has encouraged scholarship and service across the College’s community by highlighting opportunities for everyone in the institution to participate. He is always available to help other members of the faculty and staff implement new ideas that will advance learning or community outreach. He is actively improving our institution’s impact by his involvement.”

Hunter Smith of McKenzie received the staff nomination. Smith works in the college’s maintenance department. President John Penn Ridgeway said in his nomination, “What truly sets Hunter apart is not only his technical skills and professional growth, but his consistently positive demeanor. His ability to build strong, meaningful relationships with both students and colleagues is a testament to his character and dedication.”

In the coming weeks the trio will compete in regional-level judging that will produce 18 finalists, who will then compete for the statewide honor. The individual award winners will be announced at the SOAR Awards Dinner in the Spring of 2025.

The College System, governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents, is the state’s public community and technical colleges. Launched in 2019, SOAR celebrates the colleges’ outstanding students, faculty, staff, colleges, advisors, benefactors, volunteers and partners.