Wallace Community College- Selma (WCCS) Student Government Association (SGA) Advisor Corey Bowie threw a farewell luncheon Thursday for the 10 graduating SGA officers at WCCS.

“I just wanted to express my appreciation,” said Bowie.

Bowie commended the class of SGA officers during a short speech preluding the luncheon, expressing his admiration for their service and growth during their time at WCCS.

“They’ve been a pivotal part of the student body here on campus and not only on campus, but in the community,” said Bowie. “I’ve seen these students grow academically, grow socially and grow personally and their role in SGA has played a great role in that.”

The graduating WCCS SGA officers also felt that their time at WCCS has greatly prepared them for the next step in their educations.

“It’s given me leadership qualities in my life,” said graduating SGA officer Kevin Jones. “I’ve learned to step up and see things the way they are and try to make them better.”

Jones will transfer to Alabama State University (ASU) this fall where he plans to major in physical education and coaching.

“SGA has helped me better my communication skills and grown my confidence in talking to people,” said SGA Officer Janisha Church. “I didn’t really have that before.”

Church says that the communication skills she learned at WCCS will be of use to her in her future –  she plans to major in social work at the University of Montevallo.

“A social worker needs that ability to connect,” she added.

WCCS President Dr. James Mitchell also attended the luncheon to wish a fond farewell to the graduating SGA officers.

Mitchell commended the students on the character and service they’ve shown during their time at Wallace, stating that he hasn’t seen a group of students like the graduating SGA officers in his nearly two decades at WCCS.

“This is the best group I have seen in my 19 years,” said Mitchell. “I respect you to death. I respect your thinking, I respect your character and I respect the fact that you care about what happens to those who may not be as fortunate as you.”