In recognition of her outstanding achievements as a student, Spurlock recently received several awards during ABAC's annual Honors Day Ceremony, including the J. G. Woodroof Scholar Award. This award is given annually to the top academic student who represents ABAC during Academic Recognition Day in the Georgia General Assembly.
She also received the Division of Business Administration Award of Distinction and a Larry W. (Buck) Wheeler Memorial Scholarship for $1,500. She was consistently a member of the President's List due to her perfect 4.0 grade point average.
In addition, Spurlock received a Pacesetter Award from campus newspaper editor Bo Moore of Tifton. The college's award-winning student newspaper, The Stallion, extends Pacesetter recognition every year to those who have worked for ABAC through their actions and exemplary service.
Spurlock said she is very proud and excited about receiving the awards.
"I feel honored to have received these awards," Spurlock said. "I feel a lot of people encouraged me and helped me get this far. I have a wonderful support network--God, my church, my family and friends, as well as my teachers and fellow students. I am especially grateful to my mother, Helen Holloway, who inspired me to attend ABAC and keeps encouraging me to be the best I can be, and to my father, the late Fritz Holloway. I also appreciate the support I have received from my husband, Sam, my brother, Dale Holloway, and my sister, Brenda Smith.
Dr. Bettie Horne, ABAC's Vice President and Dean of Academic Affairs, said Spurlock is a role model and inspiration to all students.
"I believe everyone in the auditorium [on Honors Day] was thrilled to see Mary's hard work and accomplishments rewarded in such a dramatic manner," Horne said. "She is a great role model for non-traditional students who return to college hoping only to be able to compete and being pleasantly surprised to realize that they have learned many skills that all but ensure their success. I admire her and hope other non-traditional students will be inspired by her achievements."
JoAnn Brannen, an instructor in ABAC's Division of Business Administration, said Spurlock is an excellent student who strives for the best in everything she does.
"Mary has taken my classes for the past two years," Brannen said. "She has become a leader to other students and has my utmost respect. The entire Division of Business Administration is so proud that Mary was recognized for her achievements."
Spurlock plans to stay at ABAC and is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) Degree Program in Applied Information Technology offered through Valdosta State University. After receiving her Bachelor's degree, Spurlock hopes to earn her Master's degree and become a professor.
"ABAC is a wonderful school with such a friendly atmosphere," Spurlock said. "It's big enough and small enough. I have had the opportunity to meet so many people on campus and make lasting friendships. I also enjoyed getting to know the professors outside of the classroom."
Spurlock, who also worked in the Academic Assistance Center, lives with her husband and their daughter, Heather, who recently received her Bachelor's degree in social work from Thomas University. The Spurlocks also have a son, Ashley, who lives in Shreveport, La., with his wife and daughter.
# # #