I received a pleasant surprise from the Student Government Association (SGA) officers at Wallace Community College-Selma (WCCS).

The SGA and it’s advisor, Selma City Councilman President Corey Bowie, honored both me and another media member, Randy Williams of WHBB, for our outstanding coverage of WCCS events on Dec. 14.

All of the SGA officers were present: Tayla Bonner (President), Kyha Thomas (Vice-President); Tiffany Howard (Secretary); Mackenna Jackson (treasurer); Shawn Cole, (Activities Coordinator); Lydia Hendrieth, (Assistant Activities Coordinator); Tyala Bonner (Public Relations Coordinator) Trinity Carter (Assistant Public Relations Coordinator); Clinton Rose (Sergeant at Arms); Joshua Thomas, (Freshman Rep); Kimberly Thomas (Freshman Rep.), Clinton Rose (SGA member), Eric Jackson (SGA member) and Janisia Church (SGA member).

It just wasn’t the thought behind this heartfelt gesture. Most of the SGA members completed their final exams on Dec. 11. These kids took time out of their schedules to volunteer themselves speaks volume about character.

That says a lot about Bowie’s leadership and guidance on the SGA members. Bowie is doing a great job with the SGA.

During the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday season, the SGA members volunteered at the Bosco Nutrition center to feed the homeless and visited a nursing home.

Anybody that knows me will tell you how critical I am on today’s youth, our future leaders of America (I’m harder on my relatives who were born after 1990). When my generation passes the torch, I want them to be ready.

I was humbled and grateful over the recognition, but as News Editor of The Selma Times-Journal, it’s my job to inform Dallas County residents of what’s going on in this community.

I’m not looking for accolades whenever I write a story, but its satisfying to see young people take notice.

The SGA at WCCS is doing wonderful work. They are the ones who should get heavy applause, even a standing ovation.