Wallace State Names Student and Teacher of the Year

Hanceville, Ala. — Wallace State Community College recognized its Student of the Year and Teacher of the Year at the recent State of Education event held by the Cullman Area Chamber of Commerce. Emily Delgado Duarte was named the Student of the Year and Dr. April Sutherland was named the Teacher of the Year.

Duarte Wallace State Student of the Year

A Remlap resident, Duarte, will graduate next month with an associate degree in Computer Science Programming and has maintained a 3.89 GPA.

“Emily is among the first in her family to attend and graduate from college,” said Suzanne Harbin, Vice President for Advancement representing Dr. Vicki Karolewics, President, in introducing Duarte. “Despite being valedictorian at Southeastern High School, she doubted a higher education was possible. Scholarships from the Wallace State Future Foundation eased her financial burden allowing her to focus on her studies. She earned a place on the president’s list every semester and joined four honor societies, including serving as president for Mu Alpha Theta and Sigma Kappa Delta.”

Duarte was also active in several student clubs and organizations, including the VALOR Club, International Club, Rotaract Club, SGA, and Campus Ministries. She was part of the inaugural group for the award-winning student-led podcast, The Mane Topic, where she served as an editor. She is active in the TRIO programs, a student support service for first-generation students, and she’s a work study student who was recognized twice with a work study student award.

“Emily credits every resource, mentor and friend at Wallace State for shaping her into who she is today. She remains grateful for her parents’ support and believes her accomplishments were guided by grace,” Harbin said. “Emily, we are extremely proud you, and we look forward to your future achievements and thank you being a shining example of what the Lion Life is.”

Sutherland Wallace State Teacher of the Year

Sutherland is the director of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program at Wallace State. She has been with the college for 11 years, leading the program through three accreditation processes and expanding pathway options to include Abdomen/Vascular, Cardiovascular Sonography, and Obstetrics & Gynecology Sonography.

“Each year at the pinning ceremony for her graduating students, Dr. Sutherland chooses a single word to describe the group. So, to turn the tables on her, we’ve used the nominations sent in for her to choose a word that describes her – and the word is ‘deserving,’” Harbin said during the presentation.

“This word encompasses so many things about Dr. Sutherland and why she is receiving this award. Common words students used to describe her include caring, selfless, encouraging, helpful, understanding, and fun. Dr. April Sutherland, we couldn’t agree more and are pleased to present you with the 2025 Teacher of the Year award for Wallace State Community College.”

Registration for the summer and fall semesters is currently underway. Summer classes begin May 27 and fall classes begin Aug. 19. For more information, visit www.wallacestate.edu, call Lion Central at 256.352.8236 or come by the Hanceville or Oneonta campus centers. Current and incoming students may schedule an advising session with the Center for Student Success at www.wallacestate.edu/advising.