Clifton Forge, Va. – Mountain Gateway Community College is pleased to announce that Katie Shofstahl, a recent graduate, won a national student essay contest through the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD). NISOD is a membership organization that seeks to enhance the learning experience, improve standards of excellence within the academic community, and acknowledge outstanding educators and their achievements.
Katie’s essay was chosen as one of three winners out of 150 entries. The essay prompt asked students to write about someone who had a significant impact on their educational journey; in Katie’s case, she wrote about Welding Instructor Mike Bryant.
“It has been a great pleasure and honor to have Katie as a student and employee,” Bryant said.
“Not only is she a huge asset to the welding department, her essay serves as a reminder to all of us – when we depart from this self-absorbed world, the only thing that really matters is the positive influences that we have on the lives that we leave behind and our relationship with our
God.”
As a result of her achievement, Katie and Mike each received $1,000 and the opportunity to travel to a conference in Austin, Texas. The event took place in May, during which Katie presented her essay to the audience alongside Mike.