Layne Boyd, of Russellville, has received Northwest-Shoals Community College’s most prestigious honor: the President’s Award.

Boyd received the President’s Award for the Phil Campbell campus April 18 at the annual Phil Campbell Campus Honors and Awards Night.

The President’s Award is given based on faculty nominations to the Award Committee for the final selection. The recipient must have earned a grade point average of 3.7 or higher and must have demonstrated leadership and actively participated in community service while attending NW-SCC.

“I feel very blessed to have received this award. I have always worked very hard during my time here at Northwest-Shoals,” said Boyd, a Russellville High School graduate and daughter of Heath and Heather Boyd. She said during her time at NW-SCC, she has tried to set an example of humility and leadership for her fellow students. Receiving the award has shown her “if you have a goal in mind, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.”

Boyd will graduate this year from NW-SCC and has been awarded transfer scholarships totaling more than $38,000. She plans to attend Mississippi State University this fall and major in biological sciences. Boyd said she looks forward to pursuing her lifelong dream of being a doctor.

She was immediately attracted to the welcoming environment at MSU. “As I stepped on campus I felt right at home,” said Boyd, who also praised the easy transfer process. “One in three students are transfer students there … I just blended in immediately. I loved it.”

Boyd has been actively involved at NW-SCC as an officer of the Alpha Zeta Iota chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international two-year college honor society. She also served as the 2018-2019 Alabama Region District Two vice president.

Boyd joined other NW-SCC Phi Theta Kappa members to participate in the Alabama Possible Cash for College program. The Cash for College program encourages high school students to complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The group was then selected to serve on a student committee with Alabama Possible in Washington, D.C., to discuss how Congress can improve postsecondary access and completion and create equal opportunities for all students, including low-income and first-generation college-going students.

“None of this would have been possible if I hadn’t come to NW-SCC,” Boyd said. “I have been able to improve on so many skills like public speaking, writing and research.”

Boyd said rigorous courses at NW-SCC have prepared her for future career in the medical field. She is still considering several potential tracks, including pediatrics, psychology and optometry.

“I’ve always loved the subject of science, and I’ve always loved to help other people in every way possible,” Boyd said. “I’ve always loved the thought of helping another person live as long as they can.”

Boyd has been consistently named to the President’s List and Dean’s List for her academic achievements and served as an Alabama Community College System and NW-SCC Ambassador.

She encouraged fellow students, “If you have a certain dream you want to pursue, if you just trust in the Lord, you can do that. If you have faith, you can do it.”