SKYCTC student receives National Student Academic Merit Award

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College surgical technology student is being recognized as a recipient of the National Student Academic Merit Award.

According to a release Tuesday by SKYCTC, Naomi Richards has been recognized as one of just 15 students nationally to receive the honor.

“Naomi Richards earned the program’s academic achievement award due to having the highest GPA in the 2024-25 class,” said B.J. Chandler, assistant professor of surgical technology at SKYCTC. “She exemplifies what a surgical technologist is—patient advocate, sterility expert, and a vital member of surgical teams.”

SKYCTC says the award is from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.

Every year, SKYCTC officials say the NBSTSA presents the awards for students that show exceptional academic performance, dedication to surgical patient care and a commitment to public safety.

The 2025 awards include a $3,000 scholarship in memory of Dalton Gay, a student-athlete from North Carolina, a $2,000 award based on essays and grades and 15 $1,000 awards recognizing academic excellence and professional promise.

Richards was selected for one of the $1,000 national merit scholarships due to her academic record and leadership in the program, officials say.

“We receive many outstanding applicants, and the NBSTSA is pleased to support these students in their educational and professional journey,” said NBSTSA CEO Robin Y. Jenkins, CAE, ICE-CCP. “Each one of our scholarship awardees studies at an accredited institution and represents the next generation of qualified surgical technologists.”