Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute has announced the recipients of the 2026 Trustees’ Student Awards of Merit which were presented at the college’s recent graduation celebrations at the J.E. Broyhill Civic Center in Lenoir. Graduates Jaylen Golston and Aterea Melvin were recognized as this year’s winners of these prestigious awards.
In 1973, the Board of Trustees established the two awards to recognize two outstanding students, one from a college transfer program and one from a technical program. Nominations for these awards are made by the faculty and are based on evidence of outstanding academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and community service. Winners are selected by trustees and are recognized in May at the college’s graduation ceremonies. Winners receive a plaque commemorating this special award along with a monetary award of $500.
Graduate Jaylen Golston was recognized during the 1 p.m. ceremony on Friday, May 8. Golston earned both his associate in science degree as well as a certificate in Mechanical Engineering Technology-Drafting and also excelled on the court as a student-athlete as a member of CCC&TI’s Cobra men’s basketball team.
Nominations for Golston noted that he is a gifted and dedicated student-athlete who excelled in the classroom, on the court and through his involvement in a number of extracurricular activities. Golston maintained a 3.6 GPA in his course work, was an active member of CCC&TI’s award-winning high-altitude balloon team, and has also participated in undergraduate research with a focus on 3D printed insoles for athletes.
One nominator said of Golston: “He exemplifies the character, scholarship, leadership and service that define the Trustees Student Award of Merit. He has distinguished himself through exceptional discipline, intellectual curiosity, and academic excellence. Jaylen is an outstanding student who represents the values of our institution with integrity and professionalism.”
During the 4 p.m. ceremony, Physical Therapist Assistant graduate Aterea Melvin was also recognized as a recipient of the Trustees Student Award of Merit.
Melvin maintained a 3.92 grade point average in a rigorous and intense program of study, while also being a leader and supporter for her fellow students. Melvin’s commitment to service extends outside the classroom into the broader community where she volunteers at her church, assisting with outreach and children’s ministry. She also volunteers to assist with environmental stewardship efforts including clean-up and beautification projects on Lake James and at Grandfather Mountain.
One nominator noted of Melvin: “She is collaborative, supportive and consistently looked to by her peers for guidance and represents the program and the college with professionalism and enthusiasm. In every setting, academic, professional, and personal, Aterea exemplifies the qualities that this award represents.”
CCC&TI congratulates the 2026 Trustees Student Awards of Merit recipients and graduates Jaylen Golston and Aterea Melvin.
