2025 Outstanding Students

Nicole Warden

Allied Health & Sciences Division

Nicole Warden has been selected as the Outstanding Student in the Allied Health and Sciences Division. She is graduating with an Associate of Science Degree in Nursing.

She and her spouse Becca Warden have four children, Grace Mueller, Caleb Mueller, Callie Boyer, and Alex Boyer. She is the daughter of Brian and Cindy Warden, and Nancy Smith, and a 2004 graduate of Farmington High School.

Nicole said as a non-traditional student in her late thirties, she worked two part-time jobs while attending the MAC nursing program fulltime. Amazingly, she was able to balance those responsibilities while also serving as the president of the Student Nurse Organization (SNO).

Through SNO, she led multiple community outreach projects including a food drive, baby supply and diaper drive, and paying off elementary student lunch balances to help families in the area. Our nursing faculty said that she has “extraordinary leadership skills and goes above and beyond anything asked of her.”

Nicole expressed that her instructors were a high point of her time at MAC and pushed her and her peers to accomplish more than they ever believed they could, “I appreciate the faculty/staff that have gone above and beyond to make sure my learning experience was the best they could provide.”

She says she is forever grateful for the opportunities the nursing program has given her. Nicole plans to continue her education to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and has already accepted a critical care role in a hospital emergency department.

Sophia Varga

Arts & Communication Division

Sophia Varga is the Outstanding Student in the Arts and Communication Division. She is graduating with an Associate of Arts Degree in Art.

Sophia is the daughter of Tom Varga and Debbie Varga. She graduated from Valle Catholic High School in 2023.

Art Instructor Abril Warner says Sophia excels academically while being actively engaged in the campus art community. She is currently serving as the president of the Art Club and has been a trusted leader in the organization during her time at MAC. In Spring 2026, she will participate in the art department’s study abroad course, and she has been awarded for her artistic talent in the annual MAC Art Show.

Sophia is leaving her mark on MAC quite literally, as she was chosen to design and paint a mural near the Field House.

Ms. Warner says Sophia is able to balance her coursework, part-time job, and artistic practice remarkably well. “Her strong study habits are reflected in her excellent grades, and she is frequently sought after as a study partner by her peers,” Warner said. “This is not limited to art classes. Her contributions to in-studio critiques are articulate and precise, and in lecture courses, she consistently offers valuable insights and asks thoughtful questions.”

Sophia said from the first day of classes, Ms. Warner helped make MAC a welcoming place for her, helping her grow into the artist and person she is today.

After graduation, Sophia plans to work full-time to save for her continued education. She aspires to complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art with a minor in Art History. 

 

Ashley Buragas

Athletics

Ashley Buragas is the Outstanding Student in Athletics. She is a two-year member of the women’s basketball team and is graduating with an Associate of Arts Degree.

She is the daughter of Jennifer Buragas and Kevin Buragas. Ashley is a 2023 graduate of John Jay East Fishkill High School in New York.

Not only was Ashley the team captain, but she also was the team’s leading scorer and rebounder for the 2024-2025 season, averaging 14.2 points and 8 rebounds while shooting 57% from the floor. She was named First Team All-Region for Region 16.

Coach Carrie Shephard says the team can always count on Ashley. “She does what she is told and gives 110% in whatever she does. She does the preparation necessary to prevent failure on and off the court.”

Ashley is also known for building strong relationships across campus. “She is someone who makes sure everyone feels seen, heard, and welcomed on this campus,” Shephard said.

She has excelled in the classroom as well, maintaining a 4.0 GPA while balancing her basketball commitments. Ashley said Mr. Byers was one of her favorite instructors and that the dissections in anatomy were “so cool.” She also called out Mr. Jaycox as particularly impactful and said that the Learning Center and Dr. Williams have been a “lifesaver.”

Coach Shephard says that Ashley will make MAC proud wherever her journey takes her. Ashley says she would like to continue her education while playing basketball at a university. She plans to major in speech pathology.

Marcelous Phillips

Business, Computers, & Math Division

Marcelous Phillips is the recipient of the Outstanding Student Award for the Business, Computers, and Math Division. He is receiving an Associate of Arts Degree in Business Administration.

He is the son of Lakisha Brown and Recco Phillips and is a 2022 graduate of New Madrid County Central High School in New Madrid, Missouri.

A member of the MAC men’s basketball team, his instructors say he has balanced the challenging workload of a student athlete with remarkable grace and never uses his athletic commitments as an excuse.

“Marcelous is sharp!” said Economics Instructor Megan Wilson. “He is always prepared, participates in a meaningful way, and adds value to every discussion. He takes academics very seriously and is very deserving of this honor.”

Marcelous says the faculty and staff at MAC have been easy to get along with, calling out Mrs. Megan Wilson in particular, which “makes it much easier to want to be successful.”

He says the most enjoyable part of his time here at MAC has been building bonds and making memories with his teammates, classmates, and coaches. Marcelous is thankful to everyone who had a role in selecting him for this award, “I am truly appreciative and forever grateful!”

Following graduation, Marcelous will transfer to a university to continue playing basketball while completing his degree.

Haley Stephens

Concurrent Enrollment

Haley Stephens has been chosen as the Concurrent Enrollment Outstanding Student and is graduating from both Central High School and Mineral Area College this week.

She is the daughter of Tim and Dana Stephens.

Haley was one of the first participants in the Mineral Area Youth Apprenticeship program, a partnership between MAC and local school districts that promotes a seamless pipeline from high school to fully credentialed teaching positions. She is the first Central student to earn an Associate of Arts Degree in Teaching (AAT) at the same time as her high school diploma. In addition to maintaining a 4.0 GPA in the rigorous AAT program, she has earned the Teacher Aide I apprentice credential through the US Department of Labor and has dedicated more than 600 hours working as an aide at West Elementary over the past 18 months.

Education Department Coordinator Dr. Shawn Young said Haley has demonstrated exceptional dedication and achievement in the field of education.

“Haley embodies the qualities we seek in future educators—academic excellence, practical skill development, and genuine dedication to the teaching profession,” Dr. Young said. “Her achievements as both a Mineral Area College student and apprentice exemplify the highest standards of educational commitment and professional promise.”

While at Central High School, she was active in cross country and track, the National Honor Society, Future Teachers of America, and C-Club.

Haley will continue her education at Central Methodist University to complete a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She then plans to teach elementary school, hopefully in a 2nd or 3rd grade classroom.

Hailey Cantrell

Human Services Division

Hailey Cantrell is the Outstanding Student for the Human Services Division. She is graduating with an Associate of Arts Degree in Teaching, an Associate of Arts Degree in Pre-Education, and an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Child Development.

Hailey is a 2023 graduate of Sikeston High School and is the daughter of Micheal Cantrell and LaTisha Cantrell.

A two-year member of MAC’s varsity softball team, her instructors commended Hailey’s dedication to both her athletic pursuits and studies. She has excelled in her classes while juggling the demands of her softball practice and game schedule.

Early Childhood Assistant Professor Jennifer Sikes says after observing Hailey in her practicums, she is confident in her future as an educator.

“She is very intentional with her students, and super creative with her lesson plans,” Sikes said.

Hailey said that she’s had a great experience in the education department at MAC, finding the necessary support, information, and resources for success. She was also thankful for her navigator who she said “did an amazing job working out my schedule so I could continue to be eligible for softball.”

“My overall favorite class was Dr. Young’s field experience class,” she said. “Dr. Young makes you want to come to class instead of making it feel like a chore.”

Hailey will continue her education and softball career at Crowley’s Ridge College in Arkansas. After completing her bachelor’s degree in education, she wants to work in elementary special education.

 

Mason Currington

Industry & Technology Division

Mason Currington has been chosen as the Outstanding Student for the Industry and Technology Division. He is graduating with his Associate of Applied Science Degree in Automotive Technology.

He is the son of Eric and Samantha Currington and graduated from Farmington High School in 2024.

Mason has been outstanding in the classroom and shown a commitment to gaining real-world experience. Automotive Technology Instructor James Whaley has been impressed with Mason’s work ethic and commitment to earning his degree without debt, commending him for working at both Pettus Automotive and Walmart while taking classes in order to fund his education. “Other than the $500 scholarship that he received on CTE Signing Day, he is doing this all on his own,” Whaley said.

Mason said that he’s thankful for Mr. Whaley, who helped him to kickstart his career through classroom instruction and by supporting his job search within the field. He’s also appreciative of his navigator Adam Martin for helping guide the scheduling process.

His MAC journey actually began in high school, where he began taking dual enrollment courses with Dr. Brian Reeves and Bobby Upchurch. By combining those credits with his work in the Auto Tech program, he’s had the opportunity to stay home to gain experience for a year before his next step--Missouri S&T in Rolla.

Mason will leave for Missouri S&T in August where he will major in Mechanical Engineering. Ultimately, he’d like to design and build new vehicles as an automotive engineer.

Justin Rowland

Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice Division

Justin Rowland has been chosen as the Outstanding Student for the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Division. He is the valedictorian of the MAC Law Enforcement Academy’s graduating class #24-110.

Justin is a 2018 graduate of Arcadia Valley High School and is the son of Stephen Rowland and Amanda Priday. He is married to Briley Rowland.

His instructors in the Law Enforcement Academy say Justin “consistently demonstrates remarkable dedication, outstanding leadership, and exceptional academic performance.”

Throughout his training, he proved to be goal-oriented and motivated, often exceeding expectations. Justin served as class Vice-President and has maintained an impressive academic average of nearly 98%, earning him the top spot in his class.

His instructors are confident that he will be impactful in his career in law enforcement and go on to say, “His admirable character, notable achievements, and dedication to excellence serve as an inspiring model for both current and future academy graduates.”

Justin says the best part of his MAC experience has been learning from the wealth of knowledge the instructors have provided.

Prior to MAC, he served as a soldier, EMT, and dispatcher and hopes to excel as a law enforcement offi cer. He said he is currently a husband and hopes to be a father one day, but would most like to be known as a follower of Christ. He hopes to one day obtain a degree in ministry.

Justin has secured a position with the Missouri State Park Rangers and will work at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park.

Olivia Gillam

Leadership & Campus Service

Olivia Gillam has been chosen as the Outstanding Student in Leadership and Campus Service. She is graduating with an Associate of Arts Degree in Art.

She is the daughter of Angie Gillam and Mike Gillam and a 2023 graduate of North County High School.

From the beginning of her time at MAC, Olivia has been very active in all the various fine arts organizations on campus. In MAC’s Art Club, she helped organize and lead Trivia Night, the Mug Glazing Workshop, and a Painting Workshop for 8th graders in partnership with the TRIO Talent Search Program.

Olivia volunteered her time and artistic talents to design, build, and operate two of the Audrey puppets for the Mineral Area Fine Arts Academy’s production of “Little Shop of Horrors.” She also lent her talents to the Mineral Area Council on the Arts, who commissioned her to create a tree topper for their submission in the 2024 CASA Festival of Trees.

Her art instructor, Abril Warner, says that Olivia is a leader among her peers both in and out of the classroom, “She takes initiative, finds creative solutions, and has the perseverance to see problems through to her resolution.”

Ms. Warner said she even takes on challenges that are well outside of what would be an expected student responsibility, once taking the initiative to diagnose and repair the cause of a mechanical malfunction with a pottery wheel. And Olivia does it all without seeming to realize the significance of each accomplishment!

Ms. Warner sums it up, saying, “She is exemplary.”

Olivia has been accepted to Webster University where she intends to complete a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration or Animation.