45th Annual AASE Awards Honor Jefferson's Top-Achieving Students
Published on Apr 2, 2026
For more than four decades, the African American Students of Excellence Awards has recognized the academic achievement and dedication of students at Jefferson Community and Technical College.
Now in its 45th year, the program stands as a signature event hosted by the Black Affairs Advocacy Committee in coordination with the African American Studies Certificate Program. Originally established in 1981 by the former Black Affairs Advisory Committee, the awards were created to honor students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance and commitment to their educational journey.
The program recognizes students who have completed 30 or more credit hours while maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher.
This year, Jefferson celebrated the accomplishments of 84 students. This year's honorees included:
- Lumen Agossou
- Jo'Nesha Anderson
- Paul Blincoe, Jr.
- Robert Byrd
- Sharie Davis
- Orlando Ernest
- Nathaniel Ferrell
- Nina Hodge
- Ange Ingabire
- Chidelande Jerome
- Rani Joseph
- TaLayja Key
- Dallas Kirk
- Agossi Lagbenou
- Shineka Lockridge
- Wuide Louis
- Amy Manneh
Astou Mbacke - Roshonda Moore
- Zerah Muziranenge
- Awa Ouattara
- Nela Piram
- Taj Rice
- Jaleesa Roberts
- Victor Sandifer
- Westley Sellers
- Maureen Simon
- Jaeden Simpson
- Dakota Summers
- Adji Fatou Traore
- Joel Stephane Tsobgny Kinfack
- Greyson Wehrheim
- Ebony Wilhoite
- Brian Williams
The committee also presented the Community Service Award to Elmer Lucille Allen for her extraordinary lifetime of dedication to both science and community. As the first African American chemist at Brown-Forman, she broke barriers and paved the way for others. She also co-founded the Kentucky Coalition of African American Arts, championed integrated youth sports, and was honored with the Governor's Award in the Arts. A Louisville street bears her name, recognizing her legacy and lasting impact on the community.
