Aliece Johnson

Aliece Johnson was awarded the Outstanding Student Recognition for her academic success and dedication that has resulted in two certificates and an associate degree from Lakeland Community College. Johnson began classes at Lakeland in 2023, originally aiming to earn one certificate while raising her two young children at home.

"In my three years in the business department, it means that my professors acknowledge my continuous hard work in class," said Johnson when asked about the meaning of being an outstanding student.

Johnson credited professors Gretchen Skok DiSanto and Daniel Curtin for their lasting impact on her education due to their experience and knowledge in the business field. She also mentions that Lakeland supported her academic success through making class registration straightforward and having instructors that made learning easy.

Johnson's passion for learning has led to her success and recognition as an outstanding student. She plans to take what she has learned at Lakeland both in and out of the classroom and pursue further education toward a bachelor's degree.

Cortney Miller

Cortney Miller was named an Outstanding Student by Lakeland Community College, recognizing her academic achievement and dedication as a single mother returning to school. Miller, who was drawn to the opportunities in the healthcare field, maintained straight A's throughout the Medical Assisting program while balancing her responsibilities outside of the classroom.

"I am a 30-year-old single mom who works very hard to take care of her child," Miller said. "Going back to school, I had to prove to myself that I can do hard things, and I can do good things. I feel very proud of the way I am leaving the Medical Assisting program and the connections I made with my classmates."

Miller explained that she was nervous about returning to school after struggling academically in high school. Her experience at Lakeland changed her view of both herself and education. She credits professors Denise Lash and Angela Miller with making a lasting impression, describing them as understanding, considerate, strong women who were willing to help students whenever needed.

"I learned that I can do challenging things," Miller said. "I learned I am more disciplined than I thought I was and that when it comes to education you just have to have a good instructor."

For Miller, being an Outstanding Student means more than having good grades, it also means being engaged and participating during class, asking questions, helping fellow students, and having a good attitude. She plans to stay enrolled at Lakeland as a full-time student to pursue further education. Her motivation, she said, begins at home.

"My passion starts with me being a mom and trying to support my daughter," Miller said. "Lakeland gave me the opportunity to go back to school and get an education so that I could get a good job."

Phillip Ryan

Phillip C. Ryan is among this year's Outstanding Students at Lakeland Community College. Ryan is recognized for his dedication and leadership since enrolling as student after military retirement from the Army. His hard work has led him to graduate with an Associate of Arts degree.

Ryan explained that he came to Lakeland in an effort to find a path forward in civilian life.

"As a veteran, it isn't always easy to come back to civilian life," said Ryan. "Lakeland has done wonders in helping me reconnect with life outside the military and forge new bonds in a career field I am confident in and passionate about."

Three Lakeland faculty members stood out as instrumental to Ryan's academic success. When asked who left a lasting impact during his time at Lakeland, Ryan mentioned that professors Mitch James, James DeMonte and Tobin Terry were there for him every step of the way. From his writing to looking into four-year schools to transfer to, they took time to answer any question he had.

"I wouldn't have been nearly this successful without their mentorship," said Ryan while speaking about the faculty who helped him succeed.

Lakeland also connected Ryan with opportunities to thrive in leadership. In the fall of 2025, he completed Phi Theta Kappa's Honors in Action program, where he coordinated a week of several mental health programs and activities. Ryan also discovered a passion for the Center for International Education's guest speaker series. He explained that getting to experience a variety of people visiting Lakeland to share about their lives and careers was eye-opening and impactful to his journey.

After his time at Lakeland, Ryan plans to transfer to Hiram College as a writing major. Eventually, plans to pursue an MFA and possibly teaching after discovering a love for mentorship.

Ulisses Rodriguez

Only three functioning plasma spectrometers remain in the country, and Ulisses Rodriguez knows how to run one. This spring, he is recognized as one of Lakeland's outstanding students.

Rodriguez first encountered Lakeland as a junior in high school during a field trip to a gel electrophoresis lab on campus. That visit had a lasting impression that would shape his academic path.

"I had a great time, and the field trip made me feel like Lakeland had what I was looking for in terms of science education," said Rodriguez about the field trip.

After enrolling at Lakeland, Rodriguez got to explore their passion for science. He learned to operate the direct current plasma (DCP) spectrometer, a rare piece of scientific equipment, through Lakeland's undergraduate research program. He is now among a small number of people in the country with the knowledge to operate one.

"I am passionate about science, and being able to find the opportunity to do undergraduate research at Lakeland helped me feed that passion," said Rodriguez.

He also mentions that professor Dr. Karen Knaus was a great mentor and instrumental in keeping their passion for science alive. Now, Rodriguez hopes to carry the foundation they've built at Lakeland into a future in the field of science.

Benjamin Burns

Benjamin Burns journey at Lakeland Community College began after his brother and friends recommended that he enroll. Now, he is recognized as a 2026 Outstanding Student and has graduated with an Associate of Applied Business in data analytics.

When choosing a career path, a conversation with his mother pointed him toward the field of data analytics. She recognized his ability for attention to detail and critical thinking and encouraged him to explore the field. Burns has since built on those skills during his time at Lakeland with the support of friends, family and faculty.

"I have learned that perseverance is key," Burns said about his experience at Lakeland. "There are going to be times when courses are tough and things are hard, but persevering through them will bring good results."

Among the faculty that contributed to Burns' success was Dr. Jennifer Crissman. Burns explained that Crissman created opportunities for growth and led all her courses with thorough instruction.

"She really cares about her students and wants them to succeed," said Burns. "I am beyond thankful for her."

Burns emphasized that the supportive campus environment extended across all of campus, noting that many professors at Lakeland were vital to his success.

"I'm passionate about my future, and Lakeland has always emphasized that dreams are realized through their degrees," Burns said. "Lakeland has given me the opportunity to pursue my dreams."

As he looks forward to what is next, Burns plans to continue building on the values of hard work, perseverance and determination that defined his time at Lakeland. He credits his professors at Lakeland with providing the support and academic framework needed to pursue his future career goals.