2 4 1 S T  C O M M E N C E M E N T  C E R E M O N Y  |  2 3
College of the Arts
Rebekah Kate “Bekah” 
McCord of Dexter, Georgia, has 
earned the Spring 2026 President’s 
Award for Academic Excellence for 
the College of the Arts at Valdosta 
State University. She graduates 
summa cum laude with a Bachelor 
of Arts in Music.
“I am eternally grateful for the 
experience I have had at VSU,” 
she said. “I have made lifelong friends, and the community 
here is incredibly supportive. This is especially true of the 
faculty here. They have all been invaluable resources, constant 
encouragement, and the guiding force I have needed. Receiving 
this award is incredibly humbling, and looking back, I owe it all 
to the amazing students, staff, and faculty here.” 
As a student at VSU, McCord’s commitment to excellence, 
musical precision, and unwavering support of her fellow 
marching band members contributed to her success as drum 
major for the Blazin’ Brigade, a role she held during her senior 
year. She served as secretary of the National Association for 
Music Education Collegiate, performed as principal flutist with 
the Wind Ensemble, and shared her artistry with the Opera 
program and Valdosta Symphony Orchestra.
McCord’s commitment to academic, artistic, leadership, and 
service excellence resulted in her earning a spot on the Dean’s 
List every semester and the 2025-2026 College of the Arts 
Outstanding Student Award. She was a Zell Miller Scholar.
She hopes to foster a love for music and serve her community as 
an elementary school music teacher after graduation.  
Her supportive family includes parents Keila and Scott Monroe, 
Eric McCord, and Beth Merrill.
College of Nursing & Health Sciences
Ellie Grace Wentworth of 
Alpharetta, Georgia, is the recipient 
of the Spring 2026 President’s 
Award for Academic Excellence 
for the College of Nursing and 
Health Sciences at Valdosta State 
University. She graduates summa 
cum laude with a Bachelor of 
Science in Exercise Physiology and 
a Minor in Nutritional Science.
“I am grateful for my time here at VSU and excited for the 
future,” she said. “These past four years have required a lot 
of hard work and have helped shape me into who I am today. 
Along the way I gained not only meaningful knowledge and 
career experience but also friendships and opportunities that I 
will carry with me beyond graduation. I am thankful for all the 
support I have had along the way and am honored to receive 
this award.”
As a student at VSU, Wentworth completed the requirements 
to become an American College of Sports Medicine-certified 
exercise physiologist and served as a strength and conditioning 
intern with Blazer Athletics. She volunteered with Church 
House Valdosta and was an active member of Awakening 
Collegiate Fellowship, a Valdosta college ministry where she 
served as a connect and media intern and as president. 
Her commitment to academic, leadership, and service excellence 
resulted in her earning the 2025-2026 College of Nursing and 
Health Sciences Outstanding Senior Sciences Award and Dean’s 
List honors every semester. She was a Zell Miller Scholar. 
After graduation Wentworth plans to work as a strength and 
conditioning coach at a private facility in Valdosta. 
“I hope to apply the skills and knowledge I developed during 
my time at VSU, while also continuing to learn and grow as a 
fitness professional,” she shared. 
Her supportive family includes parents Joy and Bill Wentworth; 
siblings Ashleigh Wentworth, Emilia Wentworth, and Owen 
Wentworth; grandparents Patricia Wentworth and Jack and Sue 
Lipscomb; and best friend Emma Ham. 

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