NETC Student Michelle Tucker Earns Statewide Academic Honor

Michelle Tucker of Mount Croghan has been named to the Phi Theta Kappa South Carolina All-State Academic Team. Recognized alongside 41 of the state's top-performing technical college students, Tucker was honored during a special ceremony held April 10 in Columbia, SC.

As a first-generation college student and member of Northeastern Technical College's inaugural Massage Therapy cohort, Tucker is on track to graduate with her certification this May, all while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. But her journey has been far from easy—and that's exactly what makes her achievement so remarkable.

"One challenge I encountered as a mature college student was balancing my academic responsibilities with my roles as a wife and mother," Tucker shared. "Juggling coursework, attending classes, and managing household duties required exceptional time management and organizational skills.

Adding to the challenge is Michelle's hearing impairment—she relies on hearing aids and has had to adapt in ways her classmates haven't had to consider. But instead of letting that slow her down, it's only made her more resilient.

"I am so proud of Michelle, she exemplifies what it means to be a massage therapist," said Massage Therapy Instructor Janet Copelle. "It takes three things to be great— caring hands, knowledge about the body and a big heart. Michelle has all three of these attributes. She will be an awesome asset to this profession and the people she gets to help in her community."

Each year, technical college presidents nominate students to the All-State Academic Team based on academic excellence, leadership, and community service.

"I am incredibly proud of Michelle for earning this recognition. Her hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence is truly inspiring. This honor with Phi Theta Kappa reflects not only her academic abilities, but also her character and passion for learning," said PTK Advisor Leigh Ziebell. "Getting to know her as a student and a friend has been a privilege. She brings kindness and determination to everything she does, and I'm excited to see where her journey takes her next."

Tucker's leadership goes beyond the classroom. She volunteers with her church CREW (Cross Road's Equipped Women), who assist in community projects each month. Michelle also donates her time to the county animal shelter and volunteers at a local elementary school to give teachers a much-needed break during lunch and recess.

"I chose massage therapy because I have a deep passion for helping people improve their well-being," she explained. "It's not just about relieving pain—it's about treating the whole person. I love that I get to make a real difference in someone's day, every single day."

Tucker's long-term goal is to open her own massage therapy practice and mentor others entering the field.

"I want to use my experiences to uplift others," she said. "Whether it's through healing hands or a listening ear, I believe in helping people feel seen, supported, and cared for."

As she prepares to graduate this spring, Tucker reflects on how far she's come—and what's ahead.

"Sometimes the road is hard, especially when you're balancing so much," she said. "But if you stay focused, ask for help when you need it, and keep your heart in the right place, you can do incredible things."

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