Two Lawson State students with remarkably different college journeys remarkable have been recognized among the best in the state.
JaMya Jackson '26 and Belline Semanyo '25 were named to the 2026 All-Alabama Academic Team during the 31st Annual Recognition Program recently held in Birmingham. The event, hosted by the Alabama Community College System (ACCS), celebrated 48 top students from community colleges across Alabama. Each honoree received a $1,000 scholarship from the Paths for Success Foundation, which can be applied at any public or private college of their choice.
"The students recognized today are the cream of the crop, epitomizing excellence and strong leadership," ACCS Chancellor Jimmy Baker said in a press release.
Sponsored by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the American Association of Community Colleges, the All-Alabama Academic Team recognizes students who demonstrate academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, strong leadership and a dedication to making a positive impact beyond the classroom.
And that's just for starters when it comes to JaMya and Belline.
"The All-Alabama Academic Team Program truly recognizes the top students from across the ACCS system," said Dr. Cyrus Vance, the college's Dean of Students. "Lawson State is proud to honor our students who represent academic excellence, leadership, and determination. Their hard work reflects the very best of our institution and the Alabama Community College System."
JaMya, a Biology major and aspiring physician assistant, first connected with Lawson
State through dual enrollment while attending Ramsay High School, where she completed
college-level Biology and English courses. That early experience shaped her appreciation
for Lawson's supportive and rigorous learning environment. Today, she serves as a
Lawson State Ambassador, President of the college's Phi Theta Kappa chapter and is
actively involved in TRiO, the National Society of Black Engineers, and the Student
Government Association. She is also an American Heart Association Scholar conducting
research with the UAB Endocrine Surgery Department. Through her work in research,
leadership and healthcare preparation, JaMya is focused on uplifting underserved communities
and advancing equitable access to quality care.
Belline's journey is the poster exhibit for extraordinary determination. She moved
to Birmingham from Togo five years ago to join her husband, with French as her first
language. Encouraged by church members, she began her academic journey at Lawson State
by working toward her GED, balancing English-language learning, motherhood and coursework
while raising two young daughters. She completed her GED in May 2024, and that same
day she applied to fully enroll at Lawson State with the goal of earning an associate
degree and becoming a nurse.
