Sauk grad wins state award

Amanda Michel never planned to go to college.

But in May, the Dixon mother of three graduated from Sauk Valley Community College with not one but two degrees: an associates in liberal arts and nursing.

It took 6 years for the single mom to graduate, but her hard work and volunteerism set her apart from other students. The college handpicked Michel to address the student body at its commencement ceremony.

Now, another agency has recognized the 32-year-old for her ability to “overcome significant obstacles in achieving [her] personal career goals.”

Last week, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded Michel, and 25 others from across the state, its Individual Achievement Award.

Sally Hanrahan, a senior career adviser at BEST Inc., an employment training and placement center in Dixon, nominated Michel for the award.

Hanrahan has worked with Michel for about 3 years; Michel qualified to receive tuition assistance and financial support from BEST while she was attending Sauk.

“We nominated Amanda because, during the course of her studies, she was faced with several different types of obstacles,” Hanrahan. “She just didn’t give up. She showed such perseverance and dedication.”

Michel worked three jobs simultaneously while studying full time, and had to leave school at one point to care for a sick son.

She now works as a nurse at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.