Seminole State College sophomore Ronnie Trout, of Okemah, was recently named the Outstanding Business and Education Student for the 2019-2020 academic year. The Seminole State Educational Foundation honors one student from each of the College’s five divisions at its annual Spring Recognition Banquet. Due to restrictions on large gatherings in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s event has been postponed, but each student will be recognized at a later date.

Trout graduated from Okemah High School in 1996. He is studying business at SSC.

“SSC advisement was really awesome in helping me get the specific course times as well as my employer allowing me the flexibility to come to class,” Trout said.

Trout said the biggest challenge he had at the College was balancing his course work with his job.

“Finding the right schedule, trying to fit everything in and trying to be as successful as possible has been tough,” Trout said.

Trout credits the professors at SSC for encouraging him and keeping him on track.

“Every professor I’ve had has been great. Even though it’s been 24 years since I graduated high school, the professors have helped me make the most of this opportunity,” Trout said.

Trout is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, which recognizes academic achievement at two-year colleges. He is quick to encourage others looking to pursue higher education.

In the fall, Trout plans to attend Southeastern Oklahoma State in Durant, where he will major in Business Management.

“No matter what challenges arise, stick with it. Don’t give up. SSC has a wonderful support staff that can help you get through challenges, make good use of resources, keep your head up and keep going,” Trout said.