The purpose of the 2016 North Platte Community College Honors Convocation may have been to recognize students and employees at NPCC, but it was a four-legged attendee who stole the show.

Nestle, the College’s therapy dog, was among those called to the stage to accept a Spirit Award on Thursday evening. She warmed hearts as she took the certificate in her mouth and gingerly carried it back to her seat in the NPCC South Campus McDonald-Belton Theater.

Spirit Awards are typically presented in the spring to those, who among other criteria, support and show enthusiasm for their job, college activities and the mission of the college.

Nestle has been the college’s therapy dog for about two and a half years. The yellow lab is based in North Platte, but travels to McCook Community College and has also visited MPCC’s extended campuses in Imperial and Ogallala.

“In general, Nestle’s job is to provide emotional support for students, faculty and staff to help them navigate through the challenges of college life,” said Holly Andrews, MPCC area assessment coordinator and Nestle’s handler. “She can’t solve students’ problems, but she can help calm them down so they have a rational perspective on the situation they’re dealing with.”

Nestle has her own fan club, trading cards and Facebook page. More information about her can be found at https://www.facebook.com/nestle.andrewsbritt?fref=ts.