Chadron State College initiates rising sophomore ceremony

Nominations were accepted from faculty and staff. Students also were invited to submit peer nominations for one award.

Committee members who organized the event include: Pat Beu, Karen Enos, Heather Crofutt, Melissa Burke, Deena Kennell, Frances Gonzalez, Jim Margetts and Jim Powell.

The Young Eagle Award – William Krause

This award recognizes a rising sophomore who has a zest for life and learning, a strong commitment to CSC and the community, and a demonstrated belief in the goodness of all people.

Peer Nominated Leader Award – Madison Webb and Timothy Aanenson

This award is given to the student who, in the estimation of his/her peers has contributed the most to the good of the college.

Department Award of Excellence

Each academic department was given the option of selecting one rising sophomore who has proven to be an outstanding student within the department.

Biology: Isaac Langan

Communication Arts and Social Sciences (History): Kristyn Stricker

Chemistry: Gabrielle Brumfield

Counseling, Psychological Sciences and Social Work: Lauren Newman

Education: Emma Day

English and Humanities: Jessica Hanks

Health, Physical Education and Recreation: Dacia Stuhr

Justice Studies: Samantha Merrill

Math: Barbara Pieper

Music: Kallie Bush

Rangeland: William Krause

Visual and Performing Arts: Kayla Anderson

Excellence in the Advancement of Social Justice Award – Aaron Duin

This award recognizes a rising sophomore whose single action or repeated behaviors has moved the college forward in its commitment to building an inclusive and just community. The recipient is one who has contributed to finding solutions to challenges as it relates to social justice.

Excellence in Diversity Award – Yokabed Mamo

This award recognizes a rising sophomore who is a strong and active advocate for diverse communities, challenges and supports students to engage beyond that which is comfortable.

Club Member of the Year Award

This award seeks to recognize a rising sophomore who has provided a positive influence on fellow club members and the campus community through his or her involvement in club activities.

Justice Studies Club: Austin Adams

Health Professions Club: Gabrielle Brumfield

Wildlife Club: Logan Dietrich

International Club: Melina Khadgi

Natural Science Club: Maria Peterson

Social Science Club: Brittney Palmer

Newman Club: Barbara Pieper

The Eagle: Sara Tweet

Student Leader of the Year Award – Katie Odvody

This award is given to the rising sophomore who has made significant accomplishments as an identified leader on campus during the current academic year. For the purposes of this award, leadership is measured by affecting positive change on campus. Specifically, nominees will be given high consideration for having a positive impact on the CSC community.

Student Peer-Leader of the Year – Jessica Hartman and Issac Langan

This award recognizes rising sophomores who have been effective peer-leaders. Peer-leaders play a variety of roles including mentor, teacher, friend and cheerleader. The recipient of this award uses friendship, experience, expertise, and perspective to promote the individual development of her or his fellow first-year students.

Community Engagement Award – Maddison Nygren

This award recognizes the efforts of a rising sophomore who is living out a vision of connections between campus and community through service and giving. 

Unsung Hero Award – Josie Semroska and Kylee Pourier

This award recognizes a rising sophomore who works behind-the-scenes, consistently going above and beyond the call of duty. Commitment to the group, a positive influence and attitude, accountability, strong attendance and high level of quality work are among the criteria.

Academic Building Block Award – Makenzy Petty and Ellis Colon

This award recognizes a rising sophomore who has made significant steps in his or her development in academics. The recipient demonstrates noticeable growth in the areas of academics and student involvement.

Resident Hall Citizen of the Year Award – Samantha Merrill

This award seeks to recognize one rising sophomore from the resident halls for outstanding service to her or his floor. The recipient will have demonstrated engaged citizenship, including leadership, self-governance and peer accountability. This individual is respectful of all members of the community and/or has positively contributed to the resident hall organizations. Most importantly, this individual should be a leader and role model for his or her peers and consistently serve her or his community to enact positive changes within it.

Artist of the Year Award – Bryony Trump

This award recognizes musical, theatrics or artistic creativity is awarded to a rising sophomore who has made an outstanding contribution to the musical, theater or artistic life of the college through demonstration, performance, composition, and/or group leadership.

Volunteer Service Award – Christina Kostelc

This prize is awarded to the rising sophomore who, while fulfilling an important leadership role and maintaining an outstanding academic record, has contributed greatly to the college through volunteer service.

Athlete of the Year Award – Samantha Rahmig and Phillip Lewis

This award recognizes a rising sophomore whose work and service on or off the athletic field or in or out of the gym represents excellence and service. The recipient of the award is a strong and active advocate for student athleticism.