Rising Sophomores acknowledged for leadership in academics, extracurricular life

President of CSC, Dr. Randy Rhine, who is retiring at the end of June, was the guest speaker. He encouraged those in attendance to continue to follow their dreams and goals even when obstacles appear. He shared his first plans in college included pre-medicine and pre-law, before he discovered a career path and mentors in the field of higher education.

Several awards were given to current CSC students who have exemplified leadership in their classes or through campus involvement. The list of honorees follows.

 Academic Departmental Awards

Art      

• Art Studio: Angel Perez of Newcastle, Wyo.

Business

• Accounting Option: Alicia Gutierrez of Bayard, Neb
• Accounting, CPA path: Tzu-Yang Lin of Bayard, Neb.
• Agribusiness: Elizabeth Heger of Underwood, N.D.
• Business Information Systems: Elizabeth Swayze of Sidney, Neb.
• Business, Marketing, and IT Education grades 6-12: Christopher Anderson of Lingle, Wyo.
• Finance Option: Katelyn Fredrickson of Parker, Colo.
• Management Option: Quincy Efeturi of Lagos, Nigeria
• Marketing Option: Allison Beard of Johnstown, Colo.

Communication

• Communication, Journalism: Daniella (Kosiso) Akwanamnye of Awka, Nigeria

Education

• Elementary Education: Samantha Brunner of Colorado Springs, Colo.
• Special Education: Hannah Smith of Cozad, Neb.

English

• Advanced English Studies, Literary Studies: Brilynn Hamik of O’Neill, Neb.
• English Language Arts Education grades 7-12: Lindsey Boes of Valentine, Neb. and Topi Alahuha of Pine, Colo.
• English Studies, Creative Writing: Gus Gray of Pine Ridge, S.D. and Autumn Mills of Newcastle, Wyo.

Health, Physical Education, Sport and Recreation Management, Athletic Training

• Physical Education grades PK-12: Cassandra Wulff of Laramie, Wyo.

History

• History: Hunter Townsend of Chadron, Neb.
• History Education grades 7-12: Carter Haskell of Alliance, Neb.
• Social Science Education grades 7-12: Ashlee Glandt of Rapid City, S.D.

Mathematics

• Ryan Worley of Zebulon, N.C.

Music

• Music Education grades PK-12: Dylan Gieseler of Chadron, Neb.

Psychological Sciences

• Psychological Sciences, Mental Health Addiction Wellness: Hailey Jageler of Arthur, Neb.
• Psychological Sciences: Ella Jaixen of Loup City, Neb.

Rangeland

• Rangeland Management: Janae Sliva of Platte Center, Neb.

Sciences

• Biology, Environmental Biology: Lydia Peters of Sidney, Neb.
• Biology, Pre-Medical Laboratory Science: Karalyn Stevens of Sidney, Neb.
• Biology, Pre-Medicine: Dawson Ohrt of Henderson, Neb. and John Fortner of Sidney, Neb.
• Biology, Pre-Nursing: Alexandra Coffman of Ogallala, Neb. and Taigen Ruff of Sutherland, Neb.
• Biology, Pre-Physical Therapy: Paige Pritchard of Sidney, Neb.
• Biology, Pre-Physician Assistant: Brenner McLaughlin of Hebron, Neb. and Ashleigh Hills of York, Neb.
• Biology, Pre-Radiography: McKenzie Andrew of Sidney, Neb. and Madeline Steinborn of Glendive, Mont.
• Biology, Pre-Veterinary Medicine: Natalie Hamaker of Kearney, Neb. and Aubree Heinsma of Windsor, Colo.
• Chemistry, Pre-Dentistry: Dylan Thom of Ayr, Neb.
• Chemistry, Pre-Pharmacy: Bailey Ryker of Gothenburg, Neb.
• Chemistry, Pre-Veterinary Medicine: Shaina Wear of Gothenburg, Neb., and Autumn Skow of Midland, S.D.

Social Work

• Zoey Wright of Sidney, Neb.

Theatre

• Theatre Education grades 7-12: Riley Perry of Box Elder, S.D.
• Theatre, Technical/Design: Chloe Shatswell of Box Elder, S.D.
• Theatre, Musical Theatre: Amber Harvey of Centennial, Colo.

Special Awards

James H. Powell Jr. Academic Achievement: Ashlynn Wylie of Box Elder, S.D.

This award recognizes a rising sophomore who participated in the Transitional Studies Program and has demonstrated excellence within the Transitional Studies courses, programming, and resources to achieve his or her academic goals. This award comes with a $500 scholarship.

The Young Eagle: Natali Keni of Kahuku, Hawaii

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 Chadron State College community.

Academic Grit: Chase Isenbart of Chappell, Neb., and Naomi Starr of Colorado Springs, Colo.

This award recognizes a rising sophomore who has made significant steps in his or her academic development. This award recipient will demonstrate noticeable growth in the areas of academic achievement and will have utilized campus resources such as advising and tutoring to have done so.

Artist of the Year: Maya Goss of Cheyenne, Wyo.

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

Community Engagement: Tianna Martin of Kearney, Neb.

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.

Diversity in Thought and Experience: Elisha Barron of Morrill, Neb.

This award recognizes a rising sophomore who is a strong and active advocate for diverse communities and challenges and supports students to engage beyond that which is comfortable. Students were nominated by faculty, staff, and their freshman peers.

First Generation Eagle: Angel Perez of Newcastle, Wyo.

This award recognizes a rising sophomore who would be the first in his or her family to attain a 4-year degree when he or she graduates. This award recipient will have successfully navigated the academic, financial, and social aspects of college life.

Resident Hall Citizen of the Year: Gabriel Varvel of Hay Springs, Neb.

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.

Student-Athlete of the Year: Delaney Farnsworth of Centennial, Colo.

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.

Student Leader of the Year: Paige Pritchard of Sidney, Neb.

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 Leadership: Tianna Martin of Kearney, Neb.

This award recognizes the efforts of a rising sophomore who has demonstrated excellence in serving as a voice for the student body, campus efforts, and leadership and participation across campus. 

Student Pick – Student Peer-Leader of the Year: Grace Reiter of Bellwood, Neb.

This award recognizes a rising sophomore who has been an effective peer-leader. 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.

Unsung Hero: Mackenize Carlson of Trenton, Neb.

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.

Working Eagle: Hannah Wohl of Hay Springs, Neb.

This award recognizes a rising sophomore who has effectively balanced academics with his or her on- or off-campus job.

For more photos see CSC's online photo gallery.