On Friday, May 1 in front of hundreds of their friends, family, peers and colleagues, Castleton students, faculty and staff were honored for their achievements during the 2014-15 academic year at the Annual Castleton Awards Ceremony. Awards were given out honoring success in academics, athletics, student life and more.
The event culminated with the presentation of the Caroline Woodruff Award, given annually to the individual or individuals who have consistently exemplified Dr. Woodruff’s qualities of leadership, creativity, resourcefulness, and dedication to Castleton. The award is the highest honor that a student leader can achieve, and this year it was given to Hollie Nop.
A complete list of award winners is below.
Academic Excellence Awards | |
The Academic Excellence Award is given annually to a student who is deemed the top student in his or her major. |
|
Art | Kalissa Haff |
Business | Erin Luce |
Communication | Jorah McKinley |
Computer Information Systems | Sarah E. McLaughlin |
Criminal Justice | Dean Sherman |
Education | Shelly Audette |
English | Cassandra Papandrea |
History, Geography, Economics & Politics | Stephen Vitale |
Math | Parker Audsley |
Music | William Sease |
Natural Science | Thomas Shelley |
Nursing | Richard Marantz |
Philosophy | Selina Eastman |
Physical Education | Brian Greene |
Psychology | W. Maxwell Thayer |
Social Work | Maria Burt |
Sociology | Emily Haley |
Spanish | Hollie Nop |
Theater | Jeff Blanchette |
Nursing Alumni Award |
This scholarship of $200 is provided annually to a student who will be continuing his/her education toward an ADN degree who demonstrates the following criteria set by the Nursing Alumni Association: Self-motivated learner, consistently above average theory grad, excelled in clinical performance, demonstrated a commitment to nursing, served as a role model for peers. |
Jennifer Pelston |
Women's Studies Award for Excellence in Academics and Advocacy |
This award is given annually to a Women and Gender Studies major for excellence in both academics and advocacy. |
Courtney Picone |
Student Government Association Awards | |
Media Award | |
Member of The Spartan newspaper or WIUV radio station who has demonstrated leadership, commitment, and passion. | Anthony Sawyer |
Group of the Year | |
Student organization whose vitality, creativity, and commitment have enriched the quality of student life. |
Campus Activities Board |
New Club Recognition Award | |
New student organization which through its vitality, creativity, and commitment has enriched the quality of student life at Castleton. | Rotaract Club |
Awareness Award | |
Student, faculty, or staff who has gone above and beyond to educate the college community on diversity, equality, global awareness, or similar issues. |
Charlie Wilson |
Executive Board Recognition Award | |
SGA member whose involvement in any aspect of the SGA that has shown outstanding devotion to their job, activity or position. | Hollie Nop |
Coach of the Year | |
Part-time or full-time coach who has generously contributed time, energy, and support to the student body. |
David Heitkamp |
Outstanding First-Year Award | |
First-year student who has contributed time, dedication, and enthusiasm to the freshman class and Castleton community. | Kathleen Webber |
Outstanding Second-Year Award | |
Second-year student who has contributed time, dedication, and enthusiasm to the sophomore class and Castleton community. | Louis Alhage |
Outstanding Third-Year Award | |
Third-year student who has contributed time, dedication, and enthusiasm to the junior class and Castleton community. |
Mariah O'Hara |
Non-traditional Student of the Year | |
Non-traditional student that is active on campus, positive, ready to learn, and eager to help. |
Tina Bennett |
Outstanding New Faculty | |
A new faculty member who has contributed to student life through campus involvement. |
Jennifer Turchi |
Outstanding Faculty Award | |
Faculty member who has demonstrated a sincere interest in the welfare of students, and generously contributed time, energy, and support to the student body. | Harry McEnery |
Outstanding Staff Award | |
Staff member who has contributed considerable time, energy, and support to the SGA. |
Kevin Kareckas |
Delegate of the Year | |
SGA delegate whose involvement in the SGA, service on committees, and volunteerism are outstanding. |
Amanda Larabee |
Leonard Johnson Alumni Award | |
Castleton Alumnus who has gone above and beyond their job description in service to the college community. |
Matthew Patry |
Community Service Award | |
Outstanding volunteer service to the Castleton/Rutland County community. |
Elise Hussa |
Organization Award | |
Member of a recognized student organization for outstanding contributions to the campus community. |
Neil Baker (Rotaract Club), Cassandra Pinaire |
Good Citizenship Award | |
Recognition of devotion to the welfare of the college, and outstanding performance as a campus leader. |
Shelly Audette and Meghan O'Sullivan |
Distinguished Service Award | |
Distinguished service in activities, and exhibits abilities and qualities of leadership, conscientiousness, dependability and interest in the college community and its function. | Catherine Wielgasz, David Ievoli, and Colleen Kunz |
Alpha Psi Omega Theatre Honor Society Awards | |
Freshman of the Year Award | |
First-Year Theatre major who has proven both academically and theatrically, displayed a passion for theatre, respect for students and professors, and has immense dedication to our department and the shows we produce. |
Erica James |
Technician of the Year Award | |
Upperclass technical theatre and design major who has shown willingness to go above and beyond what is asked and expected of students both in class and performances, is dependable and responsible, and has fostered passion for theatre through other students. | Christopher R. Belanger |
Actor of the Year Award | |
Upperclass acting and directing major who has shown willingness to go above and beyond what is asked and expected of students both in class and performances, is dependable and responsible, and has fostered passion for theatre through other students. | Justin Gardner |
Athletic Awards | |
Coaches Awards | |
Top male and female varsity athletes who have shown leadership, determination, sportsmanship, coachability, willingness to give of oneself, and have a sense of responsibility to the team, coach, and college throughout the year. | Zach Davidson and Jade Desroches |
Rocky Mezzetta Award | |
Male athlete in recognition of determination, drive to improve athletic skills, coachability, and team leadership. |
Kevin Alberque |
Sharon Brown Memorial Award | |
Female athlete who relates well to peers and coach, shows a desire to learn and excel, demonstrates dedication, persistence, and team leadership. Must carry a GPA of 2.5 or higher. | Brittany Brayman |
Mary Ellen Evans Award | |
Most outstanding female athlete who has played four years in one sport; must provide service to the college community and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. | Meghan O'Sullivan |
John Young Memorial Award | |
Male or female basketball player who shows great leadership and outstanding offensive abilities. This individual must have a positive attitude and is interested in pursuing a degree in teaching or interested in coaching in the future. |
Meghan O'Sullivan |
Peer Advocate of the Year | |
Member of Peer Advocates for CHANGE (PAC) who has dedicated themselves to being an informed educator and advocate on our campus. | Katelyn Phillips |
Campus Ally | |
Faculty, staff, or administrator who has allied themselves with CHANGE’s mission. | Kevin Trigonis |
Student Life Awards | |
College Service Awards | |
Students who have made outstanding contributions to Castleton through their participation in various extracurricular activities. | Fardoos Mohamed, Colleen Kunz, Meghan O'Sullivan |
Abel E. Leavenworth Leadership Award | |
Outstanding student leader who exemplifies Abel Leavenworth’s characteristics of warmth, integrity, strong principles, and wise counsel. | David Ievoli, Mariah O'Hara |
Caroline Woodruff Award | |
This is the highest honor that a student leader can achieve at Castleton. The Caroline Woodruff Award goes to an individual who has consistently exemplified Dr. Woodruff’s qualities of leadership, creativity, resourcefulness, and dedication to Castleton. | Hollie Nop |