Prescott Campus honors its brightest lights in arts, academic, healthcare & trades
The stars came out at Yavapai College last night, as faculty, administrators and families honored an A-Team of academic and philanthropic students at the Prescott Campus 2024 Night of S.T.A.R.S Awards.
“We gather here tonight, as a reminder of the incredible journey each and every one of you has taken.” Yavapai College Provost Dr. Douglas Berry told the students. “Behind every accolade, behind every certificate, behind every achievement lies a story of discipline, perseverance and unwavering focus.”
Night of S.T.A.R.S (the acronym stands for Students who are Thriving, Achieving and deserve Recognition) drew a packed crowd to the Community Room. Dr. Curtis Kleinman emceed a buoyant, upbeat ceremony that honored 29 students across 13 scholastic disciplines for distinguishing themselves as top academic performers and community leaders. Dr. Berry – co-hosting with Vice President of Workforce Development & Health Sciences Dr. Marylou Mercado and Faculty Association Co-President Dr. Andrew Winters – characterized the students’ success as a triumph of focus and discipline. “Discipline is the cornerstone of achievement. It is the guiding principle that propels our stars to unparalleled heights.”
This year, the President’s Award – Yavapai College’s highest student honor – was bestowed upon Business student Jadyn Ferris. After dropping out of high school, Jadyn persevered, earning an Emergency Medical Technician certificate, then building a 4.0 grade-point average while pursuing her Bachelors in Business at YC. She has been a driving force at the YC Food Pantry, helping marshal resources for students unable to make ends meet. Active in student clubs, campus tours and study groups, Jadyn led an initiative to provide 50 needy students with holiday meals. “She juggles multiple activities while achieving excellence.” Kleinman said. “Jadyn’s resilience, leadership and commitment to helping fellow students make her deserving of this prestigious award.”
Jadyn, who shares the President’s award with Verde Campus recipient Kade Randall Penrod and CTEC recipient Joshua Nomland, was chosen from a field of outstanding students including Jessica Acosta Lopez; Saydee Allred; Matthew Mabbitt; Amanda Pay; Adriana Rogel, and Kaden Schiefelbein.
Distinguished Nursing student Heidi Howden was honored with the Provost’s Award. A member of the College Honors Program, Heidi “showcases a fervent desire to learn while giving back.” In addition to being an active leader in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the Student Nurses Association, Heidi spearheaded initiatives promoting mental health resources and childhood literacy programs in collaboration with community partners like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. She has logged more than 100 service hours on projects like the Walk Out of Darkness, Alzheimer’s Walk and other endeavors. “Heidi personifies academic excellence and unparalleled commitment to service, and leaves and indelible legacy for all.” She shares the Provost’s Award with Verde Campus winner Chasidy Allen and CTEC winner George Smith, and was nominated alongside students Louisa Hale, Angela Traub and Hannah West.
A full list of the award winners is below.
NIGHT OF STARS 2024 PRESCOTT CAMPUS HONOREES
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Yavapai College operates six campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, two baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities.
To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu.
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