Transylvania University recognized the academic excellence and outstanding contributions of its Pioneers during the annual University Student Awards ceremony May 7 in the William T. Young Campus Center.
University leaders and faculty presented awards honoring top grade-point averages by class year as well as specialized achievements in theater, music ensembles, history, political science, chemistry and leadership.
“The students honored today embody the qualities Transy hopes to nurture in all of our students,” said Andrew McMichael, executive vice president for academic affairs and dean of the university. “Their efforts lead not only to their success here at Transy, but to the betterment of our campus community.”
The graduating students will also be honored at a ceremony May 22 as part of Senior Week.
Class Awards
The First-Year Class Award recognizes Pioneers who completed at least four course units as full-time students and earned the highest cumulative GPAs. Recipients were Braden Antle, Ava Bloom, Reid Bryant, Chloe Carpenter, Kat Clark, Chloe Cotton, Evan Craig, Luci Davis, Lyndie Dayley, Mya Douglas, Eli Duncan, Shelby Eidson, Jack Ferrell, Peyton Gabbard, Nathaniel Hunt, Reagan Johansen, Mustafa Khan, Sarah Kirkland, Annie Kunkel, Hannah Morrison, Spencer Page, Isabella Piasecki, Naia Rentschler, Anya Rountree, Soleil Sabin, Zach Sims, Maya Smith, Mea Tabor, Mackenzie Wallace, Hannah Waterson and Davis Williams.
The Sophomore Class Award honors those who completed at least 12 course units and posted the highest cumulative GPAs. Recipients were Lilly Carroll, Abby Clark, Clara Collins, Jules Howell, Riley Jarrell, Addilyn Johnson, Meg Kitchen, Reagan Rawlins, Annabelle Rossi, JC Sanders, Alex Smith, Matthew Smith, Brayden Strong, Kaelin Truman and Kelsey Weil.
The Junior Class Award recognizes students meeting the same 12-course-unit requirement with top cumulative GPAs. Recipients were Luke Aguilar, Madden Breeding, Tristan Compton, John-Paul Craig, Sam Dodds, Lyra Duffy, Maggie Johnson, Caroline Katko, Alex Perry, Olivia Sparks, Peyton Tan, Cole Varela, McKay Wheatley and Ethan Winn.
Specialized Awards
Ella Go was awarded the Charles and Susan Shearer Scholarship, given annually to a junior with an outstanding academic record and significant contributions to Transylvania.
Mustafa Khan was presented the Chemical Rubber Company General Chemistry Award for outstanding achievement in general chemistry as a first-year student.
Olivia Sparks was awarded the Ira Richard Harris ’53 History Department Award, which supports outstanding history majors seeking opportunities to further their education outside the university.
Lily Jasper received the Ira Richard Harris ’53 Political Science Department Award under the same criteria for political science majors.
The Lumine Award for Theatrical Distinction, given to students who embody Transylvania’s motto, “In that light, we pass on the light,” through passion and dedication to theater, went to Sophie Simms, Emma Smith, Savannah Soeder and Kat Clark.
Reagan Rawlins received the Polymer Education Undergraduate Award from the American Chemical Society and the Joint Polymer Education Committee for outstanding performance in the first two terms of organic chemistry and for having future plans in chemistry, biochemistry or chemical engineering.
Nicholas Hammond and Zoe Thompson received the Ronald F. Whitson Memorial Scholarship, established in 2003 to assist deserving Kentucky students who are active leaders in campus organizations.
Maggie Evitts earned the Thomas Jefferson Scholarship, awarded to a history and/or political science major with aspirations of attending law school. The scholarship was made possible by a gift from Desirée L. Franklin.
Annie Kunkel received the Transylvania Bands Outstanding Newcomer Award, selected by peers for making a strong positive impact as a new member.
Nathan Goins, Anya Rountree, Jadynn Cornett and Maya Smith received the Transylvania Choir Outstanding Newcomer Award for exceptional participation and having an immediate positive impact on the choral program.
Annabelle Raybould earned the Transylvania Orchestra Outstanding Newcomer Award for the same peer-recognized contribution.