The 2024-2025 Student Awards

By: Brandon Whitaker 

Last Friday, the 2024-2025 Student Awards ceremony was held in the Bonnie Auditorium celebrating some of the most outstanding students at Radford University. Here are some of the award recipients starting with the Outstanding Student Awards recognizing students that are “high achievers academically and are also civic and community minded both at Radford University and the broader New River Valley community,” said Dr. Jen Rentschler.

The freshman winner was Ava Owen, for her outstanding work ethic within the nursing program achieving a spot on the honor roll. The sophomore winner was Jennifer Klinger, a fellow nursing student noted for excellence in the community where she volunteers at nursing homes and works in the financial aid office. Grace Parton was the junior award recipient involved in leadership roles with organizations, Alpha Phi Omega and 100 collegiate women. Senior award winner Barrick Mogel was noted for their role as the student facilities and operations manager. Mogel was also acknowledged for their involvement in student organizations serving as the vice president of Peer Health Educators. Samantha Jones received the award as a graduate student, sporting an impressive 4.0 GPA while also working full time as a special education teacher. 

The Outstanding Student Organization award was presented to the members of NABA, the National Association of Black Accountants. The Programming Excellence Award was given to the Wicked Society for their program the D.E.A.D. Summit (Diplomatic Efforts for Altruistic Development), a workshop that was presented at this year’s UN PRME conference. The Advisory Excellence award was given to Resident Director Rodrigo Galarza for his advisement of National Residence Hall Honorary. The Outstanding Community Outreach Award was won by Danni Moore for her commitment to the New River Valley Community. Moore is a criminal justice and sociology major and a member of Zeta Phi Beta. The winner of the Rising Star Award was given to Kate Stefanelli, a sophomore who is the president of the Wicked Society. The Unsung Hero Award was given to Jin-Xin Parlow being the “quiet force behind some very impactful events on campus” helping to organize the Truist Innovation Challenge and helping with the Venture Lab. 

Next were the winners of the Highlander Spirit Award. The first recipient was Lauren Griffin, a cybersecurity student who “embodies the spirit, values and heart of Radford University,” said Rentschler. The second recipient was Kim Nolasco-Ramos, a member of the Latino Student Alliance. Third was Yajuwamungu Bora, a political science major and member of Model UN. There were also Fraternity Sorority Life Awards presented to Jasmine Boyce for Excellence in Academic Achievement. The Outstanding Fraternity or Sorority Member winner was Isaiah Kigwe.