SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — Penn State Schuylkill recognized the achievements of its students during the annual Student Affairs Awards Ceremony on April 30, celebrating those who have demonstrated excellence in academics, leadership, service and athletics. The event highlighted the impact students have made both on campus and within the surrounding community, honoring their dedication and commitment throughout the academic year.
Eight student-athletes were inducted into the Chi Alpha Sigma Honor Society, a national organization recognizing collegiate student-athletes who excel in both the classroom and in competition. The honor highlights individuals who demonstrate the core values of integrity, character and commitment, while maintaining strong academic performance and athletic participation.
“Our student-athletes continue to raise the bar by excelling not only in competition, but in the classroom as well,” said Shakwat Chowdhury, assistant director of student affairs. “Their ability to balance the demands of academics and athletics speaks to their discipline, resilience and strong work ethic.”
This year’s inductees are:
- Keira Devor, softball
- JiaYi Gong, women’s cross-country and track and field
- Victoria Grimm, women’s soccer
- Jesenia Landaverde, women’s soccer
- Dakota Larocque, softball
- Jake Moser, men’s soccer
- Ashton Owens, men’s cross-country, volleyball, and track and field
- Jade Weiss, softball
Eight students also were recognized with Student Life Awards, presented by the Office of Student Affairs. These honors celebrate individuals who have made meaningful contributions to campus life through leadership, service and engagement within the community.
“Our students are making a real difference both on campus and beyond,” Chowdhury said. “Their commitment to serving others, while also working hard in the classroom, reflects the kind of well-rounded excellence we strive to foster at Penn State Schuylkill.”
This year’s award recipients are:
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Noy Halimi – Outstanding Service and Leadership Award
Recognizes a student who has demonstrated excellence in service and leadership to the campus community or local, national or global communities. -
Lily Kreiser – Outstanding Academic Achievement and Leadership Award
Honors a student who has demonstrated great achievement both academically (cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher) and as a leader within the campus community. -
Alex Kull – Unsung Lion Award
Celebrates a student who, through their behind-the-scenes involvement on campus, have exemplified a commitment to enhancing campus life. -
Ashley Polanco – Rising Lion Award
Acknowledges an emerging student leader who has attended Penn State Schuylkill for less than two years and exemplifies dedicated involvement and commitment to enriching campus life. -
Gabriel Tsilman – Spirited Lion Award
Recognizes a student who has demonstrated great leadership in promoting campus spirit, pride and loyalty at Penn State Schuylkill. -
Ayanna Grant – Resident Assistant Excellence Award
Applauds a RA who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication and commitment to supporting residents throughout the academic year. -
Zachary Fisher – Chancellor’s Award for Student Leadership
Given to a student who has contributed to the advancement and improvement of student life through their leadership and campus involvement. -
Sierra Wishnefsky – Eric A. and Josephine S. Walker Award
The highest student recognition, this award is presented to a student whose outstanding qualities of character, scholarship, leadership and citizenship have been directed into programs and services that have positively influenced their fellow students and have contributed to the prestige and well-being of the campus and, hence, to the reputation of the University as a whole.
The Student Affairs Awards Ceremony highlighted the achievements and impact of Penn State Schuylkill’s most dedicated students, offering a moment to celebrate their hard work and growth. As they move forward, the campus community is excited to see how these students continue to lead, succeed and make a difference in their careers and communities