2025 Barlow Trophy Finalists announced

KYLE CHOKAS
COPY EDITOR

3/24/2025

In early March, Alma College announced the Barlow Trophy Finalist. The finalists are seniors Megan Neeley (‘25), Toby Layson (‘25) and Charlotte Howald (‘25).  

Established by Dr. Joel Barlow in 1949, the Barlow Trophy recognizes the high academic achievements of students, as well as their contributions to not only the campus community, but the greater community of Alma.  

“I was honored to discover I was nominated. Not only is it a recognition of the love and dedication I have for the institution, it is also a chance to be a part of a larger group of people who have contributed to the life of Alma College,” said Layson. 

Layson has served in numerous roles and organizations during his time at Alma College, including Student Congress President, Model United Nations, multiple positions in the Sigma Chi fraternity, a Resident Assistant and, notably, a student representative on the Presidential Search Committee this past fall semester.  

“I may have cried a little in shock. It’s such a huge honor to be a finalist; I keep comparing it to being in the Final Three in Survivor and I’m at the longest Final Tribal Council,” said Howald.  

Howald’s campus involvements include serving as the Leaders for Environmental Awareness, Protection and Sustainability (LEAPS) president for the past two years, a senior mentor for the former Alma College Transfer Assistance Program as well as organizing 40 plus events and participating in numerous volunteer opportunities around the Gratiot County area.  

Neeley’s on-campus involvement includes Phi Beta Kappa, an honorary organization for students who excel, the Women’s Swimming and Diving Team, The Almanian, where she served as the Editor-In-Chief for the 2024-2025 academic year, the Student Advancement Association President, a peer-writing consultant at the Writing Center and holding numerous positions within her sorority, Alpha Xi Delta. 

All three finalists have created a strong connection to their community and believe that their time at Alma College has had an immensely positive impact on their lives.  

“The most impactful experience I had at Alma College was my Posey Global Fellowship to Tanzania. Throughout the experience, I became aware of the importance of the intersection of ethics and law while working under a Tanzanian lawyer to meet, interview and present to women’s groups in Arusha about legal protections,” said Layson.  

“I have loved working as the LEAPS club president for the past two years. We’ve worked hand-in-hand with Erika Kemler from Forest Hill Nature Area to host night walks that feature stargazing and watching the moon through a telescope, a meeting of seed sorting for the nature center to plant and/or sell.” said Howald 

Neeley stated that her most impactful experience has been working for The Almanian, as it has opened many opportunities for her to write for other local publications such as the Gratiot County Herald, Epicenter and The Morning Sun. Through these opportunities, she has been able to voice her support for numerous organizations such as Gratiot County Hope House, Love INC and other philanthropic organizations.  

After graduating from Alma College, Layson is heading to the University of Michigan’s Law School to pursue a career in public law. Howald plans to pursue a career as a naturalist and educate members of the community about the environment around them. Neeley plans on taking her Certified Public Accounting exam upon graduation to pursue a career in public accounting.  

The three finalists will be voted on by Student Congress Representatives and Faculty members, with a winner being announced on April 3 at the Wright Leppine Opera House.