LEXIE THAYER
LAYOUT EDITOR
4/13/2026
On Apr. 1, 56 outstanding students and student organizations were nominated for a multitude of awards that were attributed to exceptional character and abilities at the Student Leadership Awards ceremony.
The first award presented that night was the executive board member of the year, which was given to Makayla Kozal (’27), who is currently the President of Gamma Phi Beta and the Treasurer of Student Congress, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Alma Accounting Association.
“I was very honored to receive this award. I felt like I couldn’t have done it without my fellow E-board members and my friends around me,” said Kozal.
The next award recognized a senior who was outstanding in their class and contributed their all to the Alma College culture. This award was awarded to Holly Hall (’26).
The Guide of the Year award was granted to Emily Spear (’26) for her stellar work ethic during Tartan101 and beyond.
The Rising Scot award recognizes a sophomore or a junior who shows great potential in their future leadership positions. Emily Ahearn (‘28) was recognized for her phenomenal performance both in the classroom and on the soccer field.
The next set of awards was centered on work ethic, spotlighting the student employees who went above and beyond in their job duties.
The recipient of the Outstanding Student Employee award went to Paulina Rivet (’27), who currently works in Admissions as a tour guide, front desk assistant and student ambassador. Moreover, she is also currently employed as a guest attendant with the hospitality department.
The Outstanding First Year RA award was granted to Jillian Comer (’28) for her exceptional dedication and proactive support of residents’ needs.
Trent E. Weiderhold, a custodian at Alma College who recognized the hard work that Resident Assistants put into making dormitories a safe and enjoyable place to live, founded the Trent E. Weiderhold Resident Assistant Scholarship to highlight an RA. This award was given to TJ Salley (’26).
The final award recognizing employees was the Del Newhouse RA of the Year award, which was granted to Ben Dickieson (’26).
The Resiliency Award was granted to a student who showcased strength despite challenges within the year. This award was granted to Alex Zatelli (’28), who continued to work hard within the classroom despite challenges that occurred during the year.
Natalia Rodriguez (’26) received the Mentor of the Year award for her outstanding impact in the multitude of communities and organizations she is a part of, highlighting her outstanding role model character.
ACE Scholar of the Year was granted to both Lillian Sierakowski (’28) and Caylin Petersen (’29) for their significant impacts while working with the Community Cabinet.
“I was absolutely honored to receive this award, as I have greatly enjoyed my time working with the Community Cabinet. It feels great to give back to my community, and I am glad that the ACE program fosters a partnership that can allow me to do that,” said Sierakowski.
The following Alternative Break Site Leaders were recognized for their leadership capabilities while on Alternative Breaks: Ella Cusack (’26), Charlotte Rockwell (’28), Emerson Inzeo (’27), Noah Murphy (’26), Chloe Anderson (’26), Devyn Whitford (’27), Sophia Sanford (’27), Jackson Pollard (’27), Reagan Keyser (’26), Joshua Kase (’28) and Cara Hofstra (’26).
The final student award, which was the VPSA Campus Impact Award, was given to Yaw Poku (’26) and Holly Hall (’26) for their outstanding Scotsmenship and overall impact on Alma College’s campus and community.
The Heart of the Highlands award was given to Kiltie Highland Dance Company for their proud Scot spirit and high energy.
Pickleball Club was awarded the New Organization of the Year Award for observing a need on campus and fulfilling it.
The Fraternity Sorority Life (FSL) Award was granted to Kappa Iota for their outstanding contributions to their philanthropy and campus involvement.
Business Professionals of America was awarded Student Organization of the Year for their exceptional performance and conferences.
The Almanian: News 
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