Celebrating Excellence: Student Leadership Award Winners Announced

Published: May 8, 2025

The atmosphere was vibrant at Jack’s Urban Meeting Place (JUMP) in Boise on Friday, May 2, as the community gathered to celebrate the outstanding achievements of student leaders at the annual College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Student Leadership Awards Banquet. The evening was dedicated to recognizing the hard work, dedication, and significant impact these students have made on campus and beyond, highlighting their invaluable contributions.

Student Club Award Winners for 2024-2025

Community Service Program of the Year

Through STEM Night at Roosevelt Elementary, Chemistry Club demonstrates their commitment to community service and science education by providing engaging, hands-on chemistry demonstrations. Members regularly volunteer their expertise to address the need for hands-on science experiences, promote science literacy, and foster a service-oriented mindset.

Social Program of the Year

Night of the Living Moles, hosted by Chemistry Club united the CWI community with a unique blend of science, Halloween fun, and camaraderie, featuring interactive experiments, science trivia, a costume contest, and festive decorations that made science accessible and exciting.

Student Organization of the Year

Exercise is Medicine Club has significantly impacted campus and local community through diverse health-focused initiatives, including collaborative events, partnerships with counseling and local organizations, and consistent delivery of high-quality events that foster a healthier, more active community.

Student Organization Advisor of the Year

Rick Del Vecchio from the Gaming Club for his exceptional dedication and support by volunteering countless hours, offering invaluable guidance and technical expertise, and cultivating a positive environment that empowers students, strengthens community, and provides lasting opportunities for growth.

Outstanding Officer of the Year

Daniel Strilets from Chemistry Club for significantly improving the club through proactive engagement, enhanced communication, community building, and spearheading a large community STEM outreach event that engaged over 200 students.

Quiet Influence Award

Madelyn Miller from Chemistry Club for her instrumental behind-the-scenes effort, including her reliability in coordinating event logistics, her calm, solution-focused approach to challenges, and her proactive nature in improving club systems and mentoring members. A key foundation of Chemistry Club’s success.

Trailblazing Leadership Award

Caleb Ball from the Astronomy Club has positively impacted students by creating a safe haven dedicated to astronomy, science, and creativity, securing a Unistellar telescope, actively uplifting others, and demonstrating adaptability and innovation through resourceful problem-solving and championing CWI core values.

Thank you, and congratulations to all our student leaders, clubs, advisors, staff, and faculty who have helped make the 2024-2025 academic year a success!

To learn more about the club award categories, visit Club Awards.

More from CWI

Studio Art 2026 Capstone pieces in front of green backdrop

Celebrate the artistic and academic achievements of Studio Art graduates at the exhibit, What Makes Us Human, on display, beginning April 16.

Read more about What Makes Us Human: 2026 CWI Capstone Artist Exhibition
Business Professionals of America students and faculty stand with their awards

Four CWI Business Professionals of America students participated in this year’s State Leadership conference, and each earned top-five placements across several competitions.

Read more about Students Excel at 2026 Idaho Business Professionals of America State Leadership Conference
Two students sitting at a computer

Students put their technical skills and preparation to the test during SkillsUSA Idaho's 2026 Idaho State Leadership and Skills Conference, earning multiple podium finishes across...

Read more about CWI Students Earn Honors at 2026 Idaho SkillsUSA Conference
Jessica Smith stands next to a hospital bed with a mannequin

As a full-time Registered Nursing student, mom, and wife, Jessica Smith is pursuing her dream at CWI with hard work and support from her family, cohort, and scholarships. Through hands-on...

Read more about Driven to Care
ShanDale Youmans sitting near plant box

After enrolling at CWI, ShanDale Youmans has gained hands-on experience, mentorship, and opportunities that helped turn her passion for the outdoors into a clear biology career path.

Read more about Youmans Embracing Opportunities to Shape Her Future
Holly Bale stands next to artwork
Holly Bale

Digital Photography students help bring campus to life with their images now installed in new buildings on campus, showcasing creativity and student talent.

Read more about Student Photography Brings Life to New Campus Buildings
Graduates raising their right hand in audience

CWI honored 14 graduates of its Law Enforcement Class 15 on March 9 with awards, a class gift, and reciting the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics.

Read more about Ceremony Honors 2026 Law Enforcement Graduates
Group of people signing a paper

CWI and Micron celebrated 12 apprenticeship graduates and welcomed 11 new apprentices, highlighting a growing partnership building Idaho’s semiconductor workforce.

Read more about CWI Celebrates Micron Apprenticeship Graduates and Welcomes Fifth Cohort
Group of people stand in front of a bridge

Anthropology students visited Celebration Park for hands-on fieldwork, exploring Indigenous history, petroglyphs, and the landscapes that shaped human life.

Read more about Field Trip Brings Anthropology Lessons to Life
Six students stand in front of a curtain

CWI Speech and Debate team earns six individual awards and three team honors at the Dugaw Smelt Classic. The team also secures a season-long Silver Award in the NFC.

Read more about Speech and Debate Opens Spring with Strong Finish at Dugaw Smelt Classic
Student at board with wires

Through CWI’s Advanced Mechatronics Engineering Technology program, Cesar Rodriguez pairs classroom precision with real-world industry experience.

Read more about Curiosity Powers a Career

News QR Code

URL: https://cwi.edu/news/celebrating-excellence-student-leadership-award-winners-announced<br>