Student leaders at College of Western Idaho (CWI) for both the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 academic years were celebrated during the virtual Student Leadership Banquet in April. Although students faced unprecedented challenges as they navigated the many facets of their lives over the past two academic years, they continued to develop a campus community working hard to maintain community within clubs and organizations at the College.
Student Leadership Award Winners for 2019-2020 and 2020-2021:
Community Service Program of the Year Award
The Community Service Program of the Year Award honors a program that has engaged students in service while encouraging students to selflessly serve beyond this one experience.
- 2019-2020: Abuse Survivors and Allies Club for their work to raise awareness around abuse and resources available within the Treasure Valley.
- 2020-2021: Student Nurses Association for giving back to the community with their donation of backpacks filled with supplies to Nampa School District’s Family and Community Resource Center.
Social Program of the Year Award
This award recognizes a program that has contributed to the sense of community on campus by encouraging students to come together and meaningfully engage with one another and/or the Ada County/Canyon County communities.
- 2019-2020: Chemistry and Physics Clubs for their celebration during the Fall 2019 semester to commemorate Avogadro’s Number (6.02x 10^23), a basic measuring unity in chemistry, with demonstrations and hands-on activities.
- 2020-2021: International Club for providing a fun and accepting community by hosting virtual events and drawings allowing to share about their cultures.
Student Organization of the Year Award
The Student Organization of the Year Award is presented to an organization who demonstrates excellence in all areas of community engagement, collaboration, diversity, and inclusion, and leadership development.
- 2019-2020: Abuse Survivors and Allies Club for their work to raise awareness around abuse and resources available within the Treasure Valley.
- 2020-2021: American Sign Language (ASL) Club for adapting to challenges present by COVID-19 to continue club involvement and awareness of the ASL and Deaf community.
Student Organization Advisor of the Year Award
The Student Organization Advisor of the Year Award honors an advisor who has excelled in providing support and assistance to a club/organization. The recipient has devoted time and service that has played a key role in the organization’s success.
- 2019-2020: Rick Del Vecchio from the Gaming Club for bringing new life to the club creating long-term goals for students and developing campus partnerships to support the club’s growth into e-sports programs.
- 2020-2021: Javier Garcia, founder of the Siempre Unidos Club, for his guidance and leadership allowing the club members to stay connected and engaged.
Outstanding Officer/Representative of the Year Award
The Outstanding Officer/Representative of the Year Award honors a student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout their term in office and has enhanced participation and involvement within their organization, the campus, and the community as a whole.
- 2019-2020: Sky Tarrant of the Abuse Survivors and Allies Club for providing tremendous leadership helping to develop a strong campus presence for providing resources and raising awareness.
- 2020-2021: Mitchell Renick of the Psychology Club for providing engaging virtual activities and opportunities to students experiencing stress or confusion.
Quiet Influence Award
The Quiet Influence Award honors an individual student who has contributed to their organization and campus community in a meaningful yet behind-the-scenes way.
- 2019-2020: Zach Szymczycha of the Biology Club for continued support for the club and being a silent force behind the club’s projects.
- 2020-2021: Ana Rodriguez of the International Club for her enthusiastic and supportive involvement bringing students from all walks of life together to learn and share with each other.
Rising Leader Award
The Rising Leader Award honors a first-year, returning student who does not need a title in order to fill a leadership role. This student has shown throughout the year a new-found commitment to serve the campus communities side-by-side with the elected student leaders and administration of the campus. This student can be found helping to complete any task needed while helping to model the core values and mission of the College. The student shows promise in continuing to exemplify growth and development as a leader.
- 2019-2020: Allison Halsey of the Queers and Allies club for her work holding a new event hosted by the club.
- 2020-2021: Tawa Giwa of the International Club for being a source of joy and for her willingness to share her story and work to build a community of friendship at CWI.
Trailblazing LEADership Award
The Trailblazing Award honors a second-year or graduating student leader who has engaged themselves in a significant leadership role on campus. The Trailblazing LEADership Award includes those students who have come to CWI with leadership experience or have developed leadership skills through the many opportunities the campus offers. Through their involvement, recipients of the Trailblazing LEADership Award have shown ambitions to improve campus life and strengthen the college community.
- 2019-2020: Alexis Burlile of the Student Nurses Association for being an essential part of carrying out events and community partnerships.
- 2020-2021: Joevannie Fajardo of the Veteran Students Association for his involvement on campus making sure a student voice is represented in ASCWI and during College Council meetings.
Congratulations to all!
