On Sunday, April 12, 51ºÚÁÏ’s Student Government Association hosted its Best of the Crest Awards Ceremony, held annually to honor distinguished leaders across campus who have been nominated by their peers. The special tradition celebrates the students, faculty, staff, and organizations that make Cedar Crest shine.
2026 Student Government Association Award Recipients  
Emerging Student Leader Award – Stephanie Freire &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For a first-year student or sophomore who has shown initiative, motivation, and potential for continued student leadership early in their career.
Capstone Student Leader Award – Catherine Legutko
For a student in their junior or senior year who has demonstrated a capacity for impacting the Cedar Crest community and served as a role model to younger students.
Outstanding Student Involvement Award – Elayah Toney &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
To the individual who is highly involved within the campus community without sacrificing efficiency and dedication.
The Bridge Award – Nayelisse Roman Cintron &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
To the individual who has demonstrated outstanding innovation and leadership in bridging the gap between co-curricular activities. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Unsung Hero Award – Bianca Pitter &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For a student from any class level who may or may not hold a formal position, but whose behind-the-scenes dedication and labors have proven invaluable to the success of a project, program, cause, or movement on campus. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Student Organization of the Year –Health Professions Society &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For a student organization that has consistently made positive contributions to the campus community and encouraged leadership through its membership, events, or programmatic initiatives.
Miguel Marroquin Staff Award – Hannah Alarcon &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Dedicated to the family and staff of Miguel Marroquin and given to the staff member who demonstrates a students-first attitude and commitment to working with students.
Outstanding Advisor Award – James Scepansky &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Given to the advisor who has been deemed by their club or organization as someone who has shown dedication to supporting the club, its members, and the events and programmatic initiatives created by the membership.
Outstanding Graduate Student Award – Graham Redman
For a graduate student who has demonstrated a capacity for impacting the Cedar Crest community through their initiatives, motivation, and student leadership.
Senior Crest Awards 
Religio – Jessica Maamari
The seated figure on the left of the Seal represents a student who strives to apply enduring standards of value to the circumstances of their life, to guide their own actions, and to demonstrate those values to others.
Libertas – Kendall Heiney &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
The figure in the center of the Seal represents a student who stands as a guardian of the liberal arts and the personal freedom of individuals. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
 &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Scientia – Madelyn Updegrove
The seated figure on the right of the Seal represents a student who scans the globe for opportunities to extend their learning skills into the community for the benefit of others.
Residence Life Awards 
Rising Resident Award – Vincent Jennings
This award recognizes a resident student who can always be seen in the residence halls, engaging with the residential community, and attending events. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
One to Watch Award – Kaitlyn Simins
Given to a new RA, who has worked as an RA for one year or less, who has exceeded job expectations and truly grown into the role of an RA. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Resident Advisor of the Year Award – Elayah Toney
Given to the RA who consistently exceeds the job requirements and develops a strong sense of community in their residence hall. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
First Year Experience Awards 
Mentor of the Year – Brianna Hollywood
Awarded to the mentor who has shown exceptional work ethic and support for their students. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Service Leader Awards 
Student Volunteer of the Year – Jessica Maamari
Awarded to a student who embodies the knowledge of service and accepts opportunities for action while also recognizing, advocating, and effecting positive change for our community. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Ginkgo Service Award – Savannah Aguilera &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
The Ginkgo Service Award recognizes 51ºÚÁÏ students who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to their communities by completing 100 or more hours of volunteer service within a single year. 
Leadership in Action Award – Lia Castner
This award recognizes a student who has demonstrated exceptional ability to translate leadership learning into meaningful impact, showing clear evidence of applying Cedar Crest’s core leadership principles to create positive change.
Mission Integration Awards 
Mission Advocate of the Year – Stephanie Friere
The Student Mission Advocate of the Year Award recognizes a student who lives our mission with intention, leadership, and heart—someone who not only understands our values but actively brings them to life within our campus community. 
Commitment to Campus Belonging – Lisa Johnson
Belonging is not something that happens to a community — it is something a community builds, together, one intentional act at a time. The Commitment to Belonging award recognizes a student, student organization, staff, or faculty member who has done exactly that: who has shown up, leaned in, and made this campus a place where every person feels seen, valued, and connected.
Global Education Awards
Commitment to Global Education Award – Dr. Jill Purdy
The Commitment to Global Education Award recognizes a faculty or staff member who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing global education. 
Abroad Impact Award – Jahniya James
The Abroad Impact Award recognizes a junior or senior student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, initiative, and cultural engagement during their Sophomore Year Expedition, exemplifying how study abroad fosters personal growth, global understanding, and positive change.
Global Ambassador Award – Stella Oen
The Global Ambassador Award recognizes a student who has shown exceptional dedication to global engagement through participation in multiple study abroad experiences.
26-27 Student Government Association Executive Board (sworn in at ceremony) 
President – Keishla Garcia
Vice President – Nayelisse Roman Cintron &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Secretary – Courtney Marks
Treasurer - Gracie Domingo-Whitfield  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
26-27 Student Activities Board Executive Board (sworn in at ceremony) 
President – Sarah Seltzer
Vice President â¶Ä“&²Ô²ú²õ±è;°Â±ð´Ç²Ô¾±°ì²¹&²Ô²ú²õ±è;³§·É´ÇÂá²¹°ì&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Treasurer – Adaliais Mercedes Rodriguez