Student of the Year Awards

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The call for nominations for this award is now OPEN. 

The deadline to submit is FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2026.​

Click here to apply.

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The Northeast Regional Honors Council annually recognizes two students as Student of the Year–one from a two-year institution and one from a four-year institution. The two students selected for an NRHC Student of the Year Award must have demonstrated scholastic excellence and must have made a significant impact on their honors program. The award recognizes academic excellence, outstanding leadership skills, socially engaged contributions, and innovations that the students have shown at their home institution. In addition, the winners are role models for other students in their honors programs and have demonstrated commitment that is above their peers. The selected students might also have worked to engage honors ideals outside their home institutions through participation in intercollegiate projects, NRHC and/or NCHC conferences, service to their communities, and more.

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Students will be recognized with a plaque at the NRHC Awards Ceremony. 

 

A completed application must include a nomination from a faculty or staff member and an application from that student. The application includes:

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• Contact information of nominating honors director/faculty/staff

• Contact information of student nominee

• Letter of recommendation from nominating honors director/faculty/staff

• Student responses to three short answer questions

• Student resume and headshot

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Winners will be announced at the NRHC Awards Ceremony. Their names will be listed on the NRHC website. 

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The deadline to apply for the award is FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27 by 11:59 PM. Click here to apply!​

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Student of the year

2025 winners

The pool of nominees for Student of the Year from a 4-year institution were so numerous and so impressive 

that the NRHC honored three students in this category!

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2025 Student of the Year

Two-Year Institution

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Mirian N. Lopez, Mercer County Community College​

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“What truly sets Mirian Lopez apart is her ability to lead by example. She inspires those around her with her work ethic, generosity, and determination. She is not only a role model for other students—Mirian is a transformative force on campus and in the broader community.”

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2025 Student of the Year 

Four-Year Institution

 

 

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Simon Wang, University of Pittsburgh
 

“This student hasn’t just achieved a great deal—they’ve laid the groundwork for others to achieve more. Simon Wang's impact is structural, strategic, and inspiring.”

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2025 Student of the Year 

Four-Year Institution

 

 

 

 

 

Rithika Padyala, Thomas Jefferson University

 

“Rithika Padyala has accomplished more in her three years than many do in four. Rithika has led with grace, pushed through bureaucracy with kindness, and left a mark that will live long after graduation.”

 

2025 Student of the Year

Four Year Institution

 

 

Nikki Golemboski, Towson University

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“This student doesn’t just ask the right questions—Nikki builds the systems to seek the answers.Her work doesn’t only elevate her peers and institutions—it fills gaps in the scholarly field itself.”

 

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Past Winners

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2024

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Two-Year Institution

Hans Mach, Community College of Allegheny County

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Four-Year Institution

Shane Appiah, Howard University

Phoebe Calkins, Towson University​

Crista Fiala, University of St. Joseph
 

2023

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Two-Year Institution

Jessica Wheeler, Community College of Allegheny County

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Four-Year Institution:

Jade Rhoads, Thiel College

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2022

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Four-Year Institution:

Briseyda Barrientos Ariza, Towson University

Vanessa Maybruck, Kutztown University

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2021

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Four-Year Institution:

Kaitlyn, Fales, Bryant University

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Two-Year Institution:

Erin McClain, Community College of Allegheny County 

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2020

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Four-Year Institution:

Kai-Lou Yue, Bryant University

Kaitlyn Esposito, Fairleigh Dickinson University

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Two-Year Institution:

Amirah Elayan, Bergen Community College

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2019

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Four-Year Institution:

Haleigh Swam, Lock Haven University

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Two-Year Institution:

Lope Jan Williams, LaGuardia Community College

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2018

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Four-Year Institution:

Mohini Gobin, Pace University

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Two-Year Institution:

Therese Russell, Nassau Community College

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2017

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Four-Year Institution:

Micah Castello, Notre Dame of Maryland University

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Two-Year Institution:

Nathanael Linton, SUNY Orange

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