HASTINGS — Special recognition awards were presented at the 2023 Student Awards Gala at Central Community College-Hastings.
Maximizing Success Award
Nine CCC-Hastings employees were nominated by students for this award. More than 150 students voted to give the award to Brandon Stalvey, TRIO/Student Support Services coordinator.
“It makes me feel a lot better about going to college knowing I have a support [like Brandon],” his nominator said. “Brandon listens to me complain and gives me good advice. He’s one of the people who has encouraged me to get through college, and I wouldn’t have been able to make it this far without his help.”
In addition to his work with TRIO, Stalvey helps oversee the campus Food and Hygiene Pantry, has served on the CARE Team since January 2022, and is one of the leads for Leapfrog Village. He also regularly volunteers to help with student activities.
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Student of the Year Award
Landon Nelson of Seward received the Student of the Year Award for demonstrating exceptional character, integrity, commitment, and perseverance to achieve his educational goals.
He received his associate of applied science degree in advanced manufacturing design technology on May 5. He came to CCC in the 2021 fall semester after graduating from Seward High School. While at CCC, he has participated in SkillsUSA, guided his neighborhood as a resident assistant in Valley Hall, and served as the president of the Student Government Association.
He was cited for his leadership and mentoring skills with other students and his willingness to help with campus programs and events.
“Landon’s leadership with his peers is nothing short of amazing,” said AMDT instructor Ryan Jones. “When problem solving with a group, he listens to all input and makes decisions based on what is best for the group, not an individual. He will be a valuable asset to his future employer because of his wonderful attitude and determination to finishing what he starts.”
“He doesn’t seem to realize it, but Landon is one of the bedrock leaders in the student body,” said Sean Griffin, associate dean of students, “Our campus is much improved thanks to his leadership and contributions to the community this year.”
Program Honor Students
Recipients are selected from each academic program for good academic standing, outstanding ability in their major area of study, and strong leadership and citizenship skills.
Central Nebraska students earning awards include: Morgan Ekhoff of Aurora, agricultural sciences/agribusiness; Kylie Broich, dental hygiene; Taylor Henderson, hospitality management and culinary arts; and Maximiliano Serrano, drafting and design technology/architecture, all of Grand Island; Challen Edwards, drafting and design technology/manufacturing; Jaqi Hoffman, dental assisting; Bryton Jones, automotive technology; Sam Rother, welding technology; Stoney Straatmann, academic transfer/associate of arts; and Sonja Ventura, academic transfer/associate of science, all of Hastings; Devin Fisher of Hazard, heating, air conditioning and refrigeration; Brennan Brosseau of Kearney, advanced manufacturing design technology; Tristin Nelson of Litchfield, business administration; and Nolan Osborn of Sargent, construction technology.
Student Leaders
JUDICIAL BOARD: The Judicial Board is a student panel that adjudicates potential violations of the Student Code of Conduct and works to uphold CCC community standards and educate students on their responsibilities as community members. Area members include: Logan Gilmore of Doniphan, Alyssa Seim of Grand Island, Frankie Maulucci of Hastings, and Shavanna Douglas of Ravenna.
RESIDENT ASSISTANTS: Resident assistants (RAs) are responsible for promoting and maintaining an inclusive and collegiate community in the residence halls. RAs from Central Nebraska include: Shane Seim of Chapman, Riley Mason of Doniphan, Jakob Koch and Madison Rasmussen of Grand Island, Yaritza Almanza-Yepez and Lance Heun of Kearney, and Shavanna Douglas of Ravenna.
STUDENT AMBASSADORS: The Student Ambassadors work with the admissions office to recruit prospective students. They also participate in leadership opportunities designed to give them the confidence and skills to achieve academic and professional success. Area ambassadors include Melissa Veliz of Alda, and Shyanne Beer and Shavanna Douglas of Ravenna.
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION: The Student Government Association is the representative body for CCC-Hastings students to ensure they have an advocate for their needs and a voice in campus and area-wide policies, initiatives and committees. Area members include: Riley Mason of Doniphan, treasurer; Jakob Koch of Grand Island; Frankie Maulucci of Hastings; Draven Adams of Heartwell; and Lance Heun of Kearney.
TUTORS: Tutors are leaders who help facilitate growth opportunities for students through various study strategies, skills and content knowledge to help maximize student success. Area tutors include: Riley Mason of Doniphan, Alyssa Seim of Grand Island and Frankie Maulucci of Hastings.
Student Clubs
HOSPITALITY AND CULINARY ARTS CLUB: Membership in the Hospitality and Culinary Arts Club is open to students who are enrolled in one or more courses in the hospitality management and culinary arts program. It is designed to help its members develop their skills in the hospitality industry and teaches them group organization, leadership and responsibility. Area members include: Nicholas Lovejoy of Central City, Delanie Bonsack of Dannebrog, Ella Collins of Hastings, Kimberly Crandell of Juniata, and Cooper Anderson of Minden.
NERD CULTURE: Nerd Culture is a home and hangout for students interested in all things nerdy. Students meet regularly to plan events, and the door is always open to new members. Central Nebraska members include Seth Thramer of Giltner, Draven Adams of Heartwell, and Jack Simpson of Taylor.
PHI THETA KAPPA HONOR SOCIETY: Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society for two-year colleges, and the Hastings Campus’ Beta Alpha Delta Chapter was chartered in 1994. To obtain membership, students must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher. Area members include: Morgan Ekhoff of Aurora; Shelby Heckathorn of Cairo; Delanie Bonsack of Dannebrog; Karen Hernandez, Cody Miller and Angela Nieto-Nesiba of Grand Island; Challen Edwards, Dakota Johnson, Isabella Lane, Tyler Rockefeller, Andy Sebastian, Barrett Shea and Stoney Straatmann of Hastings; Charles Barnes and Matthew Derden of Kearney; Tristin Nelson of Litchfield; and Luke Dobish of Pleasanton.
PRISM: PRISM promotes and educates the community about safety, dignity, and respect for students of all genders and sexual orientations and strives to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all. Area members are Zoey Magnussen of Aurora and MacKenzie Fullerton of Hastings.
SKILLS USA: SkillsUSA provides training in leadership and personal skills such as dependability, teamwork, communications and customer relations. Students gain a positive image through competition, leadership development and service projects. Brittany Kennedy of Doniphan serves as chapter secretary.
STUDENT AMERICAN DENTAL HYGIENISTS’ ASSOCIATION: The Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association seeks to advance the art and science of dental hygiene, promote the highest standards of dental hygiene education, practice and research, and promote the interests of dental hygiene students. Area members of the CCC-Hastings chapter are: Allison Baker of Ayr; Kylie Broich, Jesica Inguez-Jauregui, Sara Kucera, Daisey Ramos, Guadalupe Rodriguez and Jacqueline Zarraga Guerrero of Grand Island; Alexis Cordova, Ilse Diaz, Maraea Holman, Ashante Glebe, Randi Klein, Shaylee McNeil, Maria Morales, Kelsey Rutt and Sydni Sullivan of Hastings; Hannah Crittenden and Morgan Suhr of Kearney; Madison Cobb of Minden; Jentri Sherman of Ravenna; and Marley Roepker of St. Libory.
TRIO: Through TRIO, students can develop their self-confidence and enhance their potential for academic and career success through leadership and social activities and support networks. Award and scholarship winners include: Frankie Maulucci of Hastings, Leadership Award recipient; Andy Sebastian of Hasitngs, TRIO Leadership Scholarship recipient; and Ashyia Captain of Kearney, Persistence Award recipient.