Prescott, Arizona —Yavapai College leaders and faculty honored the best of the best students across academic disciplines during the annual Night of STARs awards ceremony April 2 at the Jim and Linda Lee Performing Arts Center on the Prescott Campus.
In all the Night of STARs spotlight shined on 29 high achievers who, as the STARs acronym denotes, are Students who are Thriving, Achieving and deserve Recognition.
Yavapai College President Dr. Lisa Rhine and Provost Dr. Doug Berry took the stage with the night’s top honorees, President’s Award winner Sarah Khalil, and Provost’s Award winner Abigail Munchinsky.
Directly addressing the student honorees during Night of STARs, Dr. Rhine said, “As educators, we are very proud of you, and we thank you for your contributions. Your tremendous potential is very clearly reflected in your accomplishments. We are so fortunate that Yavapai College gets to be part of your journey and your personal story.”
Dr. Berry expressed immense pride in the STARs winners ahead of the awards ceremony saying, “These are students who not only excel in their classes but make an impact in our community. It is an honor to witness the discipline, persistence, and focus the STARs have, and the brighter world they are building for us all.”
Night of STARs emcee, Spanish Professor Dr. Curtis Kleinman brought levity to the ceremony, regaling the audience with humorous and poignant anecdotes describing the singular focus, tenacity, resourcefulness, altruism and strength of the student stars.
“For many of us, these are our last few weeks with these students. We will miss them. This is not goodbye, so long, farewell, adios, it is simply see you at Costco, because, have you noticed, you eventually see everyone at Costco,” Kleinman joked.
Like all of the STARs honorees, Khalil and Munchinsky were nominated and vetted by faculty members. The top honorees were singled out for stellar academic performance, leadership acumen and volunteer service to the college and community.
A 4.0 GPA-earning Honors student who earned All-Arizona Academic Team honors this year, Khalil is active in or holds leadership roles in a variety of clubs and organizations, including student government, the Phi Theta Kappa college honor society, and Future Business Leaders of America.
“In each role, Sarah demonstrates initiative, organization, and the ability to motivate others. Her energetic, positive personality helps her lead seamlessly and makes her a dependable team member when collaboration is needed. Sarah consistently contributes to both our college community and the wider community through service projects and volunteer work. Her commitment to helping others is genuine and ongoing, and she often encourages her peers to get involved as well,” states Khalil’s award nomination submitted by a trio of professors and PTK advisors.
Provost Award Winner Munchinsky is an early college student from Bradshaw Mountain High School, a gymnast and a youth gymnastics coach who maintains a 3.9 GPA. Her award nomination highlighted her zest for learning, class participation, leadership and academic performance.
“The work that she has produced for my classes is thoughtful, thorough, and original… I know that she will be successful in her future endeavors and will be a credit to Yavapai College’s Early College Program,” the nomination put forward by English Professor Laura Cline states.
Following are the Night of STARs individual Excellence Award winners by academic discipline:
Division IV: Language and Communication English:
English: Kylie Deckens Prescott; Andrew Lestage Verde
Communication: Anya Booth, Prescott; Nathan Melton, Verde
Languages: Jordyn Vallely
Sociology: Abigail Leslie, Prescott; Gabriel Kohan, Verde
Division IV: Social Science:
Education and Early Childhood Education: Emma Shearer
Geology and Geography: Lindsay Winfrey
Humanities: Julia Jackson
Psychology: Lindsay Winfrey, Prescott; Aech Turner, Verde
Division V: Business and Computer Technology
Business, Associates Level: Melees Benyamen
Business, Bachelors of Science Level: Luke Smith
Computer Technology: Mario Ruvalcaba
Division V: Science and Math
Math: William Gilliam, Prescott; Sage Cody, Verde
Science: Christopher McKinney, Prescott; Nicolet Banderet, Verde
Division III: Visual and Performing Arts Performing Arts
Performing Arts Instrumental Music: Ricardo Landeros
Performing Arts Vocal Music: Patti Sheaffer
Visual Arts: Elaine Bassi
Film and Media Arts: Sutter Hunke, Prescott; Joya Comeaux, Verde
Theater: Eavan Skelton
Graphic Design: Barak Artlip
Dance: Christine Schuettenberg
Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, six baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about Yavapai College, visit www.yc.edu.
