By Vanessa Hewitt and Jared Tobaison
On Thursday, March 20 Student Life hosted the Student Leadership Awards Ceremony recognizing students at Grand Rapids Community College for their exceptional leadership and scholarly contributions during the 2024-25 academic year.
The Collegiate Editor-in-Chief Alexa Cheaney opened up the evening talking about community building, its importance at Grand Rapids Community College and how the leadership at the event “helped create an environment where everyone can thrive.”
She continued the appreciation toward fellow student leaders, saying, “Everyone here has something to be proud of tonight. Being an exemplary student doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a cultivation of dedication, consideration and lots of lots of effort. And leadership is a balancing act, especially when you’re a student.”
Cheaney then concluded with giving the audience the incentive to read The Collegiate as well as introducing the first keynote speaker of the evening, Student Government President Maria Choi.
Choi talked about her experience as an exchange student and her journey that started when she first came here three and a half years ago. Choi thought it was only going to be a “temporary experience”. But, made the decision to stay so she could finish highschool.
Throughout her speech, she focused on her growth and the challenges during her first year at GRCC.
“My first semester at GRCC wasn’t easy. The classes were hard, and I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do in the future. I even questioned whether college was the right path for me,” she said.
Choi shared how she got her passion for economics and how she obtained an internship with a non-profit with the University of Michigan, and then explains what she learned being a leader in Student Government at GRCC.
“Through my time in Student Government, I learned that leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room,” she said. “It’s about listening, understanding and taking action to help others. Some of the most meaningful moments came from small conversations, working behind the scenes, and seeing real change happen because a team of students came together with a common goal.”
Choi ended her speech thanking student leaders, faculty and staff and introduced Student Life Director Valerie Hargraves, to begin presenting the student leadership awards.
After awards were given out and leaders were recognized, Brayden Smith, the President of the Campus Activities Board made his way to the podium to deliver the second keynote speech. He talked about how being the president of CAB helped shape his leadership skills.
“I used to think leadership was about having all the answers. But I quickly learned that real leadership isn’t about knowing everything– it’s about asking the right questions and showing up, even when it’s tough,” Smith said.
He continued, mentioning the positions he took in CAB before eventually becoming president. He said although being in charge made him nervous at first, he grew from the experience.
“Stepping out of my comfort zone forced me to grow, both personally and professionally. And that’s what growth is–it’s uncomfortable, but that discomfort means you’re expanding your limits,” Smith said. “Now looking back, if I had never taken that first step–if I had never been willing to be a little uncomfortable and show up to that CAB meeting–I wouldn’t be standing here today. I wouldn’t have found a community that supports me, challenges me, and makes me better every single day.”
Hargraves concluded the awards banquet by taking a moment to thank those involved with Campus Impact, and then went on to thank the student leaders in the room.
“Tonight’s ceremony has been absolutely inspiring. I’ve loved hearing the stories and accomplishments of our award recipients. Thank you for a great year,” she said. “I’m proud of our community for valuing progress, learning from setbacks and offering support. We’ve accomplished so much and I wish all of you the very best moving forward.”
After the award ceremony, casino games were held in the banquet rooms at the Applied Technology Center, accompanied by free cupcakes as well as free student leadership banquet themed decks of cards.
The following students received awards:
- Brian Kloet Campus Involvement Award: Jerry Boss
- Benham Service and Civic Engagement Award: Dave Damien
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award: Joel Reyes Hernandez
- Cedric and Sandy Ward Leadership Award: Evodie Djunga and Kiana Vu
- Richard W. Calkins Presidential Leadership Award: Stephanie Smith and Brayden Smith
- Student Journalist of the Year: Alexa Cheaney
- Emerging Music Student Leadership Award: Lillian Dibble
- Distinguished Music Student Leadership Award: Alexa Harper
- 2024-2025 Math Perseverance Award MA 15-MA 107: Lesley Vargas
- 2024-2025 Math Perseverance Award MA 108-MA 259: Amanda Myers
- Outstanding Mathematics Student 2024-2025: Owen Sutton
- Geology Student of the Year: Paul Kuchnicki
- Physics Student of the Year: Ellie Zomer
- Chemistry Student of the Year: Johann Castro
- Jerry Benham Award for Student Organization Advisor: Rachel Lutwick-Deaner
- Student Organization of the Year: The Black Africana Student Union
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