Extracurricular leadership honored at annual banquet

The annual Student Leadership & Involvement Awards banquet celebrated the efforts of Penn College’s student organizations in 2025-26.

Across Penn College’s campuses, 68 student organizations – including four honor societies – shaped the student experience, and eight new organizations were added, continuing to expand opportunities for students to get involved, find their place and build community, Mallory L. Weymer, director of student engagement & first-year transition, said.

“What stands out most is not just what you’ve accomplished, but how you’ve done it, supporting one another, building community, and helping to shape a campus experience that others will benefit from long after you leave,” Kyle W. Kern, associate director of student engagement, told the award recipients and nominees. “We are proud of you, we are grateful for you, and we are excited to see what you continue to accomplish.”

The honorees:

Student Leader Legacy Scholarship: Recognizes students who demonstrate strong determination to continuing the legacy of student leadership at Penn College.

• Makayla R. Jones, of Macungie, nursing – Student Nurses’ Association president
• Emmalee J. Preston, of Millerton, manufacturing engineering technology – Tri-Alpha Honor Society treasurer, peer mentor
• Gabe T. Yoder, of Lewistown, heating, ventilation & air conditioning engineering technology – resident assistant, Student Conduct Board

Student Leader Legacy Scholarship recipients (from left) Makayla R. Jones, Gabe T. Yoder and Emmalee J. Preston.

Sustainable Lifestyle Scholarship: Recognizes students who demonstrate a clear passion and commitment to material sustainability. This award honors not only an understanding of sustainability, but the intentional ways students incorporate it into their daily lives, their academic work, and their future goals.

• Dakota M. Davis, of Dover, Bachelor of Architecture
• Kaylynn M. Kercher, of Pottstown, emergency management & homeland security
   

Sustainable Lifestyle Scholarship recipients Dakota M. Davis (left) and Kaylynn M. Kercher.

Fraternity Scholar of the Year: Recognizes a student who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement while maintaining active involvement within their fraternity.

• Nolan A. Hamby, of Webster, New York, automotive technology – Sigma Pi president

Fraternity Academic Achievement Award: Presented to a fraternity that has demonstrated a collective commitment to academic excellence.

• Phi Mu Delta

Fraternity Member of the Year: Recognizes an individual who exemplifies leadership, service, and commitment within their fraternity. This student consistently contributes to the success and integrity of their organization while positively impacting the broader campus community.

• Ethan S. Hileman, of Altoona, heating, ventilation & air conditioning engineering technology – Sigma Pi historian

Outstanding Program of the Year: Recognizes a student organization that has planned and executed an event or initiative that significantly contributed to campus engagement, learning or community building.

• Penn College Diesel Performance Club for the Diesel Truck Show

Outstanding Philanthropy of the Year: Honors a student organization that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to service through a philanthropic initiative. This award recognizes meaningful impact, community engagement, and the ability to mobilize others toward a shared cause.

• Alpha Chi Honor Society for its efforts to benefit The Cupboard at Penn College and the SPCA

Student Leader Committed to Inclusion and Social Justice: Recognizes a student leader who has demonstrated a strong and ongoing commitment to fostering inclusion, equity and social justice within the Penn College community. This individual works to create spaces where all students feel valued, supported and empowered.

• Chike K. Nwachukwu, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, heating, ventilation & air conditioning engineering technology – resident assistant and Black Student Union vice president

Senator of the Year: Recognizes a member of the Student Government Association who has demonstrated outstanding dedication, leadership and service to the student body. This individual has actively contributed to governance, advocacy and student representation.

• Gardinya K. Alkhazale, of Lancaster, nursing

Advisor of the Year: Recognizes a faculty or staff member who has gone above and beyond in supporting student organizations. This individual serves as a mentor, advocate and resource, helping students grow as leaders and navigate their organizational responsibilities.

• Joshua D. Young, Esports team adviser and Penn College learning systems administrator

Emerging Student Leader of the Year: Recognizes a student who is early in their leadership journey but has already demonstrated significant potential, initiative and impact within the campus community.

• Owen W. Brackbill, of Doylestown, residential construction technology & management – founder of the new Penn College Hockey Club
• Emmalee J. Preston, of Millerton, manufacturing engineering technology – Tri-Alpha Honor Society treasurer, peer mentor

Unsung Hero of the Year: Recognizes a student whose behind-the-scenes contributions are essential to the success of others.

• Colton Kaminski, of Stanton, building construction technology – Sigma Pi

Outstanding Student Organization of the Year: Recognizes a student organization that has demonstrated excellence in leadership, programming and engagement.

• CRU (Campus Crusade for Christ)

Student Leader of the Year: Honors a student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, service and impact across the Penn College community, someone who not only holds leadership roles, but truly lives out what it means to lead with integrity, consistency and care for others.

• Alexis K. Manhart, of Bloomsburg, nursing – SGA vice president, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society president, resident assistant, Student Nurses’ Association past public relations officer