MAY 2023
In May, our members made some outstanding headlines. Check out the great accomplishments they made using their leadership skills this month.
Our mission is to Build Leaders Who Make a Better World. Our members participate in volunteer events and take part in a wide range of community service initiatives. Upon graduation, they apply the interpersonal skills they've acquired to start businesses, pursue promotions, and more.
Veteran Honored With Distinguished Student Award
Brandon Pancoast was named one of Western Connecticut State University’s 2023 Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Award winners. Pancoast will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in justice and law administration this month.
A former Staff Sergeant with the U.S. Army Military Police Corps, Pancoast served several active deployments overseas, including one combat tour in Iraq. Pancoast decided to pursue a career in the legal profession after he left active service and plans to attend law school.
Pancoast is active in several student organizations. He captained the school’s moot court team to its successful placement in the 2022-23 national competition’s finals. He also helps fellow students as a peer tutor and coaches several New Milford youth sports teams.
Read the full story at Danbury's HamletHub >>
Returning Denver Student Named Outstanding Graduate
LaTierra Greene graduated this month from the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and was recently recognized as the Outstanding Graduate for 2023 for her achievements during her undergraduate work.
Greene started to study psychology at the University of North Colorado but then, elected to pursue opportunities working in the human services department for a local government. There, she worked with low-income individuals to help connect them to resources such as food, health services, and employment support.
Greene resumed her studies at a local community college and transferred to CU Denver two years later. She was an active member of many organizations during her time at CU Denver and was named Outstanding Student of the Year for 2021 and 2022.
Read the full story at CUDenver >>
Two Students Stand Out at Indian River State College
Mudley Duge and Pedro Sanchez were recently honored for their achievements as students at Indian River State College (IRSC).
Duge was named the 2023 IRSC Student of the Year. Originally from Haiti, Duge is working toward her bachelor’s degree in political science. While maintaining an impressive 4.0 GPA, she’s also committed to public service, having devoted over 60 hours to service projects in the IRSC area. An active member of several campus organizations, Duge is president of the LEAPers Club, assisting students who are traditionally underrepresented to acclimate to IRSC life. She’s also a member of the Adobe Creative Club, DECA, the Haitian Cultural Club, and Writing Club, among others.
Sanchez was honored with the 2023 Leadership Award. He’s pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology at IRSC and is president of the Student Government Association. He’s also a college ambassador, chair of the Student Life Committee, a peer tutor, and a member of the Campus Safety Task Force. Sanchez launched his IRSC journey through the auspices of the Farmworker Career Development Program, which provides qualified students with vocational and on-the-job training in addition to educational and placement support.
Read the full story from IRSC >>
Graduate Selected As One of Two Student Commencement Speakers
Gabriel Navalta was selected as one of two student commencement speakers at the recent University of Hawai’i-West O’ahu (UHWO) graduation ceremony. A Filipino American from a small town on the coast of Hawai’i, Navalta graduated from UHWO this spring with a bachelor’s degree in creative media.
Navalta plans to use his skills as a media creative, contributing his talents to a documentary project in collaboration with UHWO faculty called “Life Stories of Cultural Practitioners.” In addition, he plans to pursue freelance work utilizing his photography and videography skills.
Read the full story at UH News >>
UM Grad Inducted Into School’s Hall of Fame
Rabria Moore of the University of Mississippi (UM) was one of ten students inducted into the UM Hall of Fame for 2022-23. This is one of the highest honors given to UM students and is awarded based on outstanding contributions to campus life in all aspects. Moore and the other inductees were recognized for their achievements during a ceremony in April.
Moore just concluded her senior year in pursuit of bachelor’s degrees in political science and journalism. She served as editor in chief of the student newspaper, “The Daily Mississippian.” She was also a member of the Association of Black Journalists and the recipient of several awards, including the Taylor Medal, the Chancellor’s Honor Roll, and the Excellence in Journalism Award.
Read the full story at Ole Miss News >>
Other NSLS Members Receiving Recognition IN MAY:
Michael Salinas, who graduated this spring with an associate’s degree in computer science from Hudson County Community College, was one of six students selected as a semi-finalist for the 2023 Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. Full Story >>
Birva Pinto, Hudson County Community College, joined Michael Salinas and the four other students as a semi-finalist for the 2023 Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. Full Story >>
Joceline Guerra Osorio, who recently obtained her associate’s degree in business from Union College, was also named a semi-finalist for the 2023 Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship. Full Story >>
Patrice Manasse was selected as the recipient of Penn State Abington’s most prestigious student award, the Eric A. and Josephine S. Walker Award. Full Story >>
Emma Bothwell, who earned her master’s degree in business administration from the University of Texas at Tyler, was promoted to assistant vice president and real estate risk manager by her employer. Full Story >>
Wyae’ Stewart, National Online Chapter and a student at Oberlin College, was profiled by Oberlin in recognition of her service as a Bonner scholar and leader. Full Story >>
Thomas Wiley, University of California, Riverside, has been selected as a Congressional intern for Congressman Mark Takano. Full Story >>
Jessica Goodrich, Central Community College - Grand Island, was named to the 2023 Phi Theta Kappa Nebraska All-State Academic Team, along with five other students. Full Story >>
Bethany Bengs, East Central University, was named as one of the five student finalists for the George Nigh Award. Full Story >>
