Students Receive Awards at SUNY Canton’s Student Excellence Awards Ceremony

SUNY Canton Dean of Students and Vice President for Student Affairs Courtney B. Bish presented nearly 50 awards to students, faculty and staff members at this year’s Student Excellence Award Ceremony.

The on-campus event was held recently to showcase campus community members’ accomplishments.

“Among the students recognized here are trailblazers, philanthropists, leaders, and scholars of the highest order,” Bish said. “These students have received glowing nominations from their peers, their faculty, and administrative staff who have recognized the excellent work they have done on our campus and in their communities.”

Awards are given to in celebration of both on-campus and online students success during the current academic year.

Among the students recognized were:

• Zarif Hanif, Emergency Management, received the Humanitarian Award.
• Hannah E. Alkintor, Forensic Criminology, received the Leaders of Tomorrow award.
• Lydia Austin, Graphic and Multimedia Design, received the Leaders of Tomorrow award.
• Colleen Cheney, Graphic and Multimedia Design, received the Leaders of Tomorrow award.
• Madeline Derouchie, Electrical Engineering Technology, received the Leaders of Tomorrow award.
• Sydney Ervin, Health and Fitness Promotion, received the Leaders of Tomorrow award.
• Darren Greene, Cybersecurity, received the Leaders of Tomorrow award.
• Isabella Joy, Forensic Criminology, received the Leaders of Tomorrow award.
• Natasha Keppis, Criminal Investigation, received the Leaders of Tomorrow award.
• Jaden Ivan Muniz, Veterinary Technology, received the Leaders of Tomorrow award.
• Viktoria Pierre, Veterinary Technology, received the Leaders of Tomorrow award.
• Cheyenne Sova, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, received the Leaders of Tomorrow award.
• Betsy M. Brabant, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, received the Phoenix Award.
• Mya Hodge, Healthcare Management, received the Phoenix Award.
• Emily Pedersen, Individual Studies, received the Phoenix Award.
• Justin Tyler Phillips, Engineering Science, received the Phoenix Award.
• Ricky Yerdon, Sports Management, received the Phoenix Award.
• Tristen Bellinger, Technological Communications, received the Pillars of Character award.
• Sonia B. Bravo, Early Childhood Care & Management, received the Pillars of Character award.
• Mykailia-Leigh Fletcher, Healthcare Management, received the Pillars of Character award.
• Mason Holmes, Health and Fitness Promotion, received the Pillars of Character award.
• Kelson M. Hooper, Applied Psychology, received the Pillars of Character award.
• Madison Parker, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, received the Pillars of Character award.
• Mj Perdomo, Information Technology, received the Pillars of Character award.
• Felix Ramirez, Physical Therapist Assistant, received the Pillars of Character award.
• Christian R. Ramsumair, Veterinary Technology, received the Pillars of Character award.
• Adrienne Secore, Applied Psychology, received the Pillars of Character award.
• Anikko D. Serrano, Electrical Engineering Technology, received the Pillars of Character award.
• Madison Serrano, Criminal Justice, received the Pillars of Character award.
• Caydence Zalwsky, Forensic Criminology, received the Pillars of Character award.
• Kyle W. Brooks, Applied Psychology, received the Spirit of Success award.
• Emily Crossway, Early Childhood, received the Spirit of Success award.
• Shelby Currier, Applied Psychology, received the Spirit of Success award.
• Asha Hanson, Applied Psychology, received the Spirit of Success award.
• Hunter Joseph LaValley, Homeland Security, received the Spirit of Success award.
• Jizzell Santiago, Legal Studies, received the Spirit of Success award.
• Kaitlin Sprouse, Veterinary Technology, received the Spirit of Success award.
• Kate Van Wie, Funeral Services Administration, received the Spirit of Success award.
• Chastity Wardell, Applied Psychology, received the Spirit of Success award.
• Alexis R. Ploutz, Funeral Services Administration, received the Sister Bethany Fitzgerald, S.S.J., Sustainability Award

“I extend my most sincere congratulations to our award recipients on their tremendous achievements and look forward to all they accomplish as they complete their education at SUNY Canton and beyond,” Bish said.

The Dean of Students also recognized Associate Professor & Applied Psychology Department Chair Barat Wolfe and Dining Operations Supervisor Rebecca Olmstead with Excellence in Student Life awards.

The Student Government Association presented SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor Maureen P. Maiocco, Ed.D., with the 2025 Northstar Award.