Awards and accolades abounded when faculty, staff and students at Missouri State University-West Plains gathered April 18 for the Celebration of Leaders student awards ceremony at the West Plains Civic Center.
The annual event recognizes students for a variety of academic and leadership achievements and serves as the installation service for the new Student Government Association (SGA) president and vice president for the upcoming academic year.
Sworn in during the SGA transfer of power ceremony were 2024-2025 SGA President Morgan “Mo” Totty and Vice President Heath Johnson, both of West Plains. The officers were sworn in by 2023-2024 SGA President Trent Stine, West Plains.
Another highlight of the evening was the awarding of the Public Affairs Fellow Awards. The awards recognize students for advancing the university’s public affairs mission both on and off campus and demonstrating ethical leadership, civic engagement and cultural awareness. Students receiving the “distinguished” designation go above and beyond in their efforts to advance the university’s public affairs mission. This year, the Distinguished Public Affairs Fellow Award was given to Reese Morrison, Willow Springs. The awards are sponsored and selected by the Public Affairs Committee.
Other awards and their recipients included the Campus Service Award, Mahder “Maddie” Jay, Lebanon; Multicultural/International Leadership Award, Caroline Glatkowski, Erfurt, Germany; Outstanding Corps of Opportunity Award, Sophia Keeney, Van Buren; First Generation Award, Kaydence Brown, West Plains; Faculty Mentor Award, Dr. Gary Phillips, professor of communication; Staff Appreciation Award, Thora Broyles, preparatory math specialist; Outstanding Student Employee of the Year Award, Hannah Smith, Alton; Outstanding Student Ambassador Award, Sophia Keeney, Van Buren, and Caitlyn McNew, Mtn. View; Student Ambassador Rising Star Award and Community Service Award, Kennedy Eckley, Dixon; Outstanding Resident of the Year Award, Reuben Henderson, Dixon; Resident Assistant of the Year Award, Callie Harmon, Rolla; Outstanding Cheer Team Student Athlete of the Year, Mattison Williams, Iberia; Outstanding Volleyball Student Athlete of the Year, Kaitlyn Aleshire, Chicago, Ill.; Outstanding Basketball Student Athlete of the Year, Carlos Paul, Southfield, Mich.; Outstanding Softball Student Athlete of the Year, Zoey Williams, West Plains; Outstanding Esports Athlete of the Year, Dalton Ball, West Plains; Outstanding Academic Achievement and Leadership Award, Faith Collins, Alton; and • Outstanding Student Leader Award, Melia Wiehe, West Plains
Photos of all the winners can be found in the 2024 Celebration of Leaders photo album on the MSU-WP Facebook page @MissouriStateWP.
