On Saturday, March 2nd, student leaders came together for the 7th Annual Student Leadership Celebration in the Champlain Room. The event began with a performance from Purposeful Dissonance, Champlain’s a capella group followed by dinner. Throughout the night, student leaders were recognized for their achievements and continuous contributions to the college and its student body.

The keynote speaker was Don Stevens, Class of 1991 and the Chief of the Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk Abenaki Nation. In his speech, he told the student leaders to always fight for what they believe in. “You can achieve a tremendous amount if you’re on the right path,” said Stevens. “I’m up here today because of what I wanted to do for my people—you can do the same, and you will do the same.”

The evening wrapped up with a performance by Stuart Paton, the founder of Burlington Taiko.

“Student leaders really define the campus,” President Don Laackman remarked of the event. “It’s their leadership that tells us who we really are, and I appreciate the SGA for recognizing what these student leaders do for Champlain.”

The honorees included:

• Resident Advisor Award: Dustin Yost, Jacob Wright, and Karly Struble
• Student Ambassador Award: Emma Katz, Maddie Burgee, and Jonathan Trusheim
• Diversity Ambassador Award: Brianna Guest
• Orientation Leader Award: Megan Milano, Jared Knepper, and Hannah Keenan
• International Student Orientation Leader Award: Volha Kachura
• Eco-Rep Award: Maggie Woodman, Zoe Caron, and Hansel Carter
• Peer Coach Award: Danielle Hazelton and Timothy Crane
• Smart Space Tutor Award: Isiah Simmons, Carolanne Kelly, Dominic Marcuse
• Unsung Hero Award: Anna Matich and Ashley Devereaux
• Club of the Year Award: Digital Forensics Association
• Emerging Leader Award: Deja Miller and Deja Miller
• Student Leader of the Year: Dylan Francis, Liza Ryan, and Hannah Short.
• The H. Dean Pearl Memorial Award for Seniors: Emma Katz