By Meghan Lessard

On Monday, April 29, the Center for Student involvement held their sixth annual Student Leadership Awards, which were previously known as the CeSIL awards. CeSIL helps students become more involved in events on campus and they hold these awards to recognize students who are leaders within the SMCC community.

The Awards began with a speech from SMCC’s president Joseph Cassidy. He began by introducing the event and describing how happy he was to work with such intelligent, hardworking students.

After President Cassidy’s introduction, the awards began. The first award of the night was the Leader of the Pack award. This goes to a second-year student who not only demonstrates pride in SMCC but serves in a variety of leadership roles on campus and encourages other students to become involved in campus life. This was presented to Zahra Abukar.

The next award presented by Jason Saucier. The Rising Star award goes to a first-year student who shows commitment to academic success, is involved on campus and in the community, practices ethical leadership throughout SMCC. This was awarded to Lydia Thorner.

Event of the Year is an award that goes to a college-sponsored event held on or off campus with students as its primary target audience. This was awarded to Multicultural Club for their Multicultural Night. This event was held in the Noisy Lounge, and allowed students to interact with different cultures through talent shows, traditional dances, live entertainment and ethnic food.

Lizz Tharpe then presented the RA Event of the Year award. This goes to a residential life-sponsored event that was organized by a Resident Assistant(s). The event must encourage community building among students and have success in promoting the mission and values of the Department of Residential life. RA Mary Ellen received this award for her Sex in the Sack event.

Following was the Outstanding Student Organization award. This award is presented to an SMCC club or organization that makes a significant impact on student life and the greater community, has its members serve as leaders on campus, and embodies the values of teamwork, service, and inclusivity. The award was happily given to the Veterans Student Organization.

Next, Lizz Tharpe presented the Exemplary Student Employee award. The student to receive this award must be a student employee that works in a campus office or department this academic year, demonstrates leadership and professionalism, takes initiative in job responsibilities, creates new programs, and/or has served as a role model to other students. This award was presented to Alissa Ford. Lizz recognized Alissa’s hard work and thanked her for always keeping the office organized.

Chuck Ott was then recognized as the Distinguished Club Advisor. This Award goes to a faculty or staff member who has been employed by SMCC and serves as an advisor to a student club this academic year, provides a positive influence on student achievement, and goes above and beyond their advisor role to enhance the overall student experience. Not only is Chuck a teacher at SMCC, he is also the faculty advisor for The Beacon. He was also recognized for all his hard work on The Beacon for the last nine years.

The night ended with Chuck presenting The Beacon Excellence Awards. He recognized the team’s hard work on the school paper. He also stated that he believed The Beacon has extreme potential and could become something great. The seven individuals that earned this award were Loraine Aceto, Liam Woodworth-Cook, José Roberto Lemus Rosa, Ben Riggleman, Michelle Kapschull, Daniele Amandolini, and Celina Simmons.

Congratulations to all those who were recognized at the Student Leadership Awards. You are all an inspiration to current and incoming students!