County College of Morris honors student leaders at 56th annual Campus Life Appreciation Dinner
RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Warren County) — More than 40 students and several student organizations at County College of Morris (CCM) were honored Tuesday during the college’s 56th annual Campus Life Appreciation Dinner Dance (CLADD), held at the Meadow Wood Manor in Randolph.
Established in 1969, CLADD recognizes individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to campus life through leadership, creativity, and a commitment to building a vibrant student community. The 2025 honorees included student leaders, club members, performers, production staff, advisors, and directors involved in student organizations and performing arts productions throughout the academic year.
“This year, the clubs and organizations offered hundreds of great programs and increased the student body’s enthusiasm on campus,” said Don Phelps, director of Campus Life. “The student leaders sponsored conferences, speakers, celebrations, performers, tournaments, and awareness events. It was a fantastic year of student engagement.”
Students from across Morris County and surrounding communities were recognized, representing towns such as Budd Lake, Dover, Denville, Morristown, Parsippany, Rockaway, Sparta, and Randolph. Many recipients were part of the Class of 2025 and participated in CCM’s commencement ceremony on May 22.
Among this year’s standout awardees, Landon Tanyeri of Sparta, president of the Student Government Association, received the Trustees Service Award. The Patton Award for outstanding leadership and spirit was awarded to Tyler Hamlett of Budd Lake.
Recipients of the Distinguished Leaders Award included:
- Anthony Bahr, Wharton
- Ana Maria Castelan Illesca, Dover
- Melinda Chase, Madison
- Gabriel Harrison, Sparta
- Jaden Leary, Wharton
- Juan Marin de La Rosa, Parsippany
- Sherlyn Mendez, Boonton
- Amy Rajchel, Butler
- Kathryn Tam, Montville
Three students earned dual honors in the performing arts: Hyron Gonzalez Jr. of Budd Lake, Elizabeth Grant of Parsippany, and Carolina Hunchak of Denville each received both a Performing Arts Musical Theatre Award and a Drama Award.
Other Performing Arts Musical Theatre Award recipients included Mak Cerrada-Shapiro (Florham Park), Sarah Kolpa (Wharton), Miah Moore (Landing), German Tatis Rosario (Union), Bryan Torres (Morris Plains), Charlie Valdez (Rockaway), and Justice Vera (Budd Lake).
Brenna Lamb of Ringwood received the Performing Arts Technical Award for behind-the-scenes excellence.
The Drama Award also recognized Ethan Abellard (Denville), Collin Eagen (Livingston), Georgina Lopez (Morristown), Diana Luba (Rockaway), and Gwendolyn Rivera (Morris Plains).
For dance, William Montoya (Dover) and Leala Mills (Boonton) earned the Performance & Choreography Dance Awards.
Andrew Berkemeyer of Randolph received the Pinnacle Award for Leadership and Performance, honoring his contributions in both campus leadership and the arts.
The Simmons Award went to Ruth Adams (Morris Plains), Didem Heath (Hackettstown), and Hannah Mescavage (Belvidere). Amanda Boyer of Budd Lake received the Raulf Award.
Program honors included:
- Educational Program of the Year: The Debate Society for its “Debate Series,” and the Student Government Association and Black Student Union for “Exploring Black History Through Music and Dance.”
- Community Service Program of the Year: The Performing Arts Club and Student Activities Programming Board for “CCM’s Got Talent,” and the Medical Careers Club for organizing CPR classes.
- First Year Award: Layla Giron of Dover for her impactful contributions during her first year at CCM.
To learn more about campus life at County College of Morris, visit ccm.edu/meet-ccm/campus-life.
