NEWTON, N.J. (Sussex County) — Sussex County Community College recognized dozens of students for academic achievement, service and leadership during its annual Student Excellence Awards Ceremony.
College officials said the awards honor students who demonstrated excellence in academics, peer service, contributions to the campus community and personal growth during their time at SCCC.
Top honors included the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence, presented to Megan France, Rilee Joseph and Sarah Thompson, and the Presidential Award for Service to the Community, awarded to David Conklin. Soumil Puthezhath received the Presidential Skylander Spirit Award.
Other major honors included the Award for Excellence in Psychology, presented to Taylor Kobis; the Veterans Service Award, awarded to Michael Richardson; the Adult Transition Center Excellence Award, presented to Jayda Garcia; and the Distinguished Alumni Award, given to Patricia Lavin.
Students were also recognized across a wide range of academic programs, including Derek Ravshanov in accounting; Michael Pierce in automotive service technology; Ailish Black in business administration; Sophia Alcea in business management; Mark Needhammer in hotel and restaurant management; Joseph Laccesaglia in supply chain management; Ella Nuss in child development; Lucia Francavilla in education; Liam Wannemacher in computer information systems; Willie Barnes in cybersecurity; Anthony Ollendorf in game development; John Cubberly in information technology; Odin Randall in computer science; and Lojine Mohamed in information systems.
Additional honorees included Isabella Stoll in criminal justice; David Plotsky in exercise science; Luca McCuen Charron in fire science technology; Andrew Carlson in graphic design; Nathan Bodine in communications with film studies; Dianne Plantamura in interior design; Ashlynne Aguilar in fashion design; Amanda Goldsmith in fashion merchandising; Ava Barlow in 3D art and animation; Gracie Pampanin in digital marketing; Kianna Nieuzytek in illustration; Kalee McCloud in anthropology; Jason Llosa in English; Dawson Garcia in music; Nadia Cameron in musical theater; Sebastian Dellamonica in electronic music and recording; Benjamin Smith in theater arts; Alyssa Zemietra in technical theater; Corey Finelli in medical assisting; Hannah Hassan in mathematics; Krezenzia Quinn-Brittain in studio arts; Natalia Olko in art education; Dante Bonefede in photography; Olivia Pannullo in baking and pastry arts; Matthew Calvano in culinary arts; Junior Guzman in diesel service technology; and Matteo Pascale in optics technology.
Special recognition awards included the Athletic Council Award, presented to David Plotsky; the Betty June Silconas Poetry Award, awarded to Sean Briones; the Distinguished Student Success and Service Award, presented to Jacob Sorensen; the Educational Opportunity Fund Excellence Award, awarded to Gabriel Uy; the Award for Excellence in English for Speakers of Other Languages, presented to Natalia Nychai; the Award for Excellence in High School Equivalency, awarded to Albert Quick; the Learning at College Experience Excellence Award, presented to Kristen Van Wingerden; the Outstanding Club President Award, awarded to Leah Digiorgio; and the Award for Excellence in Contribution to Student Life, presented to Yanerix Rodriguez Castro.
