Students recognized for academic and leadership achievements

Luke Hertzler 2018, Lark of the Year

Hesston College students were recognized for their achievements in academics and leadership at the annual Larkfest Awards ceremony, April 27.

The top award, the Lark of the Year award, went to sophomore Luke Hertzler (Harrisonburg, Va.) for excellence in leadership, academics and service. Students are nominated for Lark of the Year by faculty and the recipient is chosen by the Hesston Experience Team, which is made up of faculty representatives and Student Development staff.

Other award winners include:

Admissions Unforgettable Host Award for Student Ambassadors recognized as exceptional hosts, freshmen Ivonne Ledesma (Wichita, Kan.) and Arbis Vraja (Lezhe, Albania).

Admissions Say “Yes” Award for Student Ambassadors recognized as always being willing to help, sophomore Jenna Ratzlaff (North Newton, Kan.) and freshman Chris Lichti (Shickley, Neb.).

Admissions Best Tour Guide Award for Student Ambassadors recognized for giving outstanding campus tours to prospective students, sophomores Keegan Cook (Whitewater, Kan.) and Emma Eitzen (Lititz, Pa.).

Admissions Top Notch Award for Student Ambassadors recognized for exceptional overall service to prospective students, sophomore Luke Hertzler (Harrisonburg, Va.) and freshman Armelda Xhari (Lezhe, Albania).

Behavioral Science Award, sophomores John Ebaugh (Holtwood, Pa.) and Payton Yehnert (Parker, Colo.).

Bill Mason Business Scholarship recipients to receive a $2,500 scholarship for their sophomore year, Cal Hartley (Benton, Kan.), Laura Huang (Sanming, China), Audrey Kwee (Semarang, Indonesia), Taylor Longenecker (Rockingham, Va.), Sunghyoun Nam (HwaSung-si, South Korea) and Zack Smisor (Valley Center, Kan.).

Business Award, sophomores Kylie Brenneman (Hesston, Kan.) and Zac Neely (Ada, Okla.).

Student Development Officer Awards for students who call alumni during Phonathon, freshman Lindsey James (Black Hawk, Colo.) for the most money brought in, and freshman Jola Ceca (Lac, Albania) for the most completed calls.

Clayton V. Beyler Award for Bible and Ministry students, sophomores Luke Hertzler (Harrisonburg, Va.) and Elizabeth Miller (Archbold, Ohio).

Daniel Gerber Peace and Service Award, sophomores John Ebaugh (Holtwood, Pa.) and Mackenzie Miller (Lancaster, Pa.).

Art Award, sophomore Brenna Peters (Hesston, Kan.).

Music Award, sophomore Sarah Miller (Freeman, S.D.).

Mariann Martin Theatre Award, sophomore Mariah Trible (Valley Center, Kan.).

Standing “O” Theatre Award, sophomore Caitlin Waits (Newton, Kan.).

Peer Educator Award, sophomore Emma Eitzen (Lititz, Pa.).

Physical Education Award, sophomore Ricardo Pineda Moreno (Ancon, Panama).

Nursing Award, seniors Crystal Burgess (Los Angeles, Calif.), Brooke Hershberger (Goshen, Ind.) and Taryn Wallace (Hesston, Kan.).

Science and Math Awards, sophomores Levi Litwiller (Hopedale, Ill.) and Curtis Oesch (Caldwell, Idaho).

Yoder/Zaid Scholarship, awarded to chemistry students who show promise, freshmen Sam Hunsberger (Hesston, Kan.) and Kaylen Lassley (Salina, Kan.).

Leadership Program Award to students who completed the college’s new leadership program, sophomores Keegan Cook (Whitewater, Kan.), John Ebaugh (Holtwood, Pa.), Sarah Miller (Freeman, S.D.), Jaelyn Rufenacht (Pettisville, Ohio) and Kyle Stucky (Moundridge, Kan.).

Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, given to graduating international students with a 4.0 GPA, sophomore Gaitan Lleshi (Lezhe, Albania).

Resident Assistants of the Year, sophomores John Ebaugh (Holtwood, Pa.) and Sadie Winter (Newton, Kan.).