Blackhawk Holds Annual Student Awards Ceremony

Hope Hopper, an Early Childhood Education student, was named Student of the Year.

Blackhawk Technical College honored its students who have made an impact through academics, involvement in student organizations and leadership at its annual Student Awards Ceremony on Saturday morning at Blackhawk’s Central Campus.

“Today is about celebrating the passion, drive, energy of our students, faculty and staff. You are all what makes Blackhawk special,” said Dr. Tracy Pierner, Blackhawk President.

Hope Hopper, an Early Childhood Education student, was named Student of the Year. Hopper is the president of the Student Government Association, a member of Business Professionals of America and part of the college’s Blackhawk Improvement Group. She also is a student representative for the Early Childhood Education Advisory Committee. Hopper will graduate in May and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Students also honored Michelle Weirich, Early Childhood Education instructor, as Faculty of the Year.

“It’s always been my dream as an educator, and I’m just so thankful that I’ve had the opportunity to do it here and serve so many wonderful students,” said Weirich, who has been an instructor at Blackhawk for more than two decades.

And Laura Becker, case manager and counselor, was named Staff of the Year.

“I am so thankful that I have a role and a place where I am helping to support other people,” said Becker.

Students who received the Outstanding Student Workers award were Cheyenne Spade, Darci Borgwardt, Ezra Johnson, Jason Hunt, Lee Haralson, Natalia Gonzalo, Passion Tann, Rebecca Barnett, Sarah Potter, Skila Burlingame and Zach Tuma.

Kearie Pulliam, Kira Huddle and Skila Burlingame were given the Outstanding Intern Award.

The Student Leadership Awards were given to students who have participated in Blackhawk student organizations. Students who received this award have gone above and beyond by providing exemplary leadership within their organizations through a variety of roles, projects, events and competitions. The winners were as follows:

• Business Professionals of America: Amy Powell and Passion Tann
• Medical Imaging Club: Maddie Meglic
• Multi-Cultural Alliance: Ezra Johnson
• Professional Agricultural Students: Leslie Reinke and Kalee Schaefer
• Student Government Association: Hope Hopper
• Student Nurses Association: Kara Briggs

The Dental Auxiliary Student Association (DASA) won the Student Organization of the Year. DASA has participated in multiple community service opportunities and organized and funded a community outreach opportunity with the Stateline Boys and Girls Club to educate youth on the importance of oral hygiene and educate residents at Willowick Assisted Living on how to care for teeth and dentures.

The group's advisors are Lisa Johnson and Kristen Ziegler. Members include Allison Dorsey, Amity Roger, Brittany Oren, Gracie Hill, Haley Dunphy, Ia Lao, Jill Freeman, Karson Bailey, Kaylin Dilley, Kimee Townsend, Lauren Knox, Lisa Anderson, Mackenzie Byrne, Madelyn Joy Finely, Madie Wanless, Miranda Slaback, Morgan Berg, Mancy Espana, Rachel Bailey, Sara Gibson and Vaughn Barker.

Students also were honored for Outstanding Academic Achievement. Those who received this award have demonstrated academic excellence in their credit program and were nominated by their instructors. Students were selected based on leadership qualities, academic performance and participation in coursework. Those honored were as follows:

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration: Tanner Branch

Agribusiness Specialist: Noah Fenrick

Agribusiness Science and Technology: Gavin Jensen and Issa Conombo

Business Management: Aaron Kahl, Emily Truman and Kaitlyn Wendt

Early Childhood Education: Hope Hopper, Jessie Bienfang and Trinitie Lissa

Medial Administrative Coding: Garrett Cook, Paola Martinez and Tashlee Condon

IT Web Software Development: Desirae Stiefel, Estefania Martinez Avalos and Jordan Steurer

Dental Assistant: Ia Lao, Madelyn Joy Finley and Madi Wanless

Physical Therapist Assistant: Jacob Graham, Lindsay Travis and Sophie Fulk

Radiography: Brooke Teubert, Chanler Brown and Taylor Borchardt