It was a significant evening for students, faculty, and staff of Western Nevada College (WNC) on April 18 as they gathered for the annual Awards & Appreciation Reception. The event, hosted by the Associated Students of Western Nevada (ASWN), took place at Casino Fandango’s Grand Ballroom.
Participants in the ceremony were honored for their achievements in academics, leadership, and service during the 2024-25 school year. “It was an honor for ASWN to present these well-deserving awards to our students for their academic excellence, service and leadership, as well as outstanding faculty and staff,” stated Heather Rikalo, Student Life Coordinator and ASWN Adviser. “This evening brought together the best of WNC, family and friends for a celebration that has become a tradition!”
Awards were distributed to students excelling in various categories such as Workforce, Career and Technical Education (WCTE); Jump Start, and Liberal Arts. Among the WCTE recipients were Brandy Gavenda, Sierra Pulver, and Austin Feise. In nursing, the honorees were Mayra Servin, Andrea Freitas, and Grace Edison. Liberal Arts distinctions went to Mekoh Benbrooks (Deaf Studies), Max Rizzo (Mathematics), Alberto Gonzalez (History), Ezequiel Varela (Humanities), and Angel Castro-Polovorosa (Psychology).
Jump Start honors were given to Noa Blann from Carson High School, Mason Storm from Churchill County High School, and others from various schools across the region. ASWN acknowledged student contributions in leadership and service, with recognitions going to individuals like Richard Tidrick and Catalina Wilson, who received the President Award.
The event also saw Dru MacKay receive the Nevada System of Higher Education Regents’ Scholar Award. Faculty and staff were celebrated as well, with Curtis Kupferschmid receiving the Academic Faculty of the Year Award, Dr. Angela Sawyer being named Adjunct Faculty of the Year, and Tyler Golden honored as the Advisor of the Year.
The Service Award was shared by Hilda Villafana and Computing Services, while the Club of the Year accolade was presented to the Games Club.
