Butler Holds 2026 Student Life Awards and Recognition Ceremony

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Butler Community College held the 18th annual Student Life Awards and Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, May 7. Students, faculty and staff gathered to celebrate nominees and recipients for various award categories.

“We’re here to recognize the many ways that students lead, serve, encourage others and help make Butler a stronger community,” President Dr. Tamara Daniel said. “We’re also here to recognize the staff who support them.”

Micah Payne of Andover won the Business Student Leadership Award. Payne serves as president of Collegiate DECA and is an active member of BUILD, an entrepreneurship program. Payne is a frequent volunteer at her church and the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center and holds a management position at Hollister. She plans to become an intellectual property attorney.

This year, two new recognitions were awarded to students in the Biology Club and Federal Work Study Ambassador Program. Susan Forrest presented Evelyn Castillo of Wichita with a books scholarship offered through the National Association of Biology Teachers. Heather Ward introduced a new work study for student paid service learning opportunities in local places like the Senior Center and homeless shelter. Four students received certificates for this new program, including Alyssa George of Yates Center, Kathrine Whitson of Lincolnville and Joseph Swallow and Chris Swallow of Moore, Oklahoma.

The Spanish Club recognized students who earned a certificate of proficiency that connects to the Global Seal of Biliteracy. Phi Theta Kappa celebrated their student accomplishments, including earning representative spots for the All-USA Academic team. Residence Life awarded cords to their graduating residents assistants.

To watch the full award ceremony video and hear the uplifting words spoken about category winners, download the BCTV+ app or view on butlercc.edu/BCTVplus.

The category winners are listed below:

Outstanding Student Worker

Jaxon Williamson – Augusta

Outstanding Instructor

Jeffrey Meyer

Emerging Student Leader

Sarah Roush – Wichita

Disability Advocate

Melanie McLemore and Alison Trammell, Residence Life Staff

Outstanding Staff

Alex Zarchan

Bill Rinkenbaugh Unsung Hero

Marcia Uhls

Horizon Student Leader

Denise Yanez – Wichita

Outstanding Student Advocate

Teressa Eastman

Outstanding Student Leader

Samriddhi Gupta – Manassas, Virginia

Student Government Association Officers

Samriddhi Gupta, President – Manassas, Virginia

Gabriel Villarreal, Vice President – Wichita

Darya Karabanko, Secretary – El Dorado