Pfeiffer students receive awards during commencement

Thursday, May 15, 2008 May 16, 2008 09:04 am

— Approximately 150 Pfeiffer University graduates were released into the world on words of wisdom from Dr. Myles Brand, the fourth president and chief executive officer of the National Colle-giate Athletic Association (NCAA) and former president of Indiana University, during the university’s May 10 commencement.
Several students were recognized with high achievements in academics, service engagement and leadership during the ceremony.
Those who received honors include:
Blake Martin, of Albe-marle, who earned a degree in history with a communications minor, received the Pearl Walton Fisher Citizen-ship Trophy for scholastic achievement, good character and service above self.
The honor is given to a graduating student with an outstanding citizenship record, as determined by a vote of the faculty. The Citizenship Trophy is given to honor the late J.E. and Pearl Walton Fisher.
Danyah Hill, of Wingate, the recipient of an elementary education degree, and Cynthia Mangum, of Marsh-ville, who also earned a degree in education, recei-ved the 2008 Senior Scholar-ship Achievement Award and graduated with a grade point average above 4.0.
A plaque is presented annually to the student(s) with the highest scholastic average of the graduating class. Hill and Mangum share the honor as they each carry a 4.0 GPA.
Rebecca Clippinger, of Denton, who earned a pre-law/political science degree with a minor in leadership education, received the Scott and Mary Liz Francis Scholars Medallion for outstanding scholastic achievements, service and leadership.
Clippinger also earned recognition for her work as a national Bonner Leader.
Also recognized during the ceremony for participation in the Bonner Leader program were: Noah Melton, of Granite Quarry, who earned a music education degree; Stephanie Sexton, of Clemmons, who earned a degree in psychology; Bran-don Whittaker, of Morehead City, a computer information systems degree recipient; and Jonathan Smith, of Shelby, who is the first Christian education major who simultaneously earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
The Bonner Scholar Program is a national service scholarship initiative funded by the Bonner Foundation. The scholarship honors students who have a strong commitment to service and is designed to enhance the educational experience by encouraging students to engage in ongoing efforts within the local community.