WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe, right, celebrated with award winners at the annual ASWN Awards & Appreciation Reception on Friday, April 18, in Casino Fandango’s Grand Ballroom.

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It was a memorable night for Western Nevada College students on Friday, April 18.

WNC’s student government group, the Associated Students of Western Nevada (ASWN), honored the best of the best at its annual Awards & Appreciation Reception in Casino Fandango’s Grand Ballroom.

Students, faculty and staff were recognized for their contributions in academics, instruction, 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,” said Student Life Coordinator and ASWN Adviser Heather Rikalo. “This evening brought together the best of WNC, family and friends for a celebration that has become a tradition!”

Highlighting the evening with recognition awarded to students standing out in Workforce, Career and Technical Education (WCTE); Jump Start, Liberal Arts, Veterans service, leadership and employment.

Receiving WCTE awards were Brandy Gavenda, Sierra Pulver and Austin Feise.

Mayra Servin, Andrea Freitas and Grace Edison were recognized for their excellence in Nursing.

Liberal Arts honors went to Mekoh Benbrooks, Deaf Studies; Max Rizzo, Mathematics; Alberto Gonzalez, History; Ezequiel Varela, Humanities; and Angel Castro-Polovorosa, Psychology.

Jump Start honorees were Noa Blann, Carson High School; Mason Storm, Churchill County High School; Kiley Patterson, Dayton High School; Cristian Valenzuela González, Douglas High School; Kylian Van Wynendaele, Nevada Virtual Charter; Paola Moran Rodriguez, Oasis Academy; Kassandra Canales, Silver Stage High School; and Ava Farrell, Virginia City High School.

ASWN also celebrated the work and dedication of students who made a difference with their leadership qualities and outstanding service in other important areas of the college throughout the year: Richard Tidrick, Veterans; Catalina Wilson, President Award; and student workers Makenna Blunt, Community Service and Technology & Innovation; Catalina Wilson, Diversity and Inclusion; Lahaina Estomin, Leadership; Laisha Ortiz, Critical Thinking; and Vanessa Poppenga, Overall Student Employee of the Year; and for student service, Denise Velazquez, Matthew Hamlet and Michael Robinson.

Dru MacKay was also honored for earning the prestigious Nevada System of Higher Education Regents’ Scholar Award in March.

Faculty and staff were acknowledged for their commitment to students, as Curtis Kupferschmid received the Academic Faculty of the Year Award; Dr. Angela Sawyer was recognized with the Adjunct Faculty of the Year Award; and Tyler Golden was honored as the Advisor of the Year.

Hilda Villafana and Computing Services shared the Service Award, and the Club of the Year went to the Games Club.

Note: Special thanks to Logan McAlister for taking photos of the event.