Kansas State University

MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University's School of Leadership Studies has recognized several students and a Manhattan grade-schooler and community organization for excellence in leadership and civic engagement. The students were honored at the school's Celebrating Service and Leadership event on April 21.

Awards presented included the Pat J. Bosco Outstanding Leadership Studies Outstanding Graduating Senior Award. Created in honor of Bosco, who is the university's vice president for student life and dean of students, the award recognizes and honors his 35-plus years of leadership to the university as well as the vital role he played in the creation and establishment of the School of Leadership Studies. Recipients of this award have demonstrated leadership and campus involvement, academic excellence in leadership studies courses, and a commitment to and involvement in the School of Leadership Studies.

Recipients of the Outstanding Civic Engagement Award are students who have lived the mission of the School of Leadership Studies through their community engagement and service to others. They have shown commitment to service and civic engagement through a diversity of experiences on campus and in the community.

Also presented were the Celebrating People in Action: Community Service Awards, which are sponsored by Community First National Bank and the office of the provost, and hosted by the HandsOn Kansas State. They were established to recognize students, student organizations, faculty and staff for their community service. Those who are awarded this title have made strong efforts to make a significant and lasting impact in the life of the campus and community.

Recipients and their awards included:

* Taylor Schmidt, senior in anthropology with a minor in leadership studies, Greensburg, the Pat J. Bosco Leadership Studies Outstanding Graduating Senior Award.

* Michelle Foster, senior in American ethnic studies and political science with minors in leadership studies and women's studies, Lansing, Pat J. Bosco Leadership Studies Outstanding Graduating Senior Award.

* Grant Goodack, senior in economics with a minor in leadership studies and business, Olathe, Pat J. Bosco Leadership Studies Outstanding Graduating Senior Award.

* Morgan Peelen, senior in social sciences with a focus in rural community development and a minor in leadership studies with a nonprofit focus, Ottawa, Pat J. Bosco Leadership Studies Outstanding Graduating Senior Award.

* Margaret Swagerty, senior in secondary education with minors in leadership studies and American ethnic studies, Overland Park, Outstanding Civic Engagement Award.

* Emily Campbell, senior in mass communications with a minor in leadership studies, Overland Park, Celebrating People in Action Award for Outstanding Student Volunteer.

* Wildcat Buddies, Celebrating People in Action Award for Outstanding Student Group. Wildcat Buddies matches Kansas State University students with special needs individuals from Big Lakes Developmental Center.

Community awards were presented to Mira Bhandari, a fifth-grader at Bergman Elementary School in Manhattan, who earned the Celebrating People in Action Award for Outstanding Youth Volunteer; and the Construction Craft Laborer Trade at the Flint Hills Job Corps Center received the Celebrating People in Action Award for Outstanding Community Group.