Students from Larned, Manhattan receive Outstanding Student Leadership Awards
Friday, May 24, 2013
MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University's Lafene Health Center presented its 2013 Outstanding Student Leadership Awards to Danica Pelzel, May 2013 graduate in dietetics and kinesiology, Larned, and Jordan Edmunds, junior in dietetics, Manhattan, for their volunteer service and leadership while participating in student organizations sponsored by Lafene.
Pelzel received this recognition for her outstanding leadership in the Sensible Nutrition And body image Choices, or SNAC, Peer Education program.
"Danica has gone above and beyond the typical duties of a peer educator and has excelled in several key leadership roles throughout her involvement in SNAC," said Dianna Schalles, the group's adviser.
Pelzel served as lead coordinator for Eating Disorders Awareness Week for two consecutive years, leading one of Sensible Nutrition And body image Choices' most successful awareness campaigns ever. She was also lead peer coordinator for the organization's pilot program, Table Topics, aimed at improving eating and body image of area high school freshmen.
"Danica possesses outstanding initiative and a passion for excellence," Schalles said. "Her commitment to doing her best was evident in every task she took on. I have no doubt she will make a positive impact in her future career."
Pelzel will be pursuing a dietetics internship and master's degree at Fontbonne University, St. Louis, and has plans to establish her own consulting business.
Edmunds is pursuing a degree in dietetics with a minor in Chinese. She received the award for her outstanding leadership role in the Student Health Advisory Committee, or SHAC. Edmunds has served as vice president of the committee for the past year and has been an active member for two years.
"Jordan is very dedicated to the organization and to Lafene Health Center," said Julie Gibbs, the group's adviser. "She has played a dynamic role as the liaison between the student body and the health center by volunteering to help with events throughout the year and participating in group meetings and fundraisers. I wish we could clone Jordan."
Edmunds will continue to serve as the group's vice president. She plans to graduate in May 2015 and has the goal of working as a registered dietitian.
