The NC State College of Education’s Education Council recognized undergraduate students for their leadership, spirit and service to the community during its annual Spotlight Awards reception on April 14, 2025.
As part of the event, honorees heard from two speakers—Leader of the Pack and applied education major Hannah Morris ’25 and Assistant Professor of African American History and Public History Ajamu Dillahunt-Holloway, who spoke about the importance of teaching and the value of public education.
Afterward, honorees were recognized for their accomplishments and dedication to the field of education.
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Dean Paola Sztajn speaks at the 2025 Spotlight Awards Ceremony. -
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Leader of the Pack and applied education major Hannah Morris ’25 speaks at the Spotlight Awards Ceremony. -
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Assistant Professor of African American History and Public History Ajamu Dillahunt-Holloway delivers his speech. -
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Assistant Dean for Student Success Allison Mitchall speaking at the 2025 Spotlight Awards Ceremony. -
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This year’s award winners are below:
Golden Apple Future Teacher Award
Caitlyn Lenthall ’25
Elementary education
Rising Leader Award
Nicholas Klein
Middle grades English language arts and social studies education
Dr. Anona Smith Williams Community Service Award
Kendall Mick
Elementary education
Spirit Award
Mary Ledford
Middle grades English language arts and social studies education
Club of the Year
Multicultural Young Educators Network
Club Representative of the Year
Tylan Deams
Elementary education
College of Education Outstanding Senior Award – Elementary Education
Caitlyn Lenthall
Elementary education
Dr. John Park Memorial Outstanding Senior Award in Science Education – Middle School
Diego Alonso-Galindo ’25
Science education
Dr. John Park Memorial Outstanding Senior Award in Science Education – High School
Harper Ray ’25
Science education
Middle Grades English Language Arts and Social Studies Academic Achievement Award
Hannah Lynch ’25 and Mary Kate Wise ’25
Middle grades English language arts and social studies education
Dr. Lee V. Stiff Memorial Award for Outstanding Senior in High School Mathematics
Alexander Matta ’25
Mathematics education
Dr. Lee V. Stiff Memorial Award for Outstanding Senior in Middle School Mathematics
Andrea Rosales Alvarado ’25
Mathematics education
Outstanding Senior in Technology, Engineering and Design Education: Licensure
Elizabeth Marsh ’25
Technology, engineering, and design education
Outstanding Senior in Technology, Engineering and Design Education: Graphic Communications
Malik Beason ’25
Technology, engineering, and design education
Peer Mentor of the Year
Nicholas Klein
Middle grades English language arts and social studies education
Student Ambassador of the Year
Kendall Mick
Elementary education
SAY Village Outstanding Student Member
Gianna Kwiatkowski
Elementary education
Outreach and Engagement Leadership Award
Syna Sharma ’25
Middle grades English language arts and social studies education
Transformational Leadership Award
Madison Pullium
Science education
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