Hesston College took a day off from classes April 20, to instead focus on college values of service and student academic and leadership excellence during the annual Larkfest celebration.
The day started with on-campus students doing service projects around the Hesston and Harvey County communities. 234 students participated in 23 service projects from pulling weeds to reading to elementary students, and 34 faculty, staff or community members gave leadership to the service time.
Service was followed by the Larkfest awards ceremony where students were recognized for their achievements in academics and leadership. The top award, the Lark of the Year award, went to sophomore Elena Buckwalter (Fulks Run, Va.) for excellence in leadership, academics and service. Students are nominated for Lark of the Year by faculty and the recipient is chosen by a faculty vote.
Ambassador of the Year, freshman David Ladwig (Wichita, Kan.) and sophomore Vanessa Steckly (Milford, Neb.).
Behavioral Science Award, sophomore Elena Buckwalter (Fulks Run, Va.).
Bill Mason Business Scholarship recipients to receive a $2,500 scholarship for their sophomore year, Kylie Brenneman (Hesston, Kan.), Zac Neely (Ada, Okla.) and Jose Lezama (Lara, Venezuela).
Business Award, sophomores Cheri Baer (Apple Creek, Ohio), Wyatt Baer (Marshallville, Ohio), Chanhee Hwang (Gyeonggi-do, South Korea) and Riley Kingsley (North Newton, Kan.).
Student Development Officer Awards for students who call alumni during Phonathon, freshman Savannah Bontrager (Milford, Neb.) for the most money brought in, and freshman Emma Eitzen (Lititz, Pa.) for the most completed calls.
Early Childhood Education Award, sophomore Naomi Wright (Calhan, Colo.).
Peer Educator Award, sophomore Naomi Wright (Calhan, Colo.).
Clayton V. Beyler Award for Bible and Ministry students, sophomores Cassidy Bontrager (Wellman, Iowa) and Elena Buckwalter (Fulks Run, Va.).
Daniel Gerber Peace and Service Award, sophomores Christy Kauffman (West Liberty, Ohio) and Abraham Mateo (Fort Myers, Fla.).
Art: Most Promising Freshman Awards, for 2-D art, Brenna Peters (Hesston, Kan.) and for 3-D art, Monica Plank (Marion, Kan.).
Art: Outstanding Sophomore Award, Emily Griffioen (Belmond, Iowa).
Art: Ceramics Award, sophomore Laura Wright (Norwich, Kan.).
Music Award, sophomore Joel Brejda (Lincoln, Neb.).
Mariann Martin Theatre Award, sophomore Morgan Leavy (Telford, Pa.).
Standing “O” Theatre Award, sophomore Emily Griffieon (Belmond, Iowa).
Nursing Award, for the ADN program, sophomore Josh Merrill (Wichita, Kan.), and for the BSN program, senior Rebekah Bell (Wichita, Kan.).
Physical Education Award, sophomore Nelson Martinez (Port Saint Lucie, Fla.).
Science and Math Awards, sophomore Nicholas Eichelberger (Geneva, Neb.), Bailyn Piecewicz (Spokane, Wash.) and Jonah Short-Miller (Bellingham, Wash.).
Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, given to graduating international students with a 4.0 GPA, sophomores Chanhee Hwang (Gyeonggi-do, South Korea) and Lilian Trifena (Tangerang, Indonesia).
Resident Assistants of the Year, sophomores Rachel Brown (McKinney, Texas) and Wyatt Baer (Marshallville, Ohio).
During the afternoon, students showcased their academic work. Presentations included music recitals, directing skills at a short film festival, science demonstrations, speeches and more.