Salisbury, MD — Salisbury University’s TRIO Student Support Services Program recently celebrated the 2024-25 academic year by honoring 42 of its students with year-end awards.
Honorees included:
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- TRIO Spotlight Awards – Stephora Alberi of Salisbury; Gelila Alemu of Rockville, MD; Madjesca Limage of Salisbury; and Christopher Okata of Damascus, MD.
- TRIO Perseverance Awards – Mariah Guevara of Sparrows Point, MD; Kara Jordan of Crisfield, MD; and Davon Noble of Princess Anne, MD.
- TRIO Student Workers of the Year – Lord is good Alafe of Baltimore; DaBrion Heath of Edgewood, MD; Gladie Kasongo of Germantown, MD; and Grayson Ledsome of Millsboro, DE.
- TRIO Student Rookies of the Year – Rashad Burnett-McCray of Baltimore; Mark Niederhofer of Melfa, VA; and Lucia Fuentes Scott of Salisbury.
- TRIO Students of the Year – Asiha Blake of Salisbury; Neila Henrice of Salisbury; Andersen Herman of Fruitland, MD; and Benjamin Single of Millersville, MD.
The TRIO Spotlight Award celebrates exceptional students who demonstrate outstanding participation in the TRIO Program and the broader SU community, recognizing their notable contributions, achievements and positive impact on campus, and showcasing their excellence and dedication.
The TRIO Perseverance Award celebrates participants who have demonstrated significant determination in the face of personal academic obstacles to attain their educational goals. The honor also recognizes those who have supported and inspired other students to reach their potential, including helping fellow TRIO Program students access on- and off-campus resources, serving as informal mentors, reaching out to the TRIO community to promote engagement and community, and providing positive and warm energy to others.
The TRIO Student Worker of the Year Award acknowledges exception al dedication and commitment demonstrated by members of the TRIO student staff team who have made significant contributions in inspiring and guiding participants, and exemplifying the program’s mission and values.
The TRIO Student Rookie of the Year Award honors new participants who model the virtues and qualities of student leaders, and students who promote the success of other SU and TRIO Program students.
The TRIO Student of the Year Award recognizes students who demonstrate exemplary participation, academic achievement and community involvement in the program. Eligible students must maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average, actively engage in a minimum of two required services and 15 contacts with TRIO Program staff, and receive recommendations from professional staff and peers. The honor celebrates the holistic excellence and dedication of exceptional participants.
Some 23 senior TRIO students also were recognized for completing their SU degrees. They included Kings Armand of Seaford, DE; Shelby Beauchamp of Greenbackville, VA; Kate Carpenter of Berlin, MD; Kamari Covington of Silver Spring, MD; Daniel Cruz of Salisbury; Jaydan Fogo of Salisbury; Melissa Herrera of Stevensville, MD; Justice Jensen of Salisbury; Grey Lee of Ocean City, MD; Eileen McBain of Indian Head, MD; Kristen McLaughlin of Easton, MD; Chloe Milligan of Trappe, MD; Eman Popal of Easton, MD; Regine Raymond of Salisbury; Adela Rubio-Villafuerte of Crisfield, MD; Nana Solomon of Gaithersburg, MD; Madriah Taylor of Washington, D.C.; Chloe Turner of East New Market, MD; and Abrianna Watts of La Plata, MD; as well as Alberi, Alemu, Blake and Herman.
For 15 years, TRIO Student Support Services has served as an advocate for qualifying first-generation students, low-income students and students with disabilities at SU.
“These last two years have sparked a powerful movement within the TRIO Program,” said Dr. Margaret Sebastian, TRIO program director at SU. “Our students have stepped up in remarkable ways — demonstrating excellence, leadership and a deep commitment to one another. We are proud to honor the impact they’ve made through their engagement and support of their peers.
“The success of the TRIO Program is a true testament to the work our students have engaged in throughout the Salisbury University community,” said Phillip Vinson, SU TRIO academic coordinator. “It is critically important to celebrate their achievements through our end of the year awards process. TRIO is an asset to SU, and I am honored to play a small role in the success of TRIO. TRIO Works!”
Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, the program plans and coordinates services with campus and external partners, and provides support and enrichment programs that help participants develop academic, interpersonal, career, civic engagement and social skills they need for success at SU and for the rest of their lives.
Learn more about SU and opportunities to Make Tomorrow Yours at www.salisbury.edu.
