2025 Academic Awards Ceremony Recognizes Top USCB Student Scholars
Every spring, the University of South Carolina Beaufort recognizes exceptional students in the graduating class at the annual Academic Awards Ceremony.
"I commend you for your achievements and I thank you," USCB Chancellor Al M. Panu said. "You represent the best of USCB. You are among the best in the world."
These are the outstanding students of the Class of 2025:.
Garrett Willford
Outstanding Biology Student of the Year
As a first-generation college student in the Marine Biology Honors Program, Garrett has consistently demonstrated exceptional academic performance, research strengths, and commitment to service. Over the past two years, Garrett has made significant contributions to research in Dr. Eric Montie’s Lab. As a key team member, he has played an instrumental role in advancing the Estuarine Soundscape Observatory Network in the Southeast (ESONS). His research focuses on investigating the variability of fish chorusing across different stations and years, with an emphasis on how climate variability and vessel noise – especially in Charleston Harbor – may impact fish reproduction. Garrett’s dedication to marine science also extended to his summer 2024 internship at the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources’ Waddell Mariculture Center. Additionally, he has demonstrated outstanding leadership as the President of the Environment Sustainability and Conservation Club, further showcasing his commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation. Garrett has been accepted into the College of Charleston graduate program in Marine Biology, where he will continue to pursue his career in marine science.
Tine Ebbesen Vangen
Outstanding Business Student of the Year
An international student-athlete from Norway, Tine majored in Business Administration and completed concentrations in Accounting and Management. An extremely capable and motivated student, Tine was recognized as a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Daktronics Women’s Soccer Scholar-Athlete in 2022. She was also recognized as a member of the 2023-2024 Peach Belt Conference Presidential Honor Roll as a Gold Scholar (highest level), having attained a GPA between 3.75–4.00. While at USCB, Tine was a classroom leader who actively engaged both her classmates and professors in active discussion and debate. Tine challenged our way of thinking and pushed us to think more broadly about the world and consider alternative solutions to world problems and issues.
Maria Saccani
Pamela J. Cooper Communications Studies Student of the Year
Maria is a senior majoring in Communication Studies. Originally from Whitehall, PA, Maria has established herself as an exemplary Sand Shark both in and out of the classroom. Over the course of her academic career, she contributed significantly to the national public media show Books By The River, working two seasons—first as a Digital Media Producer and later as an Associate Producer. In these roles, Maria not only produced content but also led the student team throughout the production and post-production processes. In addition to her work in media production, Maria secured two valuable internships focused on Human Resources. One was with USCB Career Services, where she assisted with events, and the other was with Gulfstream, where she worked in their HR department helping to develop training programs. Maria is now poised to leverage her degree to pursue a career in Human Resources.
Jarrett Kizer
Outstanding Computational Science Outstanding Student of the Year
A double-major in Computational Science and Mathematics, Jarrett exemplifies the best of USCB both in and outside of the classroom. Known for his excellent grades, his intellectual curiosity, and his relentlessly positive attitude, Jarrett has earned the admiration of faculty and peers alike. He served as Vice President of USCB’s Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) chapter, he completed undergraduate research with computer science professor Dr. John Thrasher, and he worked as a mathematics tutor. He also completed two summer internships with Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina, where he will return after graduation as a mainframe engineer.
Rachel Valvo
Information Science and Technology Student of the Year
In addition to exhibiting outstanding classroom performance, Rachel has been a standout leader and innovator. As President of USCB’s Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) chapter, she organized a Women in Tech conference that included a panel of successful USCB computing alumnae. Rachel also worked for USCB Information Technology Services and Support and interned with Lowcountry Games, where she conceived and helped develop “Quiet on Set,” a murder-mystery video game using ethically sourced AI-driven dialogue. Her project work explores liminal spaces and non-Euclidean geometry in game design. After graduating in Fall 2025 with her Information Science and Technology degree and a Communication Studies minor, Rachel plans to pursue graduate school in computational media or a related field.
Alexandria Stanley
Outstanding Early Childhood Education Student of the Year
In education, we often refer to teachers who can inspire desired behaviors, foster a love of learning, and elicit positive responses from their students as having “magic fairy dust.” Alexandria (Lexy) unquestionably possesses this magic. She has an incredible ability to set high expectations in the classroom as an informative and productive educator while still exuding excitement, engagement, and care. Lexy is the type of educator who makes learning fun. Her passion for growth and learning has been evident throughout her time at USCB. During both her coursework and internship, Lexy consistently demonstrated thoughtful, reflective practice focused on student development. She submitted high-quality work and made decisions with her students’ best interests in mind, never opting for convenience over what was best for them. Her commitment to becoming an exceptional educator is evident in all of her work and interactions.
Rylie Buchanan
Outstanding Elementary Education Student if the Year
When reflecting on an Elementary Education major whose work ethic and dedication set them apart, Rylie immediately comes to mind. Rylie is a meticulous planner and reflective practitioner, committed to both her students and her own growth and development. Rylie approaches every task with care, asking clarifying questions and making connections to ensure full understanding. Her organizational skills and attention to detail are evident in all her tasks and discussions. Her desire to learn, grow, and lead dictate that she never settles for complacency. Rylie’s instructional skills are equally impressive. She plans efficiently and communicates clearly, allowing her students time and space to engage with the content. Her thoughtful instruction maximizes learning time, and her strong classroom management promotes productive, collaborative learning. As an educator, Rylie is a force to be reckoned with, and I have no doubt we will see great things from her in the future.
Abigail Vining
Tombe/Ebby Outstanding English Student of the Year
To put it simply, Abigail is a star. She took every possible opportunity in each and every class to improve herself as a reader, writer, and thinker. She led in and out of the classroom, offering sharp commentary and literary criticism in class and warm and careful support in her work in the Writing Center. As a tutor, she walked alongside writers in every class at this institution. When all her fellow tutors graduated, she stepped up and mentored the new tutors who came into the Writing Center. She served as the student assistant in the Center for Teaching and Learning, where she offered enthusiastic support to faculty across the university. She represented the English program for Campus Days, Accepted Student Days, and more–and we are better off for the way she ably explained to new and prospective students all the benefits of an English degree! Abigail brought curiosity and light to each and every class, raising the expectations for her classmates, thoughtfully responding to feedback, and becoming a better reader, writer, and thinker with each successive semester. In all ways, Abigail is a leader. Her contributions to her class work and this university are profound, and she never missed an opportunity to claim her own education. In December, Abigail delivered the student address at commencement, and our whole university community got to see the depth of her work firsthand. Her faculty cannot imagine our program during the last few years without Abigail’s impactful work in and beyond our class time.
Jordan McCamon
Madison Riley Adkins Award for Outstanding Secondary English Education
Jordan is an example of a student, teacher, researcher, and colleague with whom anyone would be proud to work. As a student, Jordan used all the experience and knowledge gained from her coursework to exceed what is expected of a student teacher. Jordan has already begun to excel in her new role as an English Teacher at May River High School and has earned the respect of both her colleagues and several Beaufort County School District personnel. In April 2025, she co-presented a research project at the national Conference on College Composition & Communication. Jordan has consistently demonstrated that she is an exciting new voice in the field of English education who has already begun to have a positive impact on the next generation of students.
Sebastian Biggs
Governor Paul Hamilton Sons of the American Revolution Outstanding Student in History
Sebastian Biggs, originally from the Southwest Suburbs of Chicago, is a student-athlete
here at the USCB. He is a graduate of Providence Catholic High School, and went on
to earn his associate’s
degree from Joliet Junior College, where he was a Junior College All-American in baseball
and led his team to the Junior College World Series. At USCB, Sebastian plays on the
baseball team and
was recognized as a Peach Belt Team of Academic Distinction honoree. His research
has explored organized crime in Chicago, the influence of the Mexican Baseball League
on Major League Baseball, and an 1888 altercation at the Mexican-American border,
which he presented at Student Research & Scholarship Day. After graduation, Sebastian
plans to attend law school.
Rebecca Pollard
Outstanding Hospitality Management Student of the Year
With endless energy, high initiative, and a zealous dedication to being useful, Rebecca is who you want by your side when you need things done and done brilliantly. She is fearless, visionary, hardworking, authentic. As a non-traditional student and the mother of an amazing young daughter named Ripley, Rebecca’s path to get here has been filled with winding roads, but those experiences have shaped her worldview and allowed her to find her passion. She not only gets things done but jumps in with eyes wide open. As a student, her intellectual curiosity and ability to lead has been inspirational to her classmates, challenging them to strive for academic excellence.
Kari Hill
Outstanding Public Health Student of the Year
Kari exemplifies the spirit of the Student of the Year Award through her unwavering dedication to public health and outstanding leadership. With her rich involvement in organizations like the USCB Public Health Advisory Board and Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society, she has demonstrated exceptional commitment to her academic and extracurricular pursuits. Kari’s impactful research on food environments and health disparities showcases her drive to address critical public health issues. Her leadership as President of Phi Theta Kappa and her volunteer work with various organizations highlight her passion for community service. Kari’s vision for a healthier future and her proactive approach make her a deserving recipient for this prestigious award.
Quisti Costello
Lynn Mulkey Human Services Program Outstanding Student of the Year
Quisto is passionate about helping those who are suffering from substance misuse in
their respective communities. He shares that he had an extensive history of substance
misuse and was inspired to get into the Human Services field by those who worked with
him through those troubling times. Quisto has been in active recovery for five years.
He has an impressive record of performance in the classroom and experiential learning.
Quisto is currently a Substance Abuse Specialist at ALPHA Behavioral Health Center,
working with clients to increase their social functioning by providing psychosocial
rehabilitative services. He also currently facilitates a drug court on Tuesday nights,
a program that he was once a participant in. Upon graduation, Quisto plans to continue
his education at USC Columbia with the goal of completing an Ed.S. in Counselor
Education with a concentration in clinical mental health.
Mattie Wolff
Palmetto College Human Services Outstanding Student of the Year
Mattie was USCB’s 2024 recipient of the Newman Civic Award for her outstanding civic engagement. She has an outstanding and commendable history of determination and resilience to get to where she is today as she struggled with drug addiction for 17 years until she embraced a message of hope which enabled Mattie to become clean for the past seven-plus years. Mattie gives generously of her time and experience back to her community helping others struggling with addiction. Mattie’s quote in her successful Newman application is “if there is any chance that I might be able to help at least one person by sharing what I went through by showing where I was then and am now there was no doubt I would do it every time.” To get a sense of hope when struggling with addiction is quite rare but if there was a chance that telling my story could give that it would be worth it.” Mattie has excelled in the classroom and with her service to the community and is truly deserving of this award.
Jennifer Larsson
Gordon Haist Interdisciplinary Studies Outstanding Student of the Year
Jennifer’s curiosity and passion for learning exemplify the spirit of interdisciplinary studies. In her time at USCB, she has sought out learning opportunities across many disciplines, always guided by the simple principle of wanting to learn more. Her faculty frequently praise her diligence, insight, and consistently high levels of performance. Jennifer’s hard work and dedication also extend to the golf course where she does USCB proud. She is the epitome of the scholar athlete (golf), one whose discipline in each field enhances rather than distracts from the other. There is no student who works harder or achieves more, and USCB is lucky to have her, proud to see her graduate, and sad to see her go.
Jo Little
Interdisciplinary Studies Online Outstanding Student if the Year
As a working, non-traditional student fully embracing life-long learning, Jo embodies the possibilities and promises of our Interdisciplinary Studies online degree program. She has demonstrated a remarkable ability to balance rigorous academic work with significant personal and professional responsibilities. Jo’s individualized degree plan helped deepen her passion for literature, which she has now integrated into an emerging interest in medical humanities, specifically health narratives.Throughout her studies at USCB, Jo has remained focused on her goal of pursuing a graduate degree in Library and Information Science.
Emma Troup
Outstanding Nursing Student of the Year
Emma was selected for this award by the faculty of the nursing department. A native of South Carolina, she was accepted into the nursing program as an honors student after graduating from high school with an associate of arts degree. This allowed her to fast track into the nursing program where she has excelled. She displays a passion for learning and will be a gifted nurse. In addition to excellent grades in the classroom, her clinical faculty identified her as a caring, compassionate, skilled student in the patient care setting. In addition to all of these accomplishments, she found time to be active in the USCB Student Nurses Association serving in a leadership role as Vice President. She truly is an outstanding nursing student and excellent representative of USCB. She will start her career as a registered nurse at Wellstar MCG in Augusta, GA.
Kristin Yanaris
Outstanding Online Psychology Student if the Year
Kristin, a senior psychology student from Conway, SC, is an active member of the Psychology Club and the Psi Chi International Psychology Honor Society. She is a senior member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Horry-Georgetown Technical College and enjoys volunteering when she can. Graduating this year with an impressive GPA, she aspires to pursue a master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership at USC. Passionate about psychology, she looks forward to applying her knowledge to better understand and support those around her. She aspires to one day become either a psychology professor or a child psychologist, using her expertise to guide and inspire future generations.
Shannon Adams
Outstanding Sociology Student of the Year
Shannon embodies the success and drive possible for sociology graduates through Palmetto College. Shannon returned to higher education in 2021, then USCB in the fall of 2023, making her mark in sociology. Shannon merged her coursework with professional engagement, earning the Gerontology Certificate and working as a caregiver. Her passion for methods shone through in research seminar, as she led her cohort and participated in-person during Student Research and Scholarship Day despite living across the state. Then, Shannon completed an independent study of USCB’s progress toward Age-Friendly University status, while supporting the next cohort of seminar students studying age-inclusivity at USCB.
Andrea Santibañez Trujillo
Charles L. Spirrison Psyschology Outstanding Student of the Year
Andrea is a first-generation senior psychology student from Hardeeville, SC. She is part of the Beaufort College Honors Program, President of the Psychology Club, Secretary of Gamma Beta Phi, member of the Psi Chi National Honor Society, and a Ronald E. McNair scholar. Andrea is graduating with honors and will be attending Michigan State University as a doctoral student. She hopes to focus her research on violence prevention and community engagement while raising awareness for underrepresented communities. Throughout her time as a student, she has interned and volunteered at over three local organizations. Andrea regularly expresses her gratitude to the wonderful faculty at USCB for supporting and guiding her in her academic and professional goals.
Sylvia Marie Smith
Outstanding Studio Arts Student of the Year
Sylvia Marie came to USCB from Greenville, SC, where she was born and raised. She says that she always had a desire to create beautiful things and that drove her to pursue Art and Graphic Design as a career path. She has taken classes in Photography, Ceramics, Game Design and Animation. She has also been active on campus in the USCB Art Club. Sylvia Marie says that she has much to share with the world through her art skills, and she plans to create a career and life that is built on taking the visions of others and turning them into a reality. Sylvia Marie said that her time at USCB has been an exciting opportunity to be able to turn her passion into a lifelong career.
Alex Long
Founding Chancellor Jane T. Upshaw Outstanding Student in Mathematics
Alex, a Mathematics major from Greenville, SC, developed a strong foundation in mathematics and computing during their time at USCB. In their senior year, they applied machine learning algorithms to predict student success in college-level statistics courses. At the USCB Tutoring Center, they shared their passion for math by assisting students in Calculus, Algebra, and Geometry. As they approached graduation, Alex faced—and overcame—significant mental health challenges. They are deeply grateful for the many opportunities provided by the University of South Carolina Beaufort—especially the outstanding mental health counseling services that have played a crucial role in supporting Alex’s journey through college.
Lucie Dollarhyde
Newman Civic Fellowship Nominee
The Newman Civic Nominee is presented by a national organization which recognizes college students who exhibit outstanding community outreach and service. Lucie was born in Prague, Czech Republic, where she obtained a three-year degree in Social Work and Law. Lucie moved to the United States in 2005 and during her children’s years in school, taught a program called Junior Achievement in Washington state. In Oregon, Lucie worked as a Special Education Program Assistant for children with behavioral problems. After moving to South Carolina, she has served as both an Instructional Assistant for children with disabilities and with the Department of Social Services a Child Support Specialist. Lucie also served as a paralegal concentrating on cases of abuse and neglect of children and vulnerable adults. Lucie’s outstanding qualities include her deep empathy and genuine care for those in need. Her desire to affect social change and help the less fortunate is why Lucie became a USCB Human Services student where she has excelled in the program.
Emma Osment
Darwin Bashaw Student of the Year Award
Emma, a native of Gilbert, SC, is graduating with her Bachelor of Science degree in Public Health. As a Public Health major, Emma completed a Research Internship in Epidemiology, serving as a role model and mentor to others. As the longest serving Student Government President, she has dedicated three years to fostering a sense of community and advocating for her peers. Her commitment to service was recognized with the Norman Varnes Service Award for her outstanding contributions to the university. Known for her deep involvement in campus life, Emma has built meaningful connections throughout the community. After graduation, she plans to remain in the area, using her knowledge and skills to improve the lives of people in the Lowcountry.
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JJ 05/2/25