The 31st annual Sammy Awards honored the best from Sam Houston State University on April 9 at the Lowman Student Center Orange Ballroom.
With 29 awards given, the top prize— “The Sammys Award”—was awarded to students Debra Balandran, who dominated the ceremony with two wins (The Sammys Award, Outstanding Non-Traditional Student Leader), and Kenneth Bengston.
The ceremony was hosted by freshman Bailey Buckner, graduate student Nickolas Hudzinski and senior Rorie Young, with announcements by senior Sebastian Comabella.
The night started with an opening performance by SHSU Jazz Ensemble, followed by the announcement of the first award of the evening, Outstanding First-Year Student Leader, won by freshman John Hendrickson.
The evening unfolded with the announcement of numerous awards, including several highlighting the excellence of different departments with the awards Excellence in Service: College Business Administration, Excellence in Service: College of Criminal Justice, and Excellence in Service: College of Education, won by Alexis Argueta.
“This award is not just mine,” expressed Argueta after the ceremony. “It belongs to the students I’ve stood beside, the mentors who have poured into me, and the communities I hope to serve one day as an educator.
“I am beyond grateful for this recognition, and I will continue to lead, serve, and uplift with purpose and pride.”
The highlight of the night came towards the end of the ceremony, when president Alisa White took over the stage, giving an emotional speech, and handing the last two awards of the evening, The Sammys Award, won by faculty members Tess Johnson and Darla McBryde-Speck, and students Debra Balandran and Kennet Bengtson.
Full List of winners:
The Sammys Award (Student): Debra Balandran and Kenneth Bengtson.
The Sammys Award (Faculty/Staff): Tess Johnson and Darla McBryde-Speck
The McDermett Memorial Award: Daniela Luna.
The Creager Memorial Award: Tre’Vanni Bass.
Outstanding First Year Student Leader: John Hendrickson.
Outstanding Academic Organization: Chi Tau Epsilon.
Excellence in Service: College of Arts and Media: Kira Wygle.
The Cane Award: Sam Houston State University ROTC.
Outstanding Sophomore Student Leader: Paris Kelley.
Outstanding Advocacy Organization: SHSU Food Pantry.
Excellence in Service: College of Business Administration: Jada Johnson.
Outstanding Junior Student Leader: Rachel Barker.
The John A. Patrick Outstanding Affinity and Community Organization: International Student Organization.
Excellence in Service: College of Criminal Justice: DeCoreyun Clifton.
Outstanding Recreational Organization: Intercollege Equestrian Team.
Outstanding Non- Traditional Student Leader: Debra Balandran.
Outstanding Religion and Spirituality Organization: Episcopal Student Center.
Excellence in Service: College of Education: Alexis Argueta.
Outstanding Social Sorority: Alpha Delta Pi.
Outstanding Social Fraternity: Phi Gamma Delta.
Excellence in Service College of Health Sciences: Karen Carreon Garcia.
Excellence in Service: College of Humanities and Social Sciences: Ashari Gordan.
Outstanding Graduate Student Leader: Nickolas Hudzinski.
Outstanding Doctoral Student Leader: Donnie Lopez.
Outstanding Special Interest Organization: Rotaract Club.
Outstanding Student Organization Advisor: Li-Jen Lester and Dr. Danica Schieber.
Excellence in Service: College of Science and Engineering Technology: Mia Abrego.
Excellence in Service: College of Osteopathic Medicine: Brooke Birks.
“Measure of a Life is its Service” Award: Chi Tau Epsilon.
