Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ recognized the exceptional achievements of its senior class and others at the 2026 Honors Convocation this week, an annual celebration of academic excellence, leadership, and contributions to campus life and beyond.
The ceremony highlighted the breadth of accomplishment across the College community. Students were recognized with awards spanning nearly every academic department, alongside all-college honors, presidential awards, and distinctions presented by the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Student Government Association (Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵSGA). Together, the awards reflect not only scholarly achievement but also the intellectual curiosity, service, and leadership that define the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ experience.
Among the highlights of this year’s Presidential Awards, the Dreamkeeper Award was presented to Alyna Trúc Đào ’27. The award honors Đào for demonstrating an active commitment to improving the quality of campus life for historically oppressed communities. Đào was recognized by the Office of Residential Life for her leadership as a resident advisor. In an all-women’s residential community, Đào has worked to foster “a supportive, inclusive, and empowering environment for all residents,” exemplifying the spirit of care and advocacy the award celebrates, President Manya Whitaker said, in presenting in the award.
The J. Juan Reid Award, given annually to a senior who best combines scholastic excellence with meaningful involvement in extracurricular life, was awarded to Royce Hinojosa ’26. Hinojosa has pursued leadership with intention at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ, serving as Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵSGA president and a Priddy Leadership Program participant. “He has prioritized building a strong Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵSGA Team, focusing on activities and initiatives that help members build connections, feel pride in their work, create lasting legacies, and support the success of future Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵSGA leaders,” said Whitaker.
The Van Diest Award recognized excellence in athletics, scholarship and character, and was presented this year to two outstanding male athletes, Rabbit Barnes ‘26 and Kaidan Mbereko ‘26. Selected by the Department of Athletics, the award honors student-athletes who embody integrity, achievement, and citizenship.
“Rabbit is one of the most decorated student-athletes in Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Track and Cross Country history. A national runner-up and multiple All-American, Rabbit has achieved success at the highest levels of NCAA competition,” said Whitaker. “He holds numerous school records, individual conference championships and honors including SCAC Track Athlete of the Year.” In addition to his athletic success, Barnes has excelled academically as a Neuroscience major, earning repeated Dean’s List honors, while serving as a multi-year team captain and engaging in community service.
Kaidan Mbereko has similarly distinguished himself as one of the top goaltenders in Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ hockey history and among the best in the nation.
Whitaker adds, “An All-American, unanimous NCHC Goaltender of the Year, he ranks among the all-time leaders in games played, save percentages, and career wins.” Beyond the ice, Mbereko is recognized as a scholar-athlete and campus leader, serving as a team captain and contributing to the broader college community.
The Honors Convocation serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication and impact of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ students. From academic inquiry and creative work to leadership and service, this year’s honorees represent the many ways Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ students shape and strengthen their community.
Watch the full ceremony to see all of the award recipients.
