Laker5 winners announced

Winners of the Laker5 challenge were announced at the Presidents’ Ball on February 17.

The initiative challenged students to describe their Grand Valley experience in five words and was designed to encourage students to express their creativity and school spirit. A voting session narrowed the entries to the top 10 and a panel of judges, including Dean of Students Bart Merkle and Student Senate President Natalie Cleary, determined the top 5 entries.

First, second and third place winners, along with two runner-ups, received scholarships that total $2,500. Students who were not selected for the top 5, but were voted in the top 10, received $100 scholarships.

First place, Carmela Pearsall, communications studies major from Troy, Mich.
“Rockin’ the Mitten since 1960!”

Second place, Molly Waite, creative writing major from Fenton, Mich.
“Where motivation is our major.”

Third place, Chelsea Parise, criminal justice major from Sterling Heights, Mich.
“Academic excellence with competitive greatness.”

Runner-up, Brennen Gorman, political science and writing major from South Lyon, Mich.
“Strong Communities Breed Lasting Relationships.”

Runner-up, Valerie Holze, international relations major from Wheaton, Ill.
“Enhancing community through educational growth.”

The top 10 entries can be viewed on the Laker5 website.

Faculty and staff members were presented with awards at the Presidents’ Ball. Janaan Decker, student services coordinator in the Frederik Meijer Honors College, received the Laker of the Year Award; Polly Diven, professor of political science, received the Student Award for Faculty Excellence; and LeaAnn Tibbe, assistant director of Student Life, was presented with a President Appreciation Award.