Each spring we gather together as a community to honor our many student leaders. Students are nominated by fellow classmates, staff, and faculty for twelve leadership awards that celebrate our history and recognize student leadership in all its forms. Leadership is a journey taken by many Wheaton students; leadership happens in Student Government, within student clubs and organizations, in the residence halls, on the athletic fields, and in the classrooms.
The Process
A Student Selection Committee will convene to review all the nominations. The student committee will narrow down a small group of finalists for each award. These finalists will be contacted and asked for their resume and letter of reference. The Leadership Awards Committee of staff and faculty will then review the finalist materials and select a recipient for each award. Finalists and recipients are recognized at our annual Leadership Awards Ceremony.
2026 Recipients
The Horizon First-Year Leadership Award
“First-Year to Watch”
Kesang Penjor ‘29
The Eunice Caldwell Leadership Award
“Leading Sophomore”
Nicole Rodriguez Paredes ‘28
The Caroline Cutler Metcalf Leadership Award
“Leading Student-Athlete”
Riley Kilbourn ‘26
The Eleanor Augusta Norcross Leadership Award
“Leader in the Arts”
Alba Medina ‘26
The Emily Susan Hartwell Leadership Award
“Leader in Social, Political, or Global Awareness”
Maya Stankiewicz ‘26
The Ruth Capers McKay Leadership Award
“Junior/Senior Campus Leader”
Katelyn Spader ‘27
The Wheaton Ujima Leadership Award
“Leader in Intercultural Engagement”
Brander Ceballos ‘27
The Patricia King Leadership Award
“1st Year/Sophomore Leader in Campus Activities”
Rory Flynn ‘28
The Landmark Leadership Award
“Leader in Gender Equity & Collaboration”
Mairi Travis ’26
The Richard & Virginia Thornburgh Leadership Award
“Leader in Community Service”
Allison Darling ‘26
The Eliza Baylies Wheaton Leadership Award
“Innovative Leader”
Ben Lyon ‘26
The Helene Pruszynski Leadership Award
“Outstanding Senior”
Malia Gentile ‘26
The ‘Courage in Leadership’ Award
Gabriel Albernaz ‘26
Lyons Pride Award Recipients 2026
Lyons Pride Awards are given by the Dean of Students to select members of the senior class in special recognition of their service/ leadership and dedication to enhancing the Wheaton community.
Max Aaronson
Lizzy Duddy
Kayleigh Illingworth
Lauren Lopes
Elizabeth McKinley
Mark Monteiro
Joe-Sato Murphy
Daniela Peña
Emma Russo
Jay Taylor