Students, faculty, staff and alumni cheered as over 100 Ohio University students were recognized in 11 categories of leadership. The gala was held to highlight exceptional students, those who go beyond good grades and become fully involved in the Ohio University community. The four The Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education students who received awards showed inspiring determination to make contributions to their communities.

Trustee Larry Schey and Dean Renée A. Middleton joined President Roderick J. McDavis and First Lady Deborah McDavis in congratulating Parker Fernandez and Adrienne Ott.

"I sometimes get asked, ‘why do you do all the things you do?’” Said Parker Fernandez, a junior integrated mathematics major from Galloway, Ohio and recipient of a Pepsi Ohio University Leadership Scholarship, “I tell them that I want to be as big a part of this University as I can, and getting involved is how I do that.”

Adrienne Ott, a junior education major from Circleville, Ohio, also received a Pepsi Ohio University Leadership Scholarship.

“Throughout college and my entire school career, I have always been driven to put forth my best effort and ability to excel at all I do,” said Ott. “Leadership positions have opened my eyes to a world of opportunity and possibility, and I now feel willing and capable to take on any obstacle that stands in my way of making a positive difference.”

Brittany Buxton smiled with her award.

The Pepsi Ohio University Leadership Scholarship is designed to honor students making significant contributions to the university community while achieving high academic standards and balancing out-of-the-class involvement.

Janine El-Amin, a junior middle childhood education major from Cleveland, Ohio, received the Blackburn Spencer Scholarship, named on behalf of the first African-American female graduate of Ohio University and the first African-American chair of the OU Board of Trustees.
El-Amin’s qualifications for the award include her involvement with Delta Sigma Theta sorority and The Black Student Cultural Programming Board.

Brittany Buxton, a graduate student from Columbus, Ohio, received the Outstanding Graduate Student Leader Award, designated to recognize graduate students for outstanding leadership in extracurricular activities and/or community service.

Parker Fernandez and Adrienne Ott received the Pepsi Ohio Leadership Scholarship.

Buxton received this award for the impact she has made through her leadership position in Graduate Student Senate. Buxton’s reference, a co-member of GSS and personal friend, spoke warmly of Buxton, noting “I sometimes wonder how I would have survived two years in my position without her guidance, friendship, and helping hand.”

All winners boasted an impressive ability to manage involvement in leadership positions while still achieving high academic standings. Their inspiring accomplishments were well-deserving of recognition and congratulations.