By Harrison James IV / Staff Writer

Missouri Valley College recognized academic achievement at its annual Scholar Banquet on Wednesday, April 30, celebrating students for their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence.

Cynthia Bice, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Graduate Studies, said the event highlighted more than academic success.

“It’s truly a celebration, and it gives students the recognition, grit, and discipline these awards showcase their accomplishments and achievements,” Bice said. “It helps them move forward, and when they have those challenging moments, these are the moments that can help them meet future challenges and allow them to gain confidence in the future.”

Among the honorees was Coy Smith, who received both the Scholar Award in Secondary Education Mathematics and the Lamp of Knowledge Award.

“It’s a nice feeling, it’s nice to be recognized, and I don’t even know how to describe it, honestly,” Smith said. “It’s a fulfilling feeling that I’ve never felt before.”

The evening reinforced MVC’s values of education, perseverance, and personal growth by honoring students who exemplify those ideals.

2025 Scholar Banquet Honorees

Area of Nomination / Scholar

• Accounting: Lane King
• Agribusiness: Seton Miller
• Art – Graphic Design Concentration: Chanè Higgo
• Biology – Conservation Concentration: Sidni Hunter
• Communication Studies: Ksenija Simun
• Computer Information Systems: Rubal Man Pradhan
• Computer Science: Skyler Coker
• Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement Concentration: Jewel Torres-Amaya
• Economics: Raúl Valencia Espartal
• Elementary Education: Kylie Linson
• English: Alexandrea Sutter
• Exercise Science: Jayden Simpliciano
• Finance: Caue Alexandre Espindola Correa
• Art – Visual Arts: Carla Medina Gonzalez
• History: Evan Tindle
• Management – Administration Concentration: Leonardo Borzaga
• Management – Entrepreneurship Concentration: Ines Rocha De Almeida
• Management – Sports Management Concentration: Andrea Grigoras
• Marketing: Fabián Zamora Pereira
• Mass Communication – Broadcast Concentration: Ylenia Expósito Pérez
• Mathematics: Paula Romero Rodriguez
• Secondary Education – Mathematics: Coy Smith
• Nursing: Zoey Chrisman
• Psychology: Nienke Nijendijk
• Social Studies Education: Josef Hedger
• Master of Arts in Community Counseling: Lacey Daye
• Master of Education Administration: Tanner Hecht