Evangel awards students for Christian service and character

 

November 27, 2007

Evangel University honored five students with the Silver Shield Award at a luncheon on Nov. 13, 2007. Sarah Seaman, September Sherwood, Jaci Rothermich, Meghan Musy and Joel Brown received the award.

The Silver Shield Award recognizes students for meritorious Christian service and character. These recipients are nominated by Evangel students, faculty or staff. Sixteen students were nominated for the award this semester, according to Gina Rentschler, director of student life.

The Evangel University Council of Commendation evaluates the pool of nominees to choose the award winners. The intention of this committee is to reward and affirm students for activities and service outside of academic or athletic achievements.

All award recipients received a gift from Evangel University and a commemorative certificate, which was presented by President Robert H. Spence.

President Spence believes that these students epitomize Evangel. “Thank you for what you have done to make Evangel better,” he said.

Spence expressed regret that the student body could not be present to see these students honored for their Christian service.

Silver Shield Award Recipients

Sarah Seaman

Senior, Early Childhood Education major

Nominated by Dr. Becky Huechteman, chair of the education department, and Dr. Fred Drake, associate professor of education

Seaman, a work study in the Education Department, is the treasurer for Evangel’s chapter of the Student Missouri State Teacher Association. She has volunteered to help with school carnivals, the SMSTA Christmas party for local children and Habitat for Humanity. In addition, she has served as a mealtime buddy with Big Brothers Big Sisters, cancer walk volunteer, summer basketball coach, Sunday School teacher and Missionettes leader.

Comments from Dr. Huechteman:

“In everything Sarah does, she gives her best with a true spirit of caring. As a worker in the Education Department, Sarah is someone we can depend on. She is very good with details and self-motivated in identifying tasks that need to be done.”

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September Sherwood

Senior, Psychology major

Nominated by Andrea Garrett, resident assistant in Spence Hall

Sherwood has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Boys and Girls Club as a mealtime buddy and a tutor and was voted the Boys and Girls Club Volunteer of the Year in 2005. She has served with Habitat for Humanity and with the English as a Second Language Conversation Partner Program. She currently volunteers at the Developmental Center of the Ozarks, working with children with disabilities. Sherwood is a member of Psi Chi, Alpha Chi Honor Society and co-captain of the Evangel cheerleading squad.

Comments from Garrett:

“September Sherwood is a student who has given extensively to the community through her service. She is an exemplary student and deserves to be recognized for her meritorious Christian character and service.”

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Jaci Rothermich

Junior, Mathematics Education major

Nominated by Cari Bernor, resident assistant in Spence Hall

Rothermich has served for two years as hall council president for Spence Hall, overseeing the 12-member council and representing Spence Hall in the Evangel Student Government Association. She chaired this year’s student Homecoming committee. As a new student orientation leader, she has been known to comfort new students who have had difficulty adjusting.

Comments from Bernor:

“It goes without saying that Jaci gives a lot to the girls in this hall and the campus at large, and in doing so sets a great example of what it means to be a Christian leader. Jaci’s door is always open, and that means something when you know it’s open because she’s available to pray with you, give you a much-needed hug or just hang out.” 

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Meghan Musy

Senior, Advertising/Public Relations and Biblical Studies major

Nominated by Dr. Laynah Rogers, director of the academic support center

Musy serves as a tutor and has designed and presented workshops for the academic support center. She serves as the chapter president for the Alpha Chi Honor Society. Musy is president of Evangel’s Society for Collegiate Journalists and is copy editor for The Excalibur, Evangel’s yearbook. She works with children at Central Assembly of God. Musy also assisted an Evangel student who interned at the White House by connecting her with family members in Washington, D.C., who provided housing at no cost.

Comments from Rogers:

“Not only does Meghan tutor subject matter with expertise, she builds a rapport with students in all areas to help them adjust to the university, often serving as a mentor. Created and blessed with talents and skills, Meghan, a fruitful branch, seeks and draws her sustenance from the vine into which she taps daily. ‘All the blessing He pours out, she turns back to praise’ must be her theme.”

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Joel Brown

Senior, Biblical Studies major

Nominated by Steve Jenkins, associate professor of physical education and head coach of men’s basketball

Brown is a three-time Discipleship Award recipient on the men’s basketball team. This award is voted by the basketball team and is given to the team member who has made the greatest spiritual impact. Brown is the men’s basketball representative for Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He is considered a team leader for his unselfish attitude and the way he treats others. 
 
Comments from Jenkins:

“I have pretty good confidence that Joel will win the Discipleship Award this season to make it four years in a row. What separates him from others is that he doesn’t just talk it, he lives it.”