Silver Shield Awards
April 4, 2008
Article by Ashley Brown, News Editor, The Lance | Photo by Becca Hodge, Photography Editor
Photo. Front row: Tabitha Eutsler, Amanda Pryor, Natalie Asahara and Danielle Pagnanella. Second row: Janna Fosterling, Kendra Larson and Valerie Wonner. Back row: Kate Prentice, Todd Simon and Michael Bielefeld.
Ten Students Awarded
Commitment to Christian character has not gone unnoticed this semester at Evangel. Ten students were honored with Silver Shield awards in a luncheon on March 20, 2008, recognized for their extraordinary dedication to character and service.
“We have so many students at Evangel who do the right things for the right reasons,” Gina Rentschler, director of student life, said at the Council of Commendation awards luncheon. Silver Shield awards are given to deserving students each semester. This term, more than usual were awarded, as last semester there were just five recipients.
The winners were selected from a pool of 23 nominees who were recommended for the award by faculty, staff and student leaders. At the luncheon, they were presented with a white cord of honor, certificate and silver cross pin, presented to them by Dr. Robert H. Spence, president of Evangel.
Tabitha Eutsler, senior elementary/middle school education major
Dr. Marilyn Kingsriter, associate professor of education, nominated winner Tabitha Eutsler. “[Eutsler] is an outstanding student in the Education Department,” Kingsriter said. “She has a heart and passion both for teaching and preaching that has already served to make her a success in ministry. I have been impressed with her consistent Christian witness and her commitment to excellence in all she does.”
Todd Simon, senior government major
Todd Simon was recommended by Dr. Lew Hall, professor of social sciences. “[Simon] is one who loves the Lord with all his heart, and his actions with others proves his dedication to God,” Hall said. “[Simon] is a constant blessing to me and a good example of Christian character. He is my highest recommendation.”
Janna Fosterling, junior social work major
Janna Fosterling also received an award. “In the four years I have known [Fosterling], I have come to admire and respect her,” Shawna White, Lewis Hall resident director, said through tears during the ceremony. White spoke of Fosterling’s ministry in Africa last summer, describing how, when a bus she traveled in was ambushed, Fosterling offered medical attention to injured passengers and remained with them rather than accepting an opportunity be taken out of harm’s way. “This attitude permeates all of [Fosterling’s] life,” White said. “She has been an example of what a Christian young person should be.”
Kendra Larson, sophomore music industry major
Kendra Larson was nominated by Brittany Jones for her daily example of Christ’s love to others. “Not only does she keep an impeccable academic standard, but she finds time to brighten the day of anyone she comes in contact with,” Jones said. “Kendra is a ray of sunshine is Spence Hall; we are truly blessed to have her here providing an example for others.”
Natalie Asahara, senior biblical studies and elementary education double major
Amanda Pryor, senior marketing major
Dr. Fred Fortunato, associate professor of science and technology, nominated Natalie Asahara and Amanda Pryor because of their commitment to coaching Teen Bible Quiz at James River Assembly of God for the past several years. “They bring their love for God’s word along with the expertise to guide teens in a deeper pursuit of the scripture,” Fortunato said. “I commend them for their willingness to disciple, mentor and teach some of our young people to better prepare them for their future ministry callings.”
Valerie Wonner, senior biblical studies major
Valerie Wonner received the Silver Shield award after being nominated by Dr. Wave Nunnally, professor of theology. “[Wonner] is an excellent role model in the areas of academics, spiritual commitment, involvement and hard work,” Nunnally said. Wonner carries a high GPA, participates in student ministry and missions trips and is a work study in the Theology Department. “She desires to be a pastor—a position where she will show real leadership. “I can think of no other student who is more deserving of this award,” Nunnally said.
Kate Prentice, senior nursing major
Dawn Neal, assistant professor of health, physical education and recreation, nominated Kate Prentice, senior, for the award. As a sophomore, Prentice tore her ACL, but “approached that injury with determination, much like she approaches anything that comes in her direction.” Neal described the “undeniably beautiful faith” Prentice demonstrated throughout her recovery and how, even after a similar injury during her senior year, Prentice used her injury to bring glory to God. “She is a true testament of the will that God has given to the human heart,” Neal said. “Kate has the heart of a champion.”
Danielle Pagnanella, senior early childhood and elementary education double major
Danielle Pagnanella, another recipient, “is a young woman following after God’s own heart,” Casey Shank, Burgess Hall residence director, said in her nomination. “She loves people and has a passion to see them love her God like she does.” Pagnanella acted on a vision to see fellow student grow closer to God when she developed “24,” the monthly 24-hour prayer meeting held in the Chapel. “Because of [Pagnanella] faith in action, our campus is stirring with a revived expectancy to see God move.”
Michael Bielefeld, senior biblical studies major
Michael Bielefeld, senior, was nominated by Capt. Craig Hasley, assistant professor of military science, and Dr. David Bundrick, vice president for student development. “Bielefeld exudes the qualities of a future military leader,” Hasley said. “He has excelled in all facets of student life, and he will continue to prosper, serve and lead as a U.S. Army Chaplain.”
“[Bielefeld] exhibits those marks of Christian character and service that make him a model for others, and which will make us proud of him as an EU alumnus,” Bundrick said.
Concluding Remarks
Spence concluded the luncheon with an address to students and their parents. “We are so thankful that we have had the opportunity to be involved with such outstanding young people,” he said. “We wish an event like this could be held in a venue where everyone could hear these wonderful reports, but then again, you’ve been nominated because people have seen your incredible impact. And we are very proud of you.”
Republished with permission from The Lance, Evangel University's student-produced newspaper. Article originally published March 28, 2008, Vol. 53, Issue 24.