HES Student AwardsFriday, April 26, the School of Human Environmental Sciences recognized eleven outstanding students through the presentation of the 2013 Student of Excellence and Student of Distinction Awards. The awards program was established in 2006. Faculty from each department nominate exceptional students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Outstanding undergraduates are nominated based on academic excellence, leadership, and service in the School of Human Environmental Sciences. Exceptional graduate students are nominated based on their research or creative works, leadership and service in the School. Undergraduate Student of Excellence honorees are selected for each degree program. Graduate Student of Excellence honorees are selected at each degree level within each department. Overall Student of Distinction honors are presented at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

The 2013 Student of Excellence recipients were:
•Rachel Madden, Undergraduate Student of Excellence for Family Sciences


•Morgan Whitney, Undergraduate Student of Excellence for Hospitality Management and Tourism


•Meredith Gross, Undergraduate Student of Excellence for Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles


•Bailey Greene, Undergraduate Student of Excellence for Dietetics


•Agnes Machaty, Master’s Student of Excellence for the Department of Family Sciences


•Martha Perry, Doctoral Student of Excellence for the Department of Family Sciences


•Meredith Cinnamon, Graduate Student of Excellence for the Department of Merchandising, Apparel and Textiles


•Sarah Lewis, Master’s Student of Excellence for the Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition

Blake and Brett Dickens were named the 2013 Undergraduate Students of Distinction. Both are seniors majoring in human nutrition. Blake and Brett are twin brothers from Philpot, Kentucky and are the sons of Joey and Vicky Dickens.

Blake Dickens has maintained an excellent academic standing and received various undergraduate scholarships. He has been very active in extracurricular and service activities, including volunteering one to two mornings each week with the Refuge Medical Clinic in Lexington. In 2011, Blake served as agency and community involvement coordinator for UK Fusion, UK’s largest community service activity each year. He has been active an active member of UK’s Pre-Dental Society, serving as vice president last year and president this year. Blake has been accepted into the UK College of Dentistry Class of 2017.

Brett Dickens has excelled as an undergraduate. He was honored by the UK College of Agriculture Student Council and by Gamma Sigma Delta Honor Society as one of this year’s Outstanding Seniors in the College of Agriculture. Brett has maintained an excellent academic standing. He has been active in the UK Pre-Med Activities Council for three years, serving as president of the group for two years. Since 2010, Brett has worked as a nursing care technician in the UK Emergency Department. He has been selected for early admission into the UK College of Medicine.

Laura Frey was recognized as the 2013 Graduate Student of Distinction. Laura is a doctoral student in family sciences. She has proven herself as an accomplished student, researcher and scholar. Laura has a strong record of productivity as a graduate student. She has co-authored one peer-reviewed journal manuscript currently submitted for review, one peer-reviewed journal article in press, two peer-reviewed journal articles published, two Extension publications published, 10 presentations submitted for review for upcoming conferences, and 15 peer-reviewed or invited presentations. Laura has worked as a teaching assistant, research assistant and instructor in the Department of Family Sciences and has been recognized by faculty as an exemplary graduate student.

In addition to the student of excellence and student of distinction recipients, the School of Human Environmental Sciences honored twelve additional students.
•Kelly Sorge and Megan Ferrell received the Lily S. Chow Award of Excellence. The award recognizes outstanding juniors in the Department of Nutrition and Food Science and is based upon academic achievement, campus involvement and professional potential. Kelly is a junior in dietetics, and is active with the Student Dietetics Association. Her volunteer work includes Ronald McDonald House and Good Foods Co-op. Megan is a junior in human nutrition. She is a member of the UK Student Dietetic Association, Delta Iota Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and the UK Pre-Physician Assistant Club.

  • Amy Cooper and Brett Dickens were recognized for honors received in the College of Agriculture. Both were named Senior Students of Excellence by the College of Agriculture Student Council and Outstanding Seniors by Gamma Sigma Delta. Amy is a senior in family and consumer science education and Brett is a senior in human nutrition.

  • Monica Fowler, a recent graduate with a Master of Science in Dietetics and Hospitality Administration, was recognized for receiving the Gamma Sigma Delta Outstanding Master’s Student Award. Monica completed her degree in December 2012.

  • Meredith Cinnamon, a master’s student in merchandising, apparel and textiles, was honored for a recent graduate student award. She received first place in the Herman and Myrtle Student Paper Competition at the American Association of Textile Colorists and Chemists International Conference.

  • Samarie Walker, a junior in merchandising, apparel and textiles, was recognized for her accomplishments as a student-athlete. Samarie received Southeastern Conference honors as a member of the All-Defensive Team and the All-SEC 2nd Team for women’s basketball.

  • Rachael Chihak, a senior in family sciences, was honored for receiving the Kentucky Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Outstanding Student Award. She has played an active role in revitalizing the UK student unit of the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

  • Four students selected as College of Agriculture Ambassadors for 2013-2014 were introduced. Kayla Brackman is a sophomore in human nutrition/pre-pharmacy from Jackson, Ohio. Kenya Frazier is a sophomore with a double-major in family sciences and psychology from Louisville, Kentucky. Christa Childers, a native of Lexington, Kentucky is a senior majoring in dietetics. Kenyatta Frazier is a senior in dietetics from Houston, Texas. All four will represent the college and the School of HES through their role as ambassadors in the upcoming academic year.

Congratulations to all our outstanding students!