Student-Workers-and-Supervisors-Honored-at-W-Awards.php

Student Workers and Supervisors Honored at W Awards

• Students
• 05/14/2026

The W Awards kicked off an annual celebration on Monday, May 12, 2026 recognizing outstanding student employees and their supervisors for excellence, growth, reliability, service, and positive impact on campus.

 

More than 50 people gathered to share ice cream, play a few party games and hand out well-deserved awards for student workers and supervisors chosen by a panel of six anonymous judges from outside the Career Services office.

 

Alex Luft, Director of Career Services and Job Placement shared the purpose for the W Awards. “The idea for the W Awards came from one of our own student workers, Mohammed Alzubaidi,” he continued. “Mohammed wanted to take a little time at the end of the semester to thank the student workers who make the RVC community such a fruitful place for professional development. I’m in awe of the work of our students and their supervisors who are every day making our Student Employment program one of the most successful community college programs in the state.”

 

Student Worker of the Year

Maile Olsen

Given to the student worker who has consistently shown outstanding dedication, professionalism, and a positive attitude throughout the entire year. This student goes above and beyond in all duties and represents the best of what a student worker can be.

 

Rising Star Award

Paige Niemiec

Recognizes a student worker who has shown the most improvement and personal growth since joining the team. This person may have started with limited experience but worked hard to develop new skills and improve their performance.

 

Reliability Rock Award

Darlyn Diaz-Herrera

Awarded to the student worker who shows up every shift on time, never misses work without proper notice, and is always the person supervisors can count on. Reliability is their superpower.

 

Customer Service Champion

Sabine Salgado

For the student worker who always makes people feel welcomed and valued. This person handles interactions with patience, kindness, and professionalism, making a lasting positive impression on everyone they encounter.

 

Innovation and Initiative Award

Madeline Mahan

Given to the student worker who thinks outside the box, proposes creative solutions, and takes initiative to improve processes or help without being asked. This person is a natural problem-solver and self-starter.

 

Teamwork Award

Alissa Roush

For the student worker who excels at working with others, supports teammates, and puts the success of the group above personal recognition. This person is the glue that holds the team together.

 

Energy Fireball Award

Charles Hopper

A fun award for the student worker who brings the most positive energy and enthusiasm to every single shift. This person lights up the room, keeps morale high, and makes work fun for everyone around them.

 

Tech Guru Award

Justin Dietrich

A fun award for the student worker who solves every tech problem, knows all the shortcuts, and is the first person everyone calls when something breaks. Their technical knowledge is invaluable to the team.

 

Walking Encyclopedia Award

Nori Cecil Barnes

A fun award for the student worker who knows the answer to every question — campus policies, office procedures, professor names, building locations — you name it. If you need to know something, ask this person.

 

Super Snacker Award

Noah Benney

A lighthearted, fun award for the student worker who always seems to have snacks ready to share, keeps the team fueled, and never lets anyone go hungry during a long shift. The office MVP in a whole different way.

 

Supervisor of the Year Award

Amanda Zika

Given to the supervisor who leads by example, creates a positive and supportive work environment, and genuinely invests in the success and growth of student workers. This supervisor is approachable, fair, and truly inspiring.

 

Outstanding Mentor Award

Lukas Wenner

For the supervisor who goes beyond managing to truly mentor — providing guidance, sharing wisdom, offering career advice, and taking a genuine interest in each student worker's personal and professional development.

 

Student Development Champion

Emma Toole

Recognizes the supervisor who goes above and beyond to accommodate student workers' academic schedules and also actively champions the growth and career development of every student on their team. They balance flexibility with high expectations.

 

The event highlighted the important role student employees and supervisors play in creating a welcoming and supportive campus community at Rock Valley College.