Our members participate in volunteer events and take part in a wide range of community service initiatives. Upon graduation, they apply the interpersonal skills they've acquired to start businesses, pursue promotions, and more, using what they have learned to Build Leaders Who Make a Better World.
Check out the headlines made by NSLS members who used their leadership skills to level up in their careers, earn outstanding academic honors, and help make a positive impact on their communities this month.
NSLS Member Earns Student of the Year Honors
Tuchondriana Smith, Alabama State University, earned the highest recognition at her school. Named the 2025–26 George H. Andrews Student of the Year, Smith stood out for her academic performance, leadership, and resilience.
Maintaining a 4.0 GPA in mechanical engineering, she balanced rigorous coursework with leadership roles across campus, including involvement in the Student Government Association and mentoring peers through the Hornet to Hornet program.
Her experience extends beyond campus as well, from attending a leadership academy in Washington, D.C., to gaining hands-on industry experience through engineering internships. With another opportunity ahead at Caterpillar this summer, Smith continues to build a strong foundation for her future in engineering.
Read More from Alabama State University >>
Finance Scholar Named Top Graduate in Business Administration
Kassidy Jazmine Hernandez, National Online Chapter, has been named a recipient of Valdosta State University's Spring 2026 President's Award for Academic Excellence for the Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration.
Graduating summa cum laude, Hernandez completed dual degrees in finance and applied economics, along with a minor in applied mathematics and a certificate in data science. Her commitment to excellence extended beyond academics, with involvement in research presentations, student ambassador work, and community volunteering.
She also made her mark as a member of the university's Red Hots dance team, contributing to national championship wins and earning All-American recognition.
Following graduation, Hernandez will join the Marriott International Voyage Program, where she will continue developing leadership skills in a professional setting while preparing for a future as a credentialed actuary.
Read More from Valdosta State University >>
National Recognition Highlights Impact in Technical Education
Matthew Lemaster, University of Arkansas, was recognized nationally for his work as an educator. Named one of the top 25 HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) instructors in the United States, Lemaster is helping shape the next generation of skilled professionals in a growing field.
In just a few years as an assistant teaching professor at the University of Arkansas–Pulaski Technical College, he has focused on preparing students for immediate success in the workforce, emphasizing practical skills and real-world readiness.
Alongside his teaching role, Lemaster is pursuing a master's degree in education, where he continues to excel academically, maintaining a 4.0 GPA.
Celebrated Art Exhibit Explores Storytelling Through Nature and Design
Mattie Green, Ferrum College, recently brought her creative vision to life through her senior exhibition, Pixels and Pages, a multimedia exploration of storytelling rooted in the Appalachian landscape.
Blending photography, poetry, memoir, and digital design, Green's work reflects themes of transformation, resilience, and the overlooked details of everyday environments. Her artistic approach highlights the intersection of nature and human presence, drawing attention to moments often left unseen.
A multi-disciplinary creative, Green has also taken on leadership roles on campus, serving as editor-in-chief of the Chrysalis Literary and Arts Magazine and president of the Art & Media Club. She will graduate this May with degrees in marketing and graphic design.
Read More from Ferrum College >>
Community Impact, Academic Excellence Lead to Statewide Recognition
Ashley Edgar, Mineral Area College, has been named to Phi Theta Kappa's All-Missouri Academic Team, honoring her achievements in academics, leadership, and service.
Alongside strong academic performance and consistent Dean's List recognition, Edgar played a key role in a campus outreach initiative that expanded community partnerships and increased support for deployed service members.
As she prepares to graduate with an associate degree, Edgar plans to continue her academic journey in geological engineering, building on a foundation shaped by both leadership and service.
Read More at the Daily Journal >>
Other NSLS Members Receiving Recognition This Month:
Amanda Hayes, University of Virginia's College at Wise, stepped into a unique leadership opportunity by serving as chancellor for a day, gaining firsthand insight into campus leadership and decision-making. Full Story >>
Parth (Pete) Singh, Pace University, was featured by his university, showcasing how his role as treasurer and involvement in the NSLS helped shape his perspective on accountability, growth, and leading with intention. Full Story >>
Amy Lynn Onesty, National Online Chapter, earned recognition from Influential Women as an emerging digital marketing professional while continuing her studies at Full Sail University, building a foundation in strategic storytelling and audience engagement while also launching her own podcast. Full Story >>
Almaza Farhat, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, an Honors Program student, was featured by her university for her academic focus in sociology and psychology, driven by a passion for helping others. Full Story >>
