Student of the Year

Students will complete the official Student of the Year Application, which includes the following elements:

Leadership Development Experience

• Describe how you have been involved in campus or college life this academic year (e.g., student club or organization member, student ambassador, peer mentor, student-athlete, work-study, etc.).
• Include where you were involved, when you participated, and how long you were engaged.

Event Participation

• List five in-person or virtual campus or Collegewide events you attended.
• Include the event name, date and location.

Community Service

• Upload your Community Service Verification form(s).
• Upload a separate form for each volunteer site (max. 10).

Personal Impact Statement

• Upload a minimum 500-word essay.
• Prompt: "How have you contributed to campus life, and how has your Tri-C experience outside of the classroom shaped you as a growing leader?"

Upload Two Letters of Recommendation

• One from a club advisor, coach or supervisor who can speak to your involvement and leadership development.
• One from a Tri-C faculty or staff member who can speak to your growth, character and engagement.

After submitting your application, you will prepare and deliver a five- to 15-minute Leadership Portfolio presentation showcasing your leadership journey.

Presentations can be submitted in the following formats:

• In person: PowerPoint, Canva, speech, poster board, printed portfolio, etc.
• Virtual: Prerecorded video submission OR Webex presentation. (If not presented live, detailed speaker notes must be included with submitted materials.)

Students must schedule their presentation with their campus Student Life Office in accordance with the timeframe set by the Student Life director.

Presentations must include:

Leadership Development Reflection

• Describe how you've developed as a leader through your involvement in activities such as student clubs, athletics, mentoring, campus jobs or other opportunities.
• Share what you contributed in these spaces — what you did, how you showed up, and how you supported others.
• What two to three leadership lessons did you learn from your experience this year?

Campus Event Engagement

• Highlight and briefly explain why each of the five events you attended was meaningful or impactful.
• Describe how these events supported your growth as a student leader.

Community Service Impact

• Where did you serve, what did you do, and when?
• Why was this service important to you?
• How did the experience shape your understanding of leadership?

Personal Impact Reflection

• Share how you plan to carry your leadership momentum forward after Tri-C.
• Reflect on how the individuals who wrote your recommendation letters supported your journey and growth.