Student Awards Banquet

 

            Recently I attended the student awards banquet that is held to honor students for their service to the college. Being involved in Student Senate this year acting as the vice-president, I was nominated for a Student Meritorious Award. Like I stated in my blog before I was saying how I wanted to spend my free time volunteering to a good cause, that’s exactly what I did. I never expected to be rewarded for my time, instead I felt good knowing that my spare time was spent wisely and will benefit in the future.

Distinguished Alumnus Award Recipient Mike Staral

            The awards banquet was held at The Camelot Golf Course in Lomira. This banquet includes all three campuses, Beaver Dam, West Bend, and Fond du Lac. A reception with hors d’ oeuvres began at 5:30, with dinner following at 6:00. The banquet began at 7:00 sharp. The first award went to Mike Staral the 2013 Distinguished Alumnus Award. He talked in his speech how he graduated from a technical college and how he has achieved success since then. It was very inspiring to see how a technical school grad like Mike made it to being a vice-president of a company, only from having a technical education. After Mike finished, everybody that was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society this year was asked to stand and be applauded for their hard work and dedication. I was able to stand and be applauded for my induction. The next award in the banquet was for MPACTE and MPFT scholarship recipients, as their names were called they walked across the stage at the front of the hall, shook hands with the President of Moraine Park, Dr. Sheila Ruhland and had their picture taken. The next award was for Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. This award was for second year students who have a GPA higher than 3.25 and are involved in extracurricular activities. They were called up, walked across the stage, shook hands with the president, and had their picture taken. Technical Achievement Awards were the next to be presented. This award is geared for one-year technical diploma students. Taken into consideration is GPA, participation in the classroom, and other contributions. After the last student walked off the stage, the next award up was the Meritorious Award.

 

The Meritorious Award is for students who have served the college through their leadership and participation in co-curricular activities such as being involved with Student Clubs, Student Government, or other volunteer opportunities. I myself was in this group and got to go up on stage in front of my peers, instructors, and family. It felt good being recognized for the time spent volunteering over the past year. After the final recipient walked off the stage they went on to honor those who have served their time being the presidents of Student Senate for each campus. After the recognition of the presidents of all three campuses, the District Student Ambassador Award Honors were up. This was a passing of the torch so to speak from one student ambassador to the future ambassador.

 

After the former and present ambassador did their secret handshake to act as the passing of the torch, that drew laughs from the audience; it then was time to present the student of the year award. Toni Griesmer was the recipient of this grand award. In his speech he talked about how he had come into college having a mediocre attitude, and finding out after his first day that he would have to have the right attitude towards college. Well he obviously found the right attitude because he was standing in front of us all receiving the Student of the Year Award and giving an inspiring speech.

            This banquet was another great way to see how being involved in your college has benefits. I honestly never knew of this or had wanted anything in return for my time volunteering at Moraine Park. My main goal was to just spend my free time wisely. Well I spent it wisely and in the end I got something in return which makes me feel a since of accomplishment towards my education knowing I’m on the right track. So don’t be afraid of getting involved in activities at MPTC. My experience has been nothing but a good experience. Our student involvement specialists at each campus are there to help you and guide you during your venture. MPTC is a great place to learn and a great place to get involved with!  

In picture above is members of Fond du Lac Student Senate who received awards along with our student life director at the very left, Sam. Serving as Vice-President for the last year here at MPTC for FDL Student Senate I'd like to say thank you to all the Senators for your participation and to Sam!