The Miles Community College 2008-2009 Spring Academic Awards Banquet was held Friday evening, April 3 at the Miles City Range Riders. Student Senate President Kristina Murnin and Vice President Shannon Hildreth served as Masters of Ceremony. Miles Community College President Stefani Hicswa gave the welcome and introductions.

There was a Phi Theta Kappa honor society induction ceremony for 11 new inductees led by Miles Community College Communication Arts Instructor, George Dickie, and Business instructor Kristy Atwood. Phi Theta Kappa Officers for the 2008-09 year are President Jennifer Bartholomew (Fall 2008) and Jared Boles (Spring 2009), Vice-President Emilee Barnhart, Fundraising Rick Abbott, and Public Relations Kristina Murnin. Presentations were given to the following new members: Amanda Swope, Ashley Hankins, Brandon Bawden, Brandon Robbins, Erin Hurley, Heather Certain, Joseph Murnin, Laura Penrod, Molly Christianson, Rachael Denby, and Sarah Amsden.

President Stefani Hicswa recognized the Valedictorians for the Miles Community College graduating class of 2009 as Rick Abbott and Jared Boles. Margaret Hegel is the Salutatorian. Honor graduates (3.75 or above) are Heather Certain, Jennifer Fladager, Karla Kowalski, Garrett Larson, Robin McDevitt, Trista Miller, Rebecca Pritschet, and Wendi Simpson.

Who's Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges for 2008-2009 were recognized and listed by Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Garth Sleight as: Kelsey Anderson, Brandon Bawden, Jared Boles, Thomas Boyce, Kristen Cayton, Heather Certain, Karissa Chapmon, Rachael Denby, Lindsey Doan, Ronnie Estes, Trent Fildes, Jennifer Fladager, Clayton Flood, Amanda Forman, Margaret Hegel, Shannon Hildreth, Nicole Ickes, Karla Kowalski, Garrett Larson, Marni Magnuson, Robin McDevitt, Trista Miller, Wendi Simpson, and Julie Weninger.

Student Senate presentations were given by Miles Community College Science instructor and faculty advisor, Elizabeth Lawrence, and Coordinator of Admissions and Student Life Brenda Little. Student Senate members recognized are President Kristina Murnin, Vice-President Shannon Hildreth, Secretary Jozelle Fordyce, and Treasurer Zach Johnson. Freshman and sophomore representatives are Joseph Murnin, Ty Tescher, Shantel Lett, Kyla Sieler, Keshia Kailey, Allison Smith, and Lindsey Doan. Miles Community College student organization representatives are: Kristina Murnin (Phi Theta Kappa), Sasha Erlenbusch (Non-Traditional), Alix Wittmayer (Agriculture Club), Cody Burkholder (Rodeo Club), and Zane Roberts (Student Ambassadors).

Erin Niedge, Enrollment Specialist, presented awards to the 2008-2009 Miles Community College Student Ambassadors, a group of students that are utilized for recruitment activities. The Student Ambassadors include President Emilee Barnhart, Vice-President Joseph Murnin, Secretary Alix Wittmayer, and Treasurer Khyrsten Pitcher. Other Ambassadors recognized are Zane Roberts, Jared Boles, Shantel Lett, Treg Caffee, Kristina Murnin, Cody Burkholder, Derek Danhof, and Kasey Stanton.

Jessie Dufner, Director of Enrollment Services, presented the Montana University System Community College Honors Scholarship awards to Rick Abbott and Jared Boles.

The 2008-2009 Humanitarian Award was presented to Rick Abbott by MCC History and Humanities Instructor Robin Gerber and Math Instructor Jinho Jung.

Elizabeth Lawrence, Science instructor, and Brenda Little, Student Life Coordinator introduced student resident advisors for the 2008-09 academic year. Resident Advisors and Assistant Advisors are Cameron Martell, Brandon Bawden, Shantel Lett, Derek Danhof, Tanner Steinke, Samantha Brauer, Clint Kruger, and Alix Wittmayer.

Darren Pitcher, Student Services Dean, presented the Outstanding Graduate awards to the following students: Derek Danhof for the Professional-Technical Division and Rick Abbott for the Arts and Sciences Division.

Miles Community College Agriculture Instructor and faculty advisor, Josh Stroh, presented awards to Agriculture Club officers President Eric Losing, Vice-President McKenzie Dowse, Treasurer Megan Murnin, and Secretary Ashley Ozark.

The MCC Players student drama group also presented an excerpt from "The Treasure of the Family Halligan" to be held April 17-19 at the Miles City Veteran's Administration Hospital Auditorium.

Approximately 150 students, employees, and families attended the event.