A Night to Celebrate Student Impact

More than 150 students honored with OSWALDS

Pictured: Dr. Edwards on stage with this year's Penguin Award nominees, except Lindsey Quiroz whose injury prevented her from joining them on stage.

Every cohort of students brings special energy to campus. Driven by their passions, students start clubs to connect with and support others, bring unique perspectives to campus jobs, and excel academically. In the process, they learn how to bring their ideas to life and build relationships with others. Students inspire all of us with their achievements on campus. 

The Outstanding Students With Academic Leadership and Development Skills (OSAWLDS) Awards are an opportunity to recognize students who stand out. We hope recognition encourages students to continue contributing to their communities wherever they go after graduating from Clark. 
 
If you know a student on the list, please congratulate them next time you see them! 

OSWALDS Categories

Students are nominated by faculty and staff in five categories. 

• • The Penguin Award is given to a single student who exemplifies excellent leadership and service to the Clark College community. The winner is selected by a committee of staff and students. 
  • The Academic Awards are presented to students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their academic endeavors.  
  • The Outstanding Student Employee Awards are given to students who have an outstanding attitude toward work and build cooperative and collaborative relationships with others. 
  • The Outstanding Student in the Department Awards are given to students with outstanding course work who demonstrate intellectual pursuit and make extra efforts for the department.  
  • The ASCC Program Awards are given to students who offer service or leadership to programs outside of class. 

Penguin Award

Penguin Award nominees:

• • Elena Castillo 
  • Sadie Felger 
  • Sarika Kumar 
  • Tobias Nelson 
  • Lindsey Quiroz 
  • Paula Blower 
  • Savannah Patterson 

This year’s Penguin Award was presented to Lindsey Quiroz (pictured left with Dr. Edwards and Lindsey's daughter).
 
Her nominator wrote: “While raising two children as a single mother and pursuing a pre-nursing degree at Clark, she has made extraordinary contributions to our community. What sets her apart is not only her work ethic and ambition, but also her unwavering support, empathy, and commitment to others. 

“Lindsey has served as Vice President of Fellowship for Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) from 2024-2025 and, since 2025, as Chapter President. In both roles, she has consistently prioritized the Clark community. She spearheaded the PTK College Project in collaboration with Dr. Karin Edwards, distributing 100 backpacks filled with academic and community resources to high-need students. She also led the Honors in Action project, sharing stories of resilience from college graduates across campus. 

“Recognized as a member of the All-Washington Academic Team (2026) and a Coca-Cola Leader of Promise, she has also been accepted to Harvard University. More importantly, she inspires those around her—encouraging peers to pursue scholarships, apply to dream schools, and believe in their potential. Her story of resilience, shared at the State of the College Address, continues to uplift students across Clark and beyond.” 

Academic Awards

Outstanding Student Employee Awards

Outstanding Student in a Department Awards

Outstanding Student in an ASCC Club Awards

Photos: Clark College/Carly Rae Zent

Story by Carly Rae Zent, Digital Media Specialist, Communications and Marketing