Several students were recognized by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life for their commitment to community engagement and service.
The Kernodle Center for Civic Life honored exceptional student-leaders during its annual Cheers! event in April. During the event, students, faculty and community partners are recognized for their commitment to community engagement and service.
This event is a full circle moment for the Kernodle Center as gratitude is expressed to the seniors who have made an impact on Elon Volunteers! as well as inspiring freshmen within Elon Volunteers! to further their involvement to make a lasting impact.
Mary Morrison Spirit of Elon Volunteers! Award
Sophia Del Priore ’25
The Mary Morrison Spirit of Elon Volunteers! Award honors the former assistant dean of Campus Life and director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life in recognition of her career and more than 40 years of dedication to public service and higher education. The students who receive this award exceed the expectations of student leadership and exemplify the values of the Kernodle Center.
Del Priore was awarded this honor for her work with the Alternative Break program as a participant and student leader and for serving as an office manager this past summer. Del Priore’s bright presence and positive spirit through her work with community development in and out of the country is why she was recognized for the Mary Morrison Spirit of Elon Volunteers! award. Del Priore ‘25 was honored to be acknowledged and stated,
“Volunteering through the Kernodle Center has given me more than I ever expected—purpose, perspective and a sense of community,” said Del Priore. “Being recognized for something that has given so much to me is an incredible special full-circle moment.”
Chaplain Richard McBride Vision Award
Bo Dalrymple ‘25, Lindsay Bialecki ‘25, Allison Durand ‘25, Emily Stuart ‘25 and Jackson Fender ‘25
The Elon Votes! team was recognized for their exceptional work in keeping the Elon community informed and supported throughout the voting process with the Chaplain Richard McBride Vision Award. The Chaplain Richard McBride Vision Award was created as a tribute to honor the visionary behind Elon Volunteers! It is presented to student leaders who exemplify “the Chaplain’s spirit” – moving community engagement from an attitude of mind and heart, to action in true collaboration with others.
“Elon Votes and the Kernodle Center have been such a light in my life, and the people on our team are the main reason why,” said Bialecki. “I feel so honored to have our work recognized and take a moment to look back at what we were able to do in 2024 and what we will continue to do in future elections.”
Emerging Student Leader Award
Julia Degenova ‘27 , Molly Lorden ‘27, Sofia Barnes ‘28, Jordan Huff ‘26, Leah Brooker ‘27 and Aidan Fishkind ‘27
Five students received the Emerging Student Leader Award, meant to inspire and acknowledge the newer student leaders in the Kernodle Center to continue the meaningful work they are doing with the office and the Alamance County community.
“This award is truly an honor for me, especially as a freshman who is just getting started at Kernodle,” said Sophia Barnes, a new service ambassador. “It makes me excited to keep working within the office over the next few years and keep building relationships within the office since we truly are like one big family.”
“This was my first time attending EV! Cheers, and it was a very special evening,” said Aidan Fishkind. “I am used to only seeing my fellow EV! Leaders at volunteer events and Institutes, so having a more formal event was very refreshing. Thank you to everyone who helped organize this event, and thank you to all of my peers for giving us infinite reasons to celebrate.”