Mustang Awards

Justin Hardman

Outstanding Graduate 2019-2020

The Outstanding Graduate is selected by a committee each year. This year, a committee of 10 employees, that included Administrators, Professionals, Faculty, and Staff from multiple areas of campus. The nomination criteria and scoring rubric consists of the students involvement on campus, leadership roles, positive impact on other students, and their ability to positively represent Western in the future.

Justin was involved in a variety of activities around campus. He was the President of the Be Legit Club and was heavily involved with Theater and Music throughout his time at Western. He reached out to other students and encouraged them to participate in clubs and activities around campus. Justin always went out of his way to make sure that all students at Western felt supported and welcomed, when they were not sure where they fit in. Additionally, Justin served in a leadership role last summer as the Music Director in the BOCES youth production of the Wizard of Oz. Through this role he positively impacted the lives of several youth in our community by sharing his love and enthusiasm for the performing arts. Justin continually contributed to the culture of diversity and inclusivity at Western. His work with Be Legit contributed to an inclusive campus that is accepting of all students.

Jason Barnett, Instructor of Mathematics

Innovative Educator of the Year

The award winner embeds innovation in their instructional practice to create a more collaborative, student-centered, and active learning experience, thereby demonstrating connectedness with students and their learning.

“He is constantly coming up with creative ideas to make math entertaining and more understandable. He sings songs about formulas to help us memorize them, he draws cartoons to show us examples. He has great instruction methods and would be a great choice for this award,” stated a student nomination form.

Aysha Johnson - Fabian Martinez - Jennifer Warpness

PTK Recipients 2019-2020

Phi Theta Kappa are degree-seeking students who complete a minimum of twelve credit hours with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.5 are eligible for membership. Students must follow established Phi Theta Kappa guidelines in order to join the organization. Once a student is a member, a 3.25 semester GPA must be obtained in order to remain a member.

AYSHA JOHNSON - Aysha is from Fort Bridger, Wyoming. She was involved in Phi Theta Kappa and LDSSA. Aysha’s major was Communication and will transfer next year. FABIAN MARTINEZ - Fabian is from Rock Springs, Wyoming. He was involved in Phi Theta Kappa, Dance Club, Honor Program, NSLS, was a marketing intern and Student Ambassador. Fabian also served as the President of Eco Club. Fabian’s major was Communication and plans to transfer next year. JENNIFER WARPNESS - Jennifer is from Rock Springs, Wyoming. She was involved in Phi Theta Kappa and the Student Nurse Association. Jennifer’s major was Nursing and will enter the workforce after graduation.