Bethany College Honors Its Rising Stars

BETHANY, W.Va. – Bethany College Student Life on Friday honored students, clubs, faculty, and staff for their leadership and event programming during the fifth annual Rising Star Awards. The winners were announced via Instagram Live.

The 2020 honorees are:

• Student Leader of the Year: Hunter Bowman, of Wheeling, W.Va.
• Athletic Leader of the Year: Torben Grether, of Rheinfelden, Germany
• Silent Inspiration: Rachel Gantzer, of Morgantown, W.Va.
• Rising Star Award: Derek White Jr., of Portsmouth, Va.; Alaina Torres, of Lanexa, Va.; Abbey Dobbins, of Aliquippa, Pa.; Mohamed Elola, of Jersey City, N.J.; Ethan Young, of McMurray, Pa.; and Haley Bensinger, of Frederiskburg, Va.
• Community Service Award: Allison Paxton, of Canonsburg, Pa.
• Resident Adviser of the Year: Olivia Archer, of Wheeling, W.Va.
• Resident Adviser Rookie of the Year: Yasmeene Henderson, of Pittsburgh; and Evan Wachter, Needmore, Pa.
• Outstanding Service – Resident Advisers: Shae Reinbeau, of Wheeling, W.Va.
• Club Adviser of the Year: Dr. Harald Menz, German Club
• Exceptional Service to Students – Faculty: Dr. John Hull, professor of psychology
• Exceptional Service to Students – Staff: Justin Thomas, baseball coach
• Student Organization of the Year: Religion and Philosophy Club
• Greek Organization of the Year: Alpha Sigma Phi
• Outstanding Service – Men’s Athletic Team: Football
• Outstanding Service – Women’s Athletic Team: Softball
• Outstanding Service – Fraternity: Beta Theta Pi
• Outstanding Service – Women’s Greek Organization: Phi Mu
• Spirit of Service – Clubs and Organizations: Social Awareness Club
• Spirit of Service – Clubs and Organizations: Pre-Health Club
• Spirit of Service – Academic Group: Social Work Program
• Spirit of Service Honorable Mention – Academic Group: Education Department
• Spirit of Service – Administrative Support Group: Student Activities
• Outstanding Fundraising Efforts ($3000+): Beta Theta Pi
• Outstanding Fundraising Efforts Honorable Mention ($500+): Social Awareness Club

ABOUT BETHANY COLLEGE

Bethany College, founded in 1840, is the oldest private college in West Virginia. The Bethany experience focuses on academic excellence in the area of liberal arts and prepares students for a lifetime of work and a life of significance.