March 'Student of the Month' completes season's stellar lineup

Published 05.08.2020

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Pennsylvania College of Technology's Student Government Association has announced its final "Student of the Month" selections for 2019-20.



Kailey E. GawRounding out the roster for the academic year is Kailey E. Gaw, an early childhood education major from Herndon, who was in the midst of an internship at the Dunham Children's Learning Center when the college transitioned to online-only instruction in mid-March.

According to her nominator, an employee parent of a youngster at the center, Gaw's ready smile and calm demeanor show her dedication to "being the best version of herself."

"Kailey is always prompt to welcome us each morning as we come into the classroom and offer her assistance to the parents as needed," the nomination reads. "Seeing her in the hallways, with or without my son, she always says, 'Hello' and reassures me that he will have a great day. She knows each child’s needs and how to soothe them during hard times."

Gaw was applauded for the effort she invests in all she does, involvement in activities and interaction with each and every child.

"When Kailey communicates with the children, she gets down on their level and talks to them with a nice soft voice," the nominator continued. "I believe she has truly been a blessing, as are all the teachers at the learning center."

Nathaniel H. LyonFebruary's choice, welding and fabrication engineering technology student Nathaniel H. Lyon, is a familiar face on campus. In fact, his alumni nominator noted that Lyon has often been "the face of Penn College," appearing in a variety of media on behalf of  his major, the makerspace and the overall institution.

The lengthy nomination summarized a variety of Lyon's campus and community activities: The Fredericksburg resident just completed his second term as president of Penn College Cru, for instance; was a Resident Assistant and Presidential Student Ambassador in multiple years; a welding tutor; a member of the Pep Band, BAJA SAE and United Campus Ministry; and has been a frequent volunteer with the after-school program at Firetree Place.

"He has used every ounce of his time to deepen his faith, use his skills and character to help others, and be involved in every area on campus," the nominator wrote. "He does not take for granted these opportunities because they have allowed him to be a spokesperson for passion and dedication, a light to others, and a friend to those in times of need."

Joseph R. DietzChosen as the December/January "Student of the Month" was Joseph R. Dietz, of Bethel Park, majoring in construction management. And while his nomination was a concise one, it spoke volumes about the extraordinary impact of everyday gestures.

"Joe has exemplified as an outstanding student, guide and friend," a fellow student said. "Since Joe has come back from winter break, I witnessed him on multiple occasions go out of his way to assist underclassmen. I think this shows great character in an individual to ... simply ask how somebody is doing. I remember students doing this for me when I was a freshman, and a little advice or a small conversation carried a long way."

Victoria A. SosarNovember's choice was Victoria A. Sosar, a business administration: sport and event management concentration student from Berwick.

"Victoria is a member of the Penn College Business Club, for which she helps to organize and implement activities," her faculty nominator wrote. "She volunteered to help bake and sell apple dumplings to benefit victims of Hurricane Dorian and initiated Stress-Free Fridays on which a dog is brought in to allow students to decompress."

Sosar recently was the marketing intern for the School of Business & Hospitality, with extra duties such as working at Open Houses, coordinating and participating in school leadership presentations, and interacting closely with local Future Business Leaders of America chapters.

"Her leadership as a role model has been noticed by others within the school and she is often seen as the go-to person," the nominator continued. "Victoria has been preparing PowerPoints and presenting to local FBLA chapters in an effort to educate high school students on leadership, professional dress and success in college. She has truly stepped up to the plate in the last year. The tasks she has completed for the business office are exemplary and the efforts have not gone unnoticed."

The latest "Students of the Month" join 2019-20's earliest honoree, Regina M. Peluzzo, whose selection was announced in November.

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