Each semester, Nossi College of Art & Design takes time to pause and recognize the students who have gone above and beyond — in their craft, their character, and their commitment to growth. The Student Awards Ceremony is one of our favorite traditions, and a fitting way to close out another incredible semester.
This spring, the ceremony followed the Spring 2026 Senior Exhibition, bringing together students, faculty, and guests to honor nominees and winners from across all programs. Instructors cast votes by program, with ballots tallied to ensure every area of study is represented in the recognition.
ACADEMIC ENGAGEMENT AWARD
Students who show an extra amount of interest in class. Ask questions and participate in class activities.
GRAPHIC DESIGN NOMINEES: Takia Matthews, Kathryn Conde, Autumn Rolfe, and Allen Scott
GRAPHIC DESIGN WINNER: Kathryn Conde
ILLUSTRATION TECHNOLOGIES NOMINEES: Ian Andreasen, Kate Stone, Sara Headley, and Sara Winnett
ILLUSTRATION TECHNOLOGIES WINNER: Kate Stone
PHOTOGRAPHY NOMINEES: Megan Veldman and Ryleigh Thomas
PHOTOGRAPHY WINNER: Ryleigh Thomas
VIDEOGRAPHY & FILMMAKING NOMINEES: Nahdyeli Yambo Bultron, Katherine Paul, Chase Stovall, and Matea Dailey
VIDEOGRAPHY & FILMMAKING WINNER: Matea Dailey
CULINARY ARTS NOMINEES: Tessa Norwood, Tracy Larkin, Victoria Pirozzolo, and Zachary Nicholson
CULINARY ARTS WINNER: Tracy Larkin
MOST IMPROVED AWARD
Student shows an extra amount of interest in class. Asks questions and participates in class activities.
GRAPHIC DESIGN NOMINEES: Andrew LaRue, Jorge Villalobos, and Zachary Baker
GRAPHIC DESIGN WINNER: Andrew LaRue
ILLUSTRATION TECHNOLOGIES NOMINEES: Michael Gullatte, Xavier Williams, Luke Jordan, and Summer Elkins
ILLUSTRATION TECHNOLOGIES WINNER: Xavier Williams
PHOTOGRAPHY NOMINEES: Hadyn Hunter and Kennedee Read
PHOTOGRAPHY WINNER: Kennedee Read
VIDEOGRAPHY & FILMMAKING NOMINEES: Ty’Aire De’Armond and Dashaun Hancock
VIDEOGRAPHY & FILMMAKING WINNER: Ty'Aire De'Armond
CULINARY ARTS NOMINEES: Kamron McAnally, Wyatt Riley, and LaWayne Ruffin
CULINARY ARTS WINNER: Kamron McAnally
NOSSI AMBASSADOR AWARD
This award goes to a student who represents the College’s highest standards and has made extra efforts to get involved in further education and community partnerships outside of the classroom. This can be through any combination of community service, professional paid projects in their field of study, or other school-sponsored activities, such as clubs.
Chosen by a select committee of staff members who are involved in these endeavors.
WINNER: Kathryn Conde - Graphic Design
CULINARY AMBASSADOR AWARD
This award goes to a student who represents the College’s highest standards and has made extra efforts to get involved in further education and community partnerships outside of the classroom. This can be through any combination of community service, professional paid projects in their field of study, or other school-sponsored activities, such as clubs.
Chosen by a select committee of staff members who are involved in these endeavors.
WINNERS: Conner Webb and Veronica Robertson
PERSEVERANCE RECOGNITION
This award recognizes a student who has overcome extreme difficulties and challenges to persist and succeed in their college endeavor.
WINNER: Kailey Dupriest – Graphic Design
EXCELLENT STUDENT AWARD
A graduating student who has a GPA of at least 3.0 and exemplifies outstanding academic achievement, fully participates in the classroom and has a positive attitude about being a student.
WINNERS:
Torian Staggs – Graphic Design
Zoe Dean – Illustration
Megan Veldman – Photography
ACADEMIC ALLSTARS AWARD
This award goes to each graduating student with the highest grade point average in their program of study. The award is earned based totally on the student’s GPA.
WINNERS:
Torian Staggs - Graphic Design
Eda Gafur - Illustration Technologies
Olivia Theriot - Photography
MOST CREATIVE AWARD
Nominees are graduating seniors only. Selected students demonstrate the highest level of imagination and creativity from their respective programs.
WINNERS:
Torian Staggs - Graphic Design
Eda Gafur - Illustration Technologies
Anna Stanford - Photography
TALENT DISCOVERY AWARD
This award goes to a graduating senior in a 4-year program who stands out as the “Best of the Best” of extremely talented students.
WINNER: Megan Veldman - Photography
Congratulations to all of the nominated students and award recipients from the Spring 2026 semester!
SPRING 2026 AWARD PHOTOGRAPHY BY: DIVINA FERNANDO-EBLEN