Each semester, Nossi College of Art & Design takes time to pause and recognize the students who have gone above and beyond in their craft, character, and 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 Summer 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
Recognizes a student who shows an extra amount of interest in class — asking questions and fully participating in class activities.
GRAPHIC DESIGN NOMINEES: Hieu Phung Tran, Allen Scott, Jeramy De Luna, and Ryan Gardenhire
GRAPHIC DESIGN WINNER: Hieu Phung Tran
ILLUSTRATION TECHNOLOGIES NOMINEES: Sarah Spraggins, Dillan Rose, Madison Allen, Savannah Sheffer, and Sara Headley
ILLUSTRATION TECHNOLOGIES WINNER: Dillan Rose
PHOTOGRAPHY NOMINEES: Leidys Ruiz Maldonado and Abigail Lee
PHOTOGRAPHY WINNER: Abigail Lee
VIDEOGRAPHY & FILMMAKING NOMINEES: Zane Taplin and William Austin
VIDEOGRAPHY & FILMMAKING WINNER: William Austin
CULINARY ARTS NOMINEES: Lamar Farooq, Allison Boyland, Poppy McWhorter, Jeffrey Beatty Jr., and Pendleton Acree
CULINARY ARTS WINNER: Pendleton Acree
MOST IMPROVED AWARD
Honors a student who has shown the greatest growth in skill, focus, and craft over the course of their program.
GRAPHIC DESIGN NOMINEES: Andrew LaRue, Cole Page, Olivia Haliulin, and Allen Scott
GRAPHIC DESIGN WINNER: Andrew LaRue
ILLUSTRATION TECHNOLOGIES NOMINEES: Amaia Monroy García, Keith Chavez, Sophia Silva Zanolini, Ella Witten, and Ethan Sanchez
ILLUSTRATION TECHNOLOGIES WINNER: Ella Witten
PHOTOGRAPHY NOMINEES: Aaliyah Britton and Trista Smith
PHOTOGRAPHY WINNER: Trista Smith
VIDEOGRAPHY & FILMMAKING NOMINEES: Zane Taplin and Jessie Kortuem
VIDEOGRAPHY & FILMMAKING WINNER: Jessie Kortuem
CULINARY ARTS NOMINEES: Addison Richmond, Melonie Wicker, Poppy McWhorter, and Lamar Farooq
CULINARY ARTS WINNER: Melonie Wicker
NOSSI AMBASSADOR AWARD
Given to a student who represents the College’s highest standards and reaches beyond the classroom — through community service, professional projects, and school-sponsored activities. Chosen by a select committee of staff.
WINNER: CJ Webb - Culinary Arts
PERSEVERANCE RECOGNITION
Honors a student who has overcome extreme difficulties and challenges to persist and succeed in their college endeavor.
WINNER: Zachary Nicholson - Culinary Arts
EXCELLENT STUDENT AWARD
A graduating student with a GPA of at least 3.0 who exemplifies outstanding academic achievement, participates fully in the classroom, and brings a positive attitude to their studies.
WINNERS:
Vincent Pitts - Culinary Arts
Anne Meegan – Illustration
ACADEMIC ALLSTARS AWARD
Awarded to the graduating student with the highest grade point average in each program of study. Earned entirely on GPA.
WINNERS:
Veronica Robertson - Culinary Arts
Kate Conde - Graphic Design
Anne Meegan - Illustration
MOST CREATIVE AWARD
For graduating seniors who demonstrate the highest level of imagination and creativity from their respective programs.
WINNERS:
Anna Palmer - Culinary Arts
Kat Conde - Graphic Design
Anne Meegan - Illustration
Emma Beck - Photography
TOP CHEF
Awarded to a graduating senior in a two-year program who stands out as the “Best of the Best” among our most talented students.
Sponsored and Presented by: First Citizens Bank
WINNER: Vincent Pitts - Culinary Arts
Culinary Spotlight Awards
Elite Culinarian - Best food at the Summer Senior Exhibition.
WINNER: Erik Langworthy
Educational Top Gun - Best business plan at the Summer Senior Exhibition
WINNER: Zachary Nicholson
Best of Show Runner Up
WINNER: Veronica Robertson
Best of Show
WINNER: Anna Palmer
TALENT DISCOVERY AWARD
Awarded to a graduating senior in a four-year program who stands out as the “Best of the Best” among our most talented students.
Sponsored and Presented by: First Citizens Bank
Congratulations on an outstanding body of work - the very best of Nossi Graphic Design
WINNER: Kat Conde - Graphic Design
Congratulations to all of the nominated students and award recipients from the Summer 2026 semester!
SUMMER 2026 AWARD PHOTOGRAPHY BY: DIVINA FERNANDO-EBLEN