Oakton students receive Leadership Awards

Oakton's board of trustees honored five college students - Samuel Dussey of Skokie; Eleanor Lyon of Evanston; Edet Nsemo of Chicago; Jason Nwosu of Des Plaines; and Norman Petroski of Des Plaines - with Outstanding Leadership Awards at the Student Leadership Banquet held at Chateau Ritz, in Niles.

The tribute, given for more than 30 years, is the highest distinction a student involved in Oakton co-curricular life can receive. Recipients must be in good academic standing and demonstrate the characteristics of leadership, integrity and dedication in their roles on campus.

Dussey participated in men's basketball as well as the African Student Club and Lyon was active with the student newspaper, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, an international honor society for two-year colleges, and the Emerging Leaders Program. Nsemo was involved with the Student Government Association, Nwosu served as Student Trustee and a member of the Student Government Association, and Petroski contributed to the Habitat for Humanity Club. Each winner received a $300 scholarship.

"These students were recognized for their contributions to student life as well as for broadening the college community as a whole," said Ann Marie Barry, Oakton's director of Student Life.

Barry, a resident of Glenview, also was named Advisor of the Year at the Student Leadership Banquet. She serves as the adviser for Phi Theta Kappa. The Advisor of the Year, voted on by Oakton's student club members, is awarded annually to a college club mentor for providing outstanding service.

"My job is incredibly rewarding because I do have the opportunity to work with amazing students," said Barry. "And, because students choose the Advisor of the Year, receiving this award was a true honor."