A Kent-Meridian High School graduate received the Central Washington University President’s Student Civic Leadership Award through Washington Campus Compact.
Faculty and staff at the Ellensburg school nominated Jaeda Nelson, a Central senior and 2018 Kent-Meridian graduate, for the award, according to a March 31 Central Washington press release.
The award is presented annually by Washington Campus Contact, a statewide coalition of higher education institutions that advances the public purpose of colleges and universities, educates students for civic and social responsibility, and develops partnerships to help build sustainable communities. The awards are presented to student leaders at Washington Campus Compact member campuses for their work in civic engagement and social entrepreneurship.
Nelson is a first-generation college student majoring in business, with a specialization in leadership and management. She is passionate about community wellness and cares deeply about arts and culture, human rights, poverty alleviation and social services, according to the press release. She has been on the honor roll for four years and was named to the College of Business Dean’s List in 2021.
Nelson also worked for two years at the Diversity and Equity Center, leading the first women of color empowerment program, THRIVE, and is the Associated Students of Central Washington University student senator for the Equity and Services Council.
“This nomination is a reminder that my college experience is coming to a close and made me reflect on how much I’ve grown since starting at Central,” said Nelson, who serves as the president of Central’s Presidents United to Solve Hunger (PUSH) chapter, an organization that works to combat food insecurity in the campus community. “For anyone involved in community wellness, it can be hard to pause, and may even feel unnatural to celebrate yourself for the impact you’re making.”
Nelson was one of two Central students to earn the award, joining Fin Garcia. They will receive a $500 stipend at the in-person awards presentation on April 15 at the Museum of Flight in Seattle.
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