Southeastern recognizes Top 10 Freshmen

Press Release Date: 11-2-2011

DURANT, Okla. – Southeastern Oklahoma State University recognized the Top Ten Freshmen with an awards ceremony and reception Tuesday.

Southeastern had more than 670 new freshmen last year and this group represents the top 1.5 percent of that class. The students are selected by representatives from faculty, staff and student government. They are chosen based on academic performance, campus involvement, and leadership during their freshman year.

Associate Dean of Academic Services Tim Boatmun said, "This is the 10th year of the program. The Top Ten Freshmen Awards were created to nurture, encourage and reward excellence in the first-year experience."

The recipients of the Top Ten Freshmen Award from the 2010-11 class are Dustin Curry, Haley Brooke Ellison, Allen Fritts, Sheridan Hill, Domanick Anton Hubbard, Kasidy Kinkade, Caden Martin, Helen Moore, Shacole Smith and Kalleigh Whitley.

Curry, from London, Ark., is pursuing a double major in Acting/Directing and Theatre Management. He was a member of the Honors Program and placed second in the Honors Essay contest. He is a member of the Alpha Psi Omega Honor Society and in May 2011 received the Rose Award for Outstanding Freshman in Theatre at Southeastern.

Ellison, from Broken Bow, Okla., is a Health and Physical Education major and a member of Southeastern’s cross country team. She is also a member of the 2010 President’s Leadership Class and was actively involved in several targeted-recruiting events.

Fritts is from Miliani, Hawaii, and is majoring in Medical Sciences. He won the Freshman Chemist of the Year Award. A member of the Honors Program, he serves as a chemistry tutor and is actively involved in the Residence Hall Association.

Hill is a psychology major from Ardmore, Okla. As a member of the Sparks Dance Team, she has performed at various sporting events and other activities to promote Southeastern. She was named Best Actress for her performance as Harriet in the theatre production of Emma.

Hubbard is a Musical Theatre major from Gainesville, Texas. He is a choreographer and member of the Sparks Dance Company and Chorvettes StageWorks Company. A member of Alpha Psi Omega, he is actively involved with numerous campus activities and was selected as a Savage Storm Leader.

Kinkade is a Nursing major from Bonham, Texas. She was an active member of the 2010 President’s Leadership Class and was elected to the Student Government Association, where she is the Financial Director and serves on numerous committees. A True Blue Ambassador, she is also involved with the Harvard Leadership Program.

Martin is from Aztec, New Mexico, and a double major in Political Science and Occupational Safety and Health. He was in the President’s Leadership Class and is a True Blue Ambassador, attending Leadership Training and conducting campus tours for prospective students. He is currently vice president of Tau Kappa Epsilon.

Moore, of Denison, Texas, is a Music Education major. She was selected as a section leader and Advisory Council member for the Spirit of Southeastern Marching Band. She has been principal French horn in both the marching band and Southeastern Symphonic Winds. She is a contributing member of Eta Nu Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, the National Honorary Band Fraternity, and a member of the Southeastern Jazz Ensemble.

Smith is a Management major from Durant. She was a member of the President’s Leadership Class and is a volunteer for numerous campus activities. A Savage Storm leader, she was elected as Senator to the Student Government Association, where she serves on several committees. She earned a departmental scholarship in the John Massey School of Business.

Whitley is a Spanish Education major from Durant and is actively involved with the Student Government Association. She served on various committees with SGA and was involved in two separate trips assisting families in Peru through the Baptist Collegiate Ministries. She has been chosen to participate in the Harvard Leadership Program.