2020 Outstanding Student Awards in Community Health
Each year, the Division of Health and Exercise Science holds an awards ceremony to recognize our outstanding students in Community Health and Exercise Science.
Unfortunately, this year we were unable to hold our annual recognition reception due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In lieu of our annual reception, our outstanding students were virtually honored for their academic achievement, professional development, community service, and leadership experience. It is with great honor that 10 outstanding community health students were recognized for 2020.
Danel Camacho
Major: Community Health | Minor: Human Biology
I plan to continue my higher education in nursing school to pursue my ideal career as a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Hometown
Roseville, CA
Activities
- WOU Cross Country, Track & Field
- WOU Science Center Biology Tutor
Scholarships & Awards
- Chi Alpha Sigma National Academic Honor Society
- GNAC Women’s Cross Country All-Academic Team
- GNAC Women’s Track and Field All-Academic Team
- President’s Honor Roll
Kennedy Coy
Major: Community Health
Hometown
Gladstone, OR
I am considering pursuing an M.S. in Education: Information Technology. I want to be a well-rounded community health educator.
Activities
- WOU Softball
- Take the Shot! Program Volunteer
Scholarships & Awards
- Softball Athletic Scholarship, 2016 – 2020
- Chi Alpha Athletic Honors Recognition, 2020
- GNAC All-Academic Team, 2019 – 2020
- WOU Breakthrough Athlete of the Year, 2019
Maddie Dirren
Major: Community Health | Minor: Psychology
I would love to work for a company or organization like the CDC where I can make a difference and affect change at a higher level.
Hometown
Beaveron, OR
Activities
WOU Division of Health & Exercise Science Research Assistant
Scholarships & Awards
- Coast Guard Foundation Spouse Scholarship, 2019 – 2020
- Oregon Opportunity Grant, 2019 – 2020
- WOU Tuition Grant, 2019 – 2020
- Federal Pell Grant, 2018 – 2019 and 2019 – 2020
- Academic Excellence Showcase, 2020
- Second place in First Year Writing Awards, 2018
- Dean’s List
Oliver Esch
Major: Community Health | Minor: Sociology – Community Service
I want to continue working with the LGBTQ+ community, specifically working with human sexuality and mental health.
Hometown
Independence, OR
Activities
- Chintimini Wildlife Center Volunteer
- Triangle Alliance Club Historian
- WOU Food Pantry Volunteer
Scholarships & Awards
- Ally of the Year
- Dean’s Honor Roll
- President’s Honor Roll
Tanner Gordon
Major: Community Health
I would like to find a community health job where I can work hands-on to make a difference in people’s health. Eventually I would like to get my Masters in Teaching to teach health and physical education in secondary school.
Hometown
Keizer, OR
Activities
Keizer Young Life
Scholarships & Awards
- WOU Transfer Scholarship, 2019 – 2020
- President’s Honor Roll
Alexis Martinez
Major: Community Health | Minor: Forensic Anthropology
Hometown
Milwaukie, OR
I plan to obtain my Community Health Education Specialist certification then go to graduate school and get a Masters in Public Health with an emphasis in Health Promotion and Program Planning.
Activities
- Oregon Pacific Area Health Education Center HPV Education Outreach Volunteer
- WOU Food Pantry Volunteer
- Service Trip to San Francisco, focusing on food and housing insecurity
- Founding member of WOU’s Kappa Psi chapter of Alpha Chi Omega
Scholarships & Awards
- P.E.O. Women’s Scholarship 2018 – 2019
- Academic Excellence Showcase, 2017
- NRHH OTM Outstanding RHA Executive Member, 2016
- WOU Presidential Scholarship, 2014 – 2015
- WOU Provost Scholarship, 2014 – 2015
- WOU Excellence in Leadership and Service, 2014 – 2015
- Rex Putnam High School Principals Scholarship, 2013
Susiele Koga Truong
Major: Community Health | Minor: Human Biology
I hope to use the experience I gained to target women and children’s health, mental health and sex education through health promotion and advocacy. Public health makes me want to change the world!
Hometown
Wailuku, HI
Activities
- WOU Hawaii Club Lū‘au
- WOU Food Pantry Volunteer
Scholarships & Awards
- Nā Ho’okama A Pauahi Scholarship, 2016 – 2020
- Dean’s List
Maria Ortega
Major: Community Health | Minor: Human Biology
I have been accepted to the OHSU School of Nursing 3 year bachelors program on the Monmouth campus starting Fall 2020. My goal is to become a midwife.
Hometown
Keizer, OR
Activities
- Salem Hospital Volunteer
- Invasion Athletix Competitive All-Star Cheer Cheer Coach
Scholarships & Awards
Dean’s List
Janeene Perry
Major: Community Health | Minor: Human Biology
I would like to become CHES certified. I will be looking for a career in local or state government to create, maintain and sustain healthy environments. I also plan on working towards a master’s in public health through Oregon State University.
Hometown
Dayton, OR
Activities
- Amity Schools Volunteer
- Dallas Retirement Village Nurse Station Organizer
- WOU Non-Traditional Student Advisor Assistant
Scholarships & Awards
- Academic Excellence Showcase, 2020
- Outstanding Student Lower Division Level of Art, 2018
- Excellence in Leadership, 2016 – 2017 and 2017 – 2018
- Dean’s List
Toby Prescott
Major: Community Health | Minor: Human Biology
I plan to pursue a second degree and earn my BSN. No matter where I work, there is always the opportunity for me to help work alongside public health officials to help make community and organizational level changes.
Hometown
Independence, OR
Activities
- Ron Wilson Center Direct Support Professional
- Home-Health Aide
Scholarships & Awards
George Bales Perseverance Award
