Three College of Education students receive 2023 Presidential Award of Excellence

Three students in the Mary Frances Early College of Education received the 2023 Presidential Award of Excellence.

The award recognizes undergraduate students in their final year of study who demonstrate exceptional achievements in academics, extracurricular activities, or service to the University of Georgia or their College.

• Brooke Apple (B.S.Ed. ’23), communication sciences and disorders
• Lytzy Hernandez (B.S.Ed. ’23), exercise and sport science
• LeDajah Williams (B.S.Ed. ’23), elementary education

Apple’s involvement on campus includes working as a teaching assistant in the Morehead Honors College, involvement with the Wesley Foundation, selection to the Institute for Leadership Advancement, as well as holding leadership roles in the UGA chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association and in Sigma Kappa sorority.

“This means a lot to me after working hard to be a well-rounded student while giving back to the UGA community,” Apple said. “I’m thankful for the professors and opportunities that have contributed to my wonderful experience at UGA.”

Hernandez’s campus involvement includes serving as president of First Gen Dawgs, secretary of Latinos Invested in the Students of Tomorrow, and as a resident assistant. She previously served as a DEI committee co-chair in the College’s Student Ambassadors program.

“I am immensely grateful to have been a part of the Mary Frances Early College of Education. I have received so much support from my advisor, Brennen Salmon, professors, and Dean Spangler,” Hernandez said. “This award is a testament to the work that I have carried out throughout my journey to increase resources and access to higher education.”

Williams’s campus involvement includes UGA HEROs, the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, the American Founding Group, Blue Key Honor Society, and the Zeta Psi chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, as well as serving as a peer mentor and a student ambassador in the College and as a resident assistant.

“I am very grateful and honored to have received a 2023 Presidential Award of Excellence!” Williams said.

All three students will pursue graduate degrees following graduation. Both Apple and Williams will continue their studies in the College in the speech language pathology program and elementary education, respectively, while Hernandez will attend Duke University’s doctor of physical therapy program.