Johnston County Students Receive Awards At UMO

MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. – Several Johnston County students were recognized for their achievements at the University of Mount Olive’s Annual Awards Ceremony. Among those receiving awards were:

Alicia Gachuz of Kenly received the Senior Citizen Cup. Gachuz is a senior majoring in Early Education (K-6) and Special Education: General Curriculum (K-12). Presented by the Office of Student Affairs, the Senior Citizenship Cup recognizes the graduating senior who has demonstrated the most outstanding qualities of citizenship throughout their academic career at the University.

Faculty members noted that Gachuz exemplifies the spirit of the University of Mount Olive through her leadership, service, and dedication to the campus community.

Throughout her time at UMO, Gachuz has built an impressive record of service and campus involvement. As President of the Future Educators Association, she has promoted professional development and collaboration among preservice teachers. She also serves as the School of Education’s social media coordinator, managing its Instagram presence, and is an active member of the Council for Exceptional Children.

Her academic leadership includes representing UMO at the North Carolina Reading Conference and co-presenting on the University’s Reading Clinic. She has also served as both a tutor and assistant in the UMO Reading Clinic, helping elementary students strengthen critical literacy skills.

Beyond the classroom, Gachuz has contributed significantly to student life. She has served as an Orientation Leader, helping welcome new students to campus, and as a Campus Activities Board Leader, helping organize programs that foster engagement and community.

Gachuz has also played an important role in University athletics as the Women’s Basketball Manager and Athletics Student Worker, supporting game-day operations through responsibilities such as scorekeeping, shot clock management, and event coordination.

Her involvement extends to numerous academic and outreach initiatives, including the Trojan Teach Forward Conference, the UMO Research Symposium Showcase, STEM on the Green, and AgFest. She was also recognized for her academic excellence through the Braswell Scholarship.

Through her extensive leadership, service, and commitment to education, Gachuz has made a lasting impact on the University of Mount Olive community and exemplifies the scholarship, citizenship, and servant leadership represented by the Senior Citizenship Cup.

Kodey Butler of Benson received the Justice Studies Outstanding Student Award. Butler is a senior Justice Studies major. This award is presented to the highest-performing Justice Studies and Sociology senior in a traditional graduating class. The candidate must demonstrate outstanding scholarship, classroom leadership, collegiality, and adherence to the University Covenant.

The award recipient must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and will have demonstrated superior analytical and communication skills, and mastery of the discipline through the presentation of a senior research project, and participation in research symposiums or professional conferences.

In addition, the Justice Studies Student of the Year must show a genuine interest in contributing to the discipline and promise of either securing a career in the field of Justice Studies or being accepted to a graduate studies program.

Cayden Sutton of Clayton received the Psychology Student of the Year. Sutton is a senior Psychology major. This award is given to a senior with a 3.5 GPA or higher. The student should demonstrate quality independent research project or clinical proficiency as demonstrated by internship site supervisor’s and university supervisor’s evaluations. The student should also display a commitment to the department/major by participating in clubs, seminars, panels and events.

Christopher Martin of Princeton received the Free Will Baptist Ministerial Award. Martin is a sophomore Christian Studies major. This scholarship is given by the North Carolina Ministerial Association of Original Free Will Baptist to an outstanding returning Free Will Baptist student who has demonstrated potential for excellence in the Christian ministry.

Jacqueline Samuelson of Clayton received the Counseling Division Student of the Year. Samuelson is a graduate Counseling: Clinical Mental Health major. This Award is awarded to a second-year graduate student in the M.S. in Counseling program who demonstrates outstanding academic performance, clinical skills, leadership, and contributions to the counseling profession and community.

The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values.