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Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College honored accomplished student leaders during the 15th annual Top Ten Freshmen ceremony.
First celebrated in 2009, The Top Ten Freshmen ceremony is co-sponsored by NEO Presidential Partners and the NEO Success Center. All honorees are now sophomores, selected for this special recognition by a committee of representatives from Presidential Partners and NEO faculty and staff. The honorees receive scholarships and the opportunity to participate in leadership development activities.
The keynote speaker at the event was Ryan Orcutt, NEO Executive Director of Development. Orcutt was the coordinator of the NEO Center for Academic Success and Advisement for 10 years. At CASA, which later evolved into the Success Center, he worked directly with the Top Ten Freshmen program during its first years.
“Choose to take every opportunity you have been and will be gifted with during your college experience to grow into the best possible version of yourself,” Orcutt said. “Always choose grace, gratitude and understanding in any endeavor you encounter. I hope to see you back here one day as a leader in your field and in your community whose vision is to see students pursuing their own goals of greatness. It is our Norse tradition to perpetuate paths of success for future generations. Your story is our story. We all grow together.”
The NEO Top Ten Freshmen 2024
Jaycee Beach is an Early Childhood Education and Psychology double major from Catoosa, Oklahoma. She was on the 2023 Dean’s Honor Roll, is president of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and is captain of the NEO Lady Norse Soccer team.
“Jaycee was voted team captain because of her work ethic and character on and off the field. She has drive and purpose, and I’m thankful for her each day because of those qualities.” — Lisa Bell, instructor and NEO women’s soccer coach
Julieona Erbe is a Pre-Veterinary Science major from Altoona, Kansas. She was on the 2023 President’s Honor Roll, is a vice president of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and is an Ag Ambassador.
“Julieona set a high precedent for herself during her freshman year and has continued meeting that standard this fall. She is a motivated young woman who excels as a student and will serve as an outstanding representative of NEO.” — Keeley Adams, NEO psychology instructor
Taylor Fent is an Agriculture – Animal Science major from Wyandotte, Oklahoma. She was on the 2023 President’s Honor Roll, is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and is an Honors Scholar.
“Taylor strives to maintain excellence in her endeavors. She has been a true asset in the classroom and to the student body at NEO and is considered a shining example and inspiration of student success.” — Vanessa Rhoades, NEO speech instructor and success coach
Natalie Noel is an Art and Design major from Wyandotte, Oklahoma. She was on the 2023 President’s Honor Roll and is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Student Support Services, NEO Band, NEO Choir and Chamber Singers.
“Natalie starts many of our in-class discussions and creates a space for others in our design class to feel comfortable talking and participating. She is a great student and a joy to have in class.” — Amanda Renick, NEO graphic design instructor
Faith Poland is a Physical Therapist Assistant major from Girard, Kansas. She was on the 2023 Dean’s Honor Roll, is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and is the PTA Club treasurer.
“Faith is a driven young woman who cares greatly about her education and future success. She is highly active in NEO activities and is always supportive of her classmates and friends.” — Keeley Adams, NEO psychology instructor
Hailey Roenner is a Medical Laboratory Technician major from Bristow, Oklahoma. She was on the 2023 President’s Honor Roll and is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Student Support Services, and MLT Club.
“Hailey is a model student. She is a genuine person with a positive outlook.” — Mitzie Miller, former NEO Medical Lab Tech director and instructor
Lexi Santiago is a Business Administration and General Studies double major from Miami, Oklahoma. She was on the 2023 President’s Honor Roll, is a vice president of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, is a member of Student Support Services, and is an Honors Scholar.
“It is a privilege to have students like Lexi on this campus. I endorse Lexi Santiago for this award with my absolute support.” — Dr. Jeff Birdsong, NEO Liberal Arts Department Chair and social science instructor
Jordan Six is a Pre-Engineering major from Washington, Oklahoma. He was on the 2023 President’s Honor Roll, is a vice president of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, is a member of the NEO Band, and is an Honors Scholar.
“Jordan quietly became a leader in the classroom by excelling on exams and contributing with engaging discussions about deep, difficult concepts that enhanced the course for everyone around him. Jordan is a responsible, ethical student that will excel at the next level of higher education and in life.” — Steve Dixon, NEO Math & Science Department Chair and math instructor
Jaimie Wolf is a Natural Science major from Smithville, Texas. She is a Gold Retention Award recipient, a member of Student Support Services and Journey to Success, and a mom of three.
“Jaimie is an exemplary student, excelling in all she does. She is a nontraditional student and is doing all of this while raising three kids on her own. I could not do what she does, and she does it with class.” — Erin Kellogg, NEO math instructor
Elijah Wooden is a Business Administration – Management Information Systems major from Muskogee, Oklahoma. He was on the 2023 President’s Honor Roll, is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, is treasurer of Future Business Leaders of America, and is Student Body Government president.
“Elijah not only exemplifies the attitude of a Norseman in class, but he also does so in extracurricular activities throughout the community. NEO is proud to call this young man a Norseman!” — Calvin Becker, NEO Business & Technology Department Chair and instructor
For more information, contact NEO academic advisor Teresa Thompson at tt@neo.edu or 918-540-6314.
