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Officials at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) celebrated accomplished student leaders during the Ninth annual Top Ten Freshmen ceremony on Monday, Nov. 20, 2017. “The students selected for NEO’s most prestigious award are fully engaged inside and outside of the classroom,” said NEO A&M College President Dr. Jeffery Hale. “This program has celebrated nearly a decade of distinguished students and I just try and imagine how students ninety years from now will reflect on the groundwork we are laying.” (Photo: NEO President’s Partners joined administrators to congratulate the 2017 Top Ten Freshmen)

First celebrated in 2009, the Top Ten Freshmen ceremony is co-sponsored by NEO’s President’s Partners and the Center for Academic Success and Advising (CASA). The keynote speaker was Mrs. Elsie Grover, the director of the NEO Upward Bound program. She shared that students need to ensure that they exhibit both persistence and perseverance in their lives and that they should never become complacent in success. All honorees are now sophomores and were selected by a committee of faculty, President’s Partners representatives, and student activities representatives. Students will receive scholarships as well as the opportunity to participate in leadership development activities.

This year’s honorees include: Hunter Bohn Hunter Bohn is a Natural Sciences major from Columbus, Kan. He is a member of the PTK Honor Society and has also been recognized on the President’s Honor Roll with a 4.0 GPA. He has volunteered with the annual Quiz Bowl, recycling drive and the Watered Gardens Gospel Mission. As the team captain for the recreational soccer club, Hunter hopes to always demonstrate the value of hard work and determination in all he does.

Brandy Brogdon Brandy Brogdon hails from Grove, Okla., and is majoring in Accounting. In addition, she serves as the Vice President of Service for the PTK Honor Society. Brandy has been recognized on both the President’s and Dean’s Honor Roll in her time at NEO. Exemplifying her leadership skills and genuine passion to help others, Brandy fervently strives to aid numerous students in tutoring with their homework, studying for courses, and directing them to campus resources.

Carlos Diaz Carlos Diaz hails from Houston, Texas and is majoring in Business Administration. He is an active member in PBL, the Christian Student Fellowship, Hearts For Hammers, and acts as the President of the Investment Club. Carlos has been recognized on the President’s Honor Roll with a 4.0 GPA. He is a member of the NEO wrestling team, is active in his church, has a passion for photography/graphic design and owns his own clothing brand. Lyndsey Harvey Lyndsey Harvey is an Agriculture Business major from Claremore, Okla. Holding a 4.0 GPA, she is recognized on the President’s Honor Roll. She is an active member of the Equestrian and Horse Judging teams, the PTK Honor Society, Ag Ambassadors and Student Ambassadors. Lyndsey finds great reward in helping students as a tutor for the Tutoring Center on campus.

Karson Maple Karson Maple is a Natural Sciences major from Cashion, Okla., aspiring to become an anesthesiologist. She is member of the PTK Honor Society, STEM Club and Student Ambassadors. Karson is also recognized on the Dean’s Honor Roll. Working for the Student Recruitment Office, Golden Norsemen football team, and Tutoring Center, Karson enjoys having the opportunity to give back to students and the community.

Brianne Nelsen Brianne Nelsen hails from Fredonia, Kan., and is majoring in Agriculture Business. Holding a 4.0 GPA, Brianne is recognized on the President’s Honor Roll. She is an active member of the NEO Student Ambassadors, Aggie Society, and Forestry Club. Outside of NEO, she is also involved in 4-H, the National Junior Hereford Association, and the Kansas Junior Hereford Association. Brianne has also had the honor to serve as the Kansas State Hereford Association Queen.

Jonni Nigro Jonni Nigro is a Nursing major from Miami, Okla., She is a member of the PTK Honor Society, holds a 4.0 GPA, and has been recognized on the President’s Honor Roll. During her time at NEO, Jonni has performed many hours of community service. Jonni also held the honor of being selected by the University of Oklahoma as one of thirty women to complete the N.E.W. Women’s Leadership Program. Ryan Perry Ryan Perry hails from Miami, Okla., and is majoring in Pre-Engineering. He served as a supervisor for the SMART program and works as a student employee within NEO’s Center for Academic Success and Advising. Ryan was active member of the Art Club, served as a proctor for the National ACT and volunteered for his church.

Maggie Porter Maggie Porter is an Agriculture Business major from Kansas City, Mo. She was recognized on both the President’s and Dean’s Honor Rolls. She is a member PTK, Ag Ambassadors, and serves as the acting senator for the SBG. As a member and recruiter for the NEO Rodeo team, Maggie was awarded NEO’s Cream of the Crop Freshman Award and Certificate of Achievement from the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association.

Kristin Strong Kristin Strong hails from Maysville, Mo., and is majoring in Natural Sciences. She is a member of the PTK Honor Society and has been recognized on the Dean’s Honor Roll. In addition, Kristin is a member of the softball team. Whether fundraising for a local cause, giving prospective softball player tours of the facilities, or working to support numerous NEO organizations, Kristin strives to have an exceptional work ethic and to live by example.