Out of a class of 127 students, two were named Sterling College’s 2016 Outstanding Male and Female Graduates in conjunction with the Professor Fran Jabara Leadership Award - Joshua Aaron Hoover of Elbing, Kansas, and Hayley Elizabeth Ray of Derby, Kansas.

The awards are given to two students who exemplify outstanding academic achievement, leadership skills and involvement, and who portray an enthusiastically Christian faith. They must have a cumulative gpa of 3.4 or higher and are voted upon by faculty and staff.

Hoover graduated with a B.S. in Athletic Training and Health Science: Pre-Physical Therapy with cum laude academic honors. He played on the men’s junior varsity basketball team his first two years at Sterling, served as the student athletic trainer for basketball during the 2015-2016 season, and served on campus as a resident assistant.

“Rarely do you see an individual infuse the people around him with energy and encouragement the way Josh does on a consistent basis. His work ethic is incredible, and his faith in Christ is clear and evident in everything he does. From playing basketball to being an athletic trainer, the dorms to leading in chapel, or the classroom to the community, he embodies the concept of a servant leader, making other’s lives better as a result of his presence. Where others might shrink because of personal adversity, Josh has chosen to be strong and courageous, leaving all of us at Sterling a little better because of his time here,” said Dean Jaderston, head coach for men’s basketball.

Ray earned a B.S. in Elementary Education with summa cum laude academic honors. Ray was on the volleyball team all four years, breaking the career kills record, finishing with 1,381 all-time kills. She ended her season being named an NAIA Daktronics Scholar-Athlete and All-KCAC First-Team.

“When I think of Hayley, there are many wonderful qualities that come to mind. The one that stands out the most is her dedication. Her ability to be dedicated in every aspect of her life is something others marvel at. Of course she is dedicated to her academics, team, family, and peers, but she always goes a step further and is truly dedicated in her love of the Lord and to the plan that He has set for her. She uses her life as an example while mentoring and encouraging others along the way. I can’t wait to see how God plans to use her gifts in the near future. Wherever she goes, it will be a better place because she is there,” said Rachel Wannamaker, instructor of education.

Academic honors are awarded based on a grade point average at the end of Interterm 2016 as well as a minimum of 60 residential credit hours earned as identified in the Sterling College Academic Catalog. Summa cum laude is awarded to those with a GPA of 3.90 or above. Cum laude is awarded to those with a 3.50-3.69 GPA.

The Professor Fran Jabara Leadership Award was established in 2002 by Professor Fran Jabara, former Dean of the Wichita State University College of Business Administration, and recognizes graduating seniors from four-year, private Kansas colleges who display exemplary leadership skills.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.