Cowley College Names Cooper Leonard the 2026 Student of the Year

Cowley College sophomore Cooper Leonard has been named Cowley College’s 2025–2026 Student of the Year. Previously recognized as the September Student of the Month, Leonard has distinguished himself through his academic excellence, campus involvement, and commitment to leadership.

A dedicated and driven student, Leonard has made a strong impact across multiple areas of campus life. His involvement as the Student Senate Vice President, a Student Ambassador, a Resident Assistant, in Hope Squad, Disc Golf Club, PTK, and in the IMPACT program reflect both his leadership abilities and his passion for serving others. In addition, Leonard has earned recognition within the Social Sciences Department, further highlighting his well-rounded achievements.

Throughout his time at Cowley, Leonard has demonstrated a consistent commitment to excellence in and out of the classroom. Faculty and staff recognize him as a dependable leader who represents the college with integrity and professionalism. His ability to balance academics, leadership roles, and campus engagement sets him apart as a model student.

With a strong foundation built at Cowley College, Leonard is well-prepared for continued success as he pursues his future academic and career goals.

Award Recipients:

• Ambassadors: DeLaney Colquhoun, Nathan Curran, Bre Curry, Marion Edwards, Mallory Jackson, Grace Knight, Cooper Leonard, Dacey Morris, Claire Peri, Ariana Peterson, Elijah Roberts, Aranza Torrez-Lopez, Mackenzie Wegner, Caitlyn Woods, Haley Wyckoff
• Collegiate Quiz Bowl: Eli Hubble, Rawson Ray
• Resident Assistants: Nathan Curran, Bre Curry, Grace Knight, Mallory Jackson, Conner Walker, Mackenzie Tanner, Ariana Peterson, Drake Fittro, Cooper Leonard
• Student Senate: Nathan Curran, Lauren Howerton, Cooper Leonard, Lev Mitin, Makenzie Tanner, and Mackenzie Wegner
• Tutors: Marion Edwards, Reagan George, Kalli Harbeson, Jasmine Jacques, Grace Knight, Samuel Lovell, Dacey Morris, Logan Renken
• Derek Burroughs Award: Nathan Curran
• Natural Science & Math Department: Ariana Peterson
• Business Department: Hanna Darvas
• Social Sciences Department: Cooper Leonard
• Education Department: Caitlyn Woods
• Health & Human Services Department: Mason Burr
• Career & Tech Education Department: Thomas Lee
• Humanities & Communication Department: Trinity Bayliff
• Visual & Performing Arts Department: Adam Monroe
• ACES: Giselle Sandoval, Neheava Woolsey-Oldham
• Act One Drama Club: Adam Monroe, Sarah Sutherland
• Art & Design Club: Calvin Harlan, Joseph Maxwell, Haley Wyckoff
• Cowley Bands: Brooke Brogan, Alex Horton
• CRU/FCA: Brett Clevenger, Nathan Curran
• Disc Golf Club: Brett Clevenger, Michael Hesseltine
• Gaming Club: Siobhan Hardy, Eli Irving
• Hope Squad: Aranza Torres-Lopez
• International Student Organization: Laura Santangeletta
• Math & Science Club: James Ball, Rawson Ray
• Media Club: Aracely Arriola, Scarlet Johnson
• Phi Theta Kappa: Nathan Curran, Ariana Peterson
• Turning Point USA: Malakai Bates, Braxton Bright
• Vocal Music: Natalie Doffing

Student of the Month Recipients:

• September – Cooper Leonard
• October – Ariana Peterson
• November – Bre Curry
• December – Mallory Jackson
• January – Mason Burr
• February – Dacey Morris
• March – Nathan Curran
• April – Grace Knight

Hunter Ferguson | Integrated Communications Specialist
Cowley College
125 S. 2nd Street
Arkansas City, KS 67005
hunter.ferguson@cowley.edu