Three graduating seniors who received the Gold Axe Award last night received the President's Prize, considered the highest student recognition from the university. Pictured from left are Danielle Varnes, Daniel Padilla and Emily Glass. Photo by Jason Bullard

Seniors win Gold Axe Awards, President's Prizes

Three graduating seniors have been awarded the prestigious President's Prize for their exemplary leadership, academic excellence and service to the NAU community.

The awards were announced at the Gold Axe Awards Banquet on Wednesday night in Ashurst Auditorium, where the three—Emily Glass, Daniel Padilla, and Danielle Varnes—were among 16 students receiving the coveted Gold Axe Award for their achievements.

The tradition of the Gold Axe Award dates back to 1933, a year after the student body adopted an axe as the symbol for Lumberjack athletics. Students selected for a Gold Axe Award also are eligible for the President's Prize, considered the highest student recognition from the university. After reviewing all the Gold Axe nominations, a universitywide committee makes its recommendations to President John Haeger, who then selects the President's Prize winners.

December 2007 Gold Axe Award Winners
Cole Bewley Exercise Science Prescott, Ariz.	Amber Freeland History and Social Studies Education Chandler, Ariz.	Emily Glass Advertising, Merchandising and Public Relations Chandler, Ariz.	Cindy Johnson Elementary Education Prescott, Ariz.
Jennifer LeBeau Elementary and Special Education Manhattan Beach, Calif.	Maria Lopez Vocal Performance Scottsdale, Ariz.	Cathryn Maginnis Elementary and Special Education Tucson, Ariz.	Kristin Morrison Visual Communication Phoenix, Ariz.
Jason Naaktgeboren History Flagstaff, Ariz.	Daniel Padilla Hotel and Restaurant Management Nogales, Ariz.	Alonna Payne Women's Studies Blaine, Minn.	Tina Shantz Accounting Yuma, Ariz.
Ryan Varga Biology Sierra Vista, Ariz.	Danielle Varnes International Affairs San Antonio, Texas	Andrea Wacker Health Science Tucson, Ariz.	Sook Ying Wong Mathematics Malaysia

photos by Hilary O'Byrne, NAU Office of Public Affairs

Also during the ceremony, six students were named as Distinguished Seniors by their college: