Leanna Martin, a freshman music education major at Pfeiffer University, received the fourth annual North Carolina Campus Compact Community Impact Student Award during the organization’s student conference held at Western Carolina University on Nov. 7.
She was among 27 college students from across the state who received the award for making significant, innovative contributions to their campus’ efforts to address local community needs.
“Pfeiffer University is fortunate to have many students who have committed themselves to service in ways that make them eligible for such a meaningful honor, so the nomination process was not an easy one,” said Dr. Ashley Oliphant, faculty fellow for the Francis Center for Servant Leadership at Pfeiffer.
“Leanna’s remarkable work as a freshman student made her a standout for this award, and I know she will use her remaining years on Pfeiffer’s campus to set the bar even higher for excellence in servant leadership.”
Sylva councilwoman Stacy Knotts and Dr. Lisa Keyne, the N.C. Compact’s executive director, presented the award to Martin before an audience of more than 220 college students and guests representing 24 universities.
Martin also received a volunteer certificate of appreciation from N.C. Gov. Bev Perdue and a congratulatory letter from N.C. 11th District Rep. Heath Shuler.
A native of King, Martin is involved with the Francis Scholar and Bonner Leader Service Scholarship programs at Pfeiffer. She focuses her university service efforts in education and working with children.
Martin was the director of a children’s drama team for two years, taught a Sunday night class for young children, and is volunteering in the music program at Endy Elementary School in Albemarle.
N.C. Campus Compact is a statewide coalition of colleges and universities dedicated to increasing campus participation in community and public service.