SALISBURY — The annual Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Student Leadership Banquet recognized student leaders for dedication to academics, student life and volunteerism.

Students hold leadership positions at the college as part of 17 clubs, as members of the executive board of the Student Government Association, as official Student Ambassadors and more.

“It is always an honor to recognize our ‘cream of the crop,’” said Rowan-Cabarrus President Carol S. Spalding. “These students are just remarkable, from their excellent performance in the classroom to their willingness to share of themselves to strengthen our campus and our community. They are the leaders of the future.”

Awards are presented at the banquet each year, with advisers, fellow students and staff nominating students for their dedication to academics, student life and volunteerism. A leadership award committee of faculty and staff chose recipients from nominees for each of the four honors: the Eddie Myers Leadership Award, Outstanding Community Service Award, and the Golden and Silver Leadership Award.

This year’s winners were:

Tatiana Lo won the Eddie Myers Leadership Award. Lo is a member of the Cabarrus-Kannapolis Early College Student Government Association, serves as president of the Cabarrus County 4H Club, is a member of the National Honor Society and is a founding member and president of the Rowan-Cabarrus TriBeta Biology Club. She volunteers with Atrium Health and has helped with the collection of more than 200 hats for children through Caps for Care. She maintains a 3.3 GPA.

This award is given to a student who demonstrates self-discipline, good citizenship, commitment to lifelong learning and the ability to overcome adversity. It is given in honor of Eddie H. Myers, former vice president of student service and adviser to the Student Government Association. He assisted in organizing student clubs on both state and local levels.

Tamara Davis was presented the Outstanding Community Service Award. Davis has assisted fellow students with admissions and residency applications, led the Women Obtaining Wisdom Club as president for two years, and volunteered in her community by packing meals for children with food insecurity.

The Outstanding Community Service Award is given to recognize community service, significant contributions to the quality of life in the community, and an understanding of responsibility to community through involvement with campus clubs and activities.

Owen Parker was named the Golden Leadership Award recipient. Parker has been a familiar face on campus, often engaging in conversation with other students and serving as a source for advice or a friendly ear for their concerns. While he has never experienced homelessness himself, Parker was passionate about assisting homeless students during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Caring at Rowan-Cabarrus. He and his team created handmade scarves, added handwritten notes of encouragement, and placed them at bus stops and open spaces, ultimately serving 50 students on campus during the winter months.

The Golden Leadership Award recognizes character and commitment to academic excellence by maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, while helping provide opportunities for the student body to engage in campus activities.

Damola Ogunyomi was honored with the Silver Leadership Award for her campus club and volunteer work, while maintaining a grade point average of 3.8. She is a member of the Student Government Association and has worked at blood drives, international festivals, homelessness awareness events and Rise Against Hunger during spring break.

“These students are remarkable people who have shown commitment not only to excelling in academics but to taking part in student life and activities in the community,” said Barb Meidl, director of student life and leadership. “Part of our mission is to help students go as far as they can go, both in reaching their education and career goals and in making the world a better place.”