Award Winners

The Maroon and Gold Awards are meant to honor student organizations, leaders, and student organization advisors who exemplify Texas State University's commitment to leadership, service, and excellence.

Please join us in recognizing the award winners and their accomplishments for the 2025-2026 academic year.

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Kayla Duncan

Boko's Achievement Award

Boko's Achievement Award

Kayla Duncan

Kayla Duncan is a dedicated and adaptable student leader who has made a significant impact at Texas State through her involvement in the Residence Hall Association (RHA). Since 2022, she has enhanced programming, strengthened member engagement, and fostered a mentorship-driven environment. She has represented students on key university committees and led major initiatives, including “RHA Week” and Boko Madness, the largest event in RHA history. Academically, Kayla earned her associate degree in high school, joined two honor societies, completed her Bachelor’s in English Education, and is now pursuing her Master’s degree. As the first graduate student on the RHA executive board, she leads with professionalism, humility, and a commitment to developing others.

Emerging Leader of the Year

Antonella Sotolongo

Antonella Sotolongo is a visionary, driven leader who founded Mu Epsilon Delta, the first co-ed pre-health professional fraternity at Texas State and the first chapter in Texas. She led the organization from concept to national charter, overseeing its structure, recruitment, and rapid growth. Her leadership fosters collaboration, mentorship, and professional development, empowering members across healthcare pathways. Antonella has organized large-scale initiatives like the Miles for a Match 5K, built partnerships with healthcare professionals and organizations, and created meaningful career opportunities for students. Through initiative, resilience, and strategic execution, she has transformed a single idea into a lasting, high-impact organization.

Exemplary Leadership

Lysha Villarreal Pineda

From member to President of Latinas Unidas, Lysha Villarreal Pineda exemplifies intentional, growth-driven leadership by actively pursuing roles that expand her impact while strengthening skills in planning, communication, and team management. She leads with vision and accountability, overseeing operations, mentoring peers, and fostering inclusive, empowering spaces. Through engagement with Leadership & Service programs, she applies best practices in organizational management and collaboration and demonstrates strong self-leadership, discipline, and resilience. Across all roles, she models authenticity, builds sustainable systems, and creates opportunities for others to grow and succeed.

Exemplary Service

Hispanic Business Student Association

The Hispanic Business Student Association (HBSA) demonstrates a strong commitment to civic engagement through consistent, impactful service initiatives that address both community and student needs. Through efforts like Philanthropy Week, HBSA raised funds and collected essential goods for Amigos de Jesús, while also engaging in hands-on service such as river clean-ups and Bobcat Build. In partnership with Texas State’s Leadership and Service unit, the organization actively promotes campus-wide involvement and supports programs like Bobcat Bounty. By combining philanthropy, sustainability, and direct service, HBSA fosters a culture of engaged, socially responsible student leaders.

Gold Award (Most Spirited Student Leader)

Prashant Panta

Prashant embodies Texas State spirit through his energy, inclusivity, and deep involvement across campus organizations, including the Nepali Student Association, Gold Star Society, Student Government, and Computer Science community. As an international student, he embraces traditions with enthusiasm, inspiring others to participate and fostering a sense of belonging. He actively bridges communities, introducing peers to new cultural experiences while encouraging engagement in campus events. Through his positivity, initiative, and commitment, Prashant strengthens connections across diverse groups and serves as a role model for leadership, school pride, and an inclusive campus culture.

Innovative Program of the Year

Philanthropy Week

Hispanic Business Student Association

Hispanic Business Student's Association's Philanthropy Week is a multi-day initiative designed to address food insecurity in the San Marcos community while increasing sustained student engagement in service. In partnership with Amigos de Jesús, the program combined fundraising, education, and hands-on involvement through events like donation drives, restaurant profit shares, and interactive activities. Its innovative, week-long structure offered multiple ways to participate, deepening awareness and impact. The initiative raised over $500 and collected essential goods, directly supporting local families. Through creativity, collaboration, and strategic execution, Philanthropy Week fostered meaningful engagement and strengthened a campus-wide culture of service.

Maroon Award (Most Spirited Student Organization)

Rally Cats

Rally Cats exemplifies Texas State spirit by actively promoting and sustaining Bobcat traditions through creativity, resilience, and student engagement. From leading chants and attending athletic events to supporting traditions like Bobcat Build, Late Night Breakfast, and Jumpstart, they foster pride across campus. Their innovative initiatives, such as “Rally Recruit” and “Paws & Petals," create accessible, fun ways for students, especially first-years, to get involved. Through their passion and commitment, Rally Cats builds a vibrant community that inspires others to embrace school pride and celebrate what it means to be a Bobcat.

Student Organization Leader of the Year

Monalisa Akwuruoha

Monalisa Akwuruoha serves as President of Eta Sigma Gamma at Texas State, leading strategic planning, operations, and large-scale public health initiatives. She has spearheaded impactful programs such as the Public Health Symposium and Bobcat Well-Being and Resource Fair, strengthening campus and community partnerships. Through service efforts including food drives, health education, and community outreach, she addresses critical local needs. Monalisa balances academic excellence, research, and leadership with discipline and purpose. Her inclusive leadership style empowers peers, elevates organizational impact, and fosters a culture of engagement, professionalism, and public health advocacy across campus.

Student Organization of the Year

Student Government

Student Government embodies Texas State’s mission through meaningful engagement, inclusivity, service, and leadership. They create impactful programs like Sips for Success and Kindness Connections, while fostering belonging through initiatives such as the International Board Game Festival and expanded student representation. Their commitment to civic engagement includes voter registration drives and community partnerships, while sustainability efforts range from cleanups to food donation programs. Student Government actively amplifies student voices through policy initiatives and campus improvements. Recognized for their spirit and service, they consistently strengthen connections between students, campus, and the San Marcos community through dedicated, visible leadership.

 

Award Nominees

Expand FAQ List

  • *Kayla DuncanResidence Hall Association
    Lysha VillarrealLatinas Unidas

  • Alysah MedinaHispanic Business Student Association
    *Antonella SotolongoMu Epsilon Delta (Pre-Health Fraternity)
    Jaclyn ChavezEta Sigma Gamma
    Joe ZapataResidence Hall Association / Rally Cats
    Lyla JacobsonResidence Hall Association
    Mackenzie DiagleAssociation of School Psychology Students
    Makena JaSociety for Human Resource Management
    Nikish BastolaGoogle Developers Group
    Serenity GarciaResidence Hall Association

  • Jaden FaletUniversity Ambassadors / American Advertising Federation
    *Lysha Villarreal PinedaLatinas Unidas

  • *Hispanic Business Student Association
    Human Development and Family Sciences Association (HDFSA)

  • Keri BellamyBobcat Build
    Lysha Villarreal PinedaLatinas Unidas
    Mali CisnerosHispanic Business Student Association
    *Prashant PantaStudent Government
    Shelby CookAlpha Gamma Delta / Phi Eta Sigma / McCoy Ambassadors

  • *Hispanic Business Student Association
    Mu Epsilon Delta

  • Bobcat Belles
    *Rally Cats

  • Aaniyah CampbellResidence Hall Association / Student Association for Campus Activities
    Giovanna MaciasDiamond Sweethearts
    Kyle CampbellTexas State University Men's Rugby
    Lisly ArmendarizHispanic Business Student Association
    Lysha Villarreal PinedaLatinas Unidas
    Melanie CardenoStudent Government
    *Monalisa AkwuruohaEta Sigma Gamma

  • Bobcat Build's Big Event
    Freshman Council
    Gold Star Society
    Hispanic Business Student Association
    Public Relations Student Society of America
    Society for Human Resource Management
    *Student Government