Flagler College

Flagler College will celebrate the academic and personal accomplishments of more than 600 graduates in the Class of 2026 with a Commencement Ceremony at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on Saturday, May 9, at 9 a.m.

Awarded to one student in each program, the Distinguished Major Award recognizes exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and meaningful contributions to a student's field of study. Recipients are nominated by faculty and selected based on their performance and impact throughout the academic year.

Flagler College students Cypress Chambless, Meghan DeRice, Julia Manning, and Christina Mark earned the Best Symposium Group Presentation Award during the College's Science Week Symposium Capstone Presentations, held in the Ringhaver Student Center.

Flagler College graphic design student Sammy Andress earned three District ADDY Awards at the American Advertising Federation's 4th District American Advertising Awards Gala, part of the AAF MAX Q: Advertising Innovation Forum at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Flagler College graphic design student Julia Hewitt earned two District ADDY Awards at the American Advertising Federation's 4th District American Advertising Awards Gala, held in conjunction with the AAF MAX Q: Advertising Innovation Forum at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Flagler College graphic design student Alize Cardot earned two District ADDY Awards at the American Advertising Federation's 4th District American Advertising Awards Gala, held during the AAF MAX Q: Advertising Innovation Forum at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

Flagler College English major Denise Gonzalez-Fernandez has been published in Volume 22 of Lumina Journal, a nationally recognized literary magazine that highlights experimental and genre-bending work.

Flagler College senior Sophia Cardona earned first place in the In-Depth Reporting category, small schools division, at the Society of Professional Journalists Region 3 2025 Mark of Excellence Awards for her story, "As immigrants grow fearful over their safety, health concerns escalate."

Flagler College student Wylie Saviello earned first place in the General News Reporting category, small schools division, at the Society of Professional Journalists Region 3 2025 Mark of Excellence Awards for the story, "Florida's Black Bear Hunt Controversy."

Tillman Arieti, a political science major with a minor in law, has been selected as president of Flagler College's Student Government Association for the 2026-27 academic year. Arieti, who also serves as president of The Political Forum, will lead the executive board in representing the student body, advancing campus initiatives, and strengthening collaboration with College administration.

Myka Wilks, a member of the Class of 2027 majoring in anthropology and art history with minors in arts administration and biology, has been selected as chief of staff for Flagler College's Student Government Association for the 2026-27 academic year. A returning member of the SGA leadership team, Wilks brings a strong background in service and student engagement, along with extensive involvement across campus organizations. In her role, she will support executive board operations, elevate student concerns, and help advance initiatives that enhance the student experience.

Emma Mathews, a member of the Class of 2029 majoring in biology, has been selected as vice president of finance for Flagler College's Student Government Association for the 2026-27 academic year. Actively involved in campus leadership as president of Sandy Soles Run Club, treasurer of the Green Beans Environmental Club, and a Flagler College ambassador, Mathews brings strong organizational skills and a commitment to responsible resource management. In her role, she will oversee financial operations, support student organizations, and help fund initiatives that enhance campus life.

Ally Olejniczak, a first-year sociology major, has been selected as vice president of volunteer services for Flagler College's Student Government Association for the 2026-27 academic year. Involved in Student Government, Film Club, and Students for a Democratic Society, Olejniczak brings a strong passion for service and community engagement. In her role, she will work to expand volunteer opportunities and strengthen connections between Flagler College and the St. Augustine community.

Leigha Byrd, a member of the Class of 2027 majoring in psychology with a minor in biology, has been selected as vice president of administration for Flagler College's Student Government Association for the 2026-27 academic year. Involved in the Gaming Guild and Read the Room, Byrd is committed to strengthening communication between SGA and the student body. In her role, she will help coordinate internal operations and increase awareness of SGA initiatives and events across campus.

Bonnie Roberts, a member of the Class of 2028 majoring in digital media production and journalism, has been selected as vice president of student activities for Flagler College's Student Government Association for the 2026-27 academic year. A returning member of the SGA leadership team, Roberts is known for her energy and creativity in planning large-scale campus events. In her role, she will lead the development of engaging programs and traditions that bring the student body together.

A team of Flagler College students earned first place at the district level of the American Advertising Federation's National Student Advertising Competition. In the College's first time competing, students developed and presented a fully integrated campaign for the NFL, also receiving the Best Brand Activation Award and advancing to the semifinal round.

Jamey Amador, an accounting student at Flagler College, earned a fourth-place finish at the Institute of Internal Auditors Global Student Conference Case Competition on April 21, 2026. Competing against more than 160 students from 86 universities across 19 countries, Amador and her team stood out on an international stage.

Eleven students at Flagler College were recognized for excellence in mathematics with their induction into the College's inaugural chapter of Kappa Mu Epsilon during a March 27 ceremony.

Flagler College student Shelby Kushner earned regional recognition at the 2026 Southeastern Psychological Association Convention, receiving an award for her poster presentation on regulatory emotional self-efficacy.

Grace Schwinn, Allison Viola, and Aubrey "Bre" Adair earned first place at Flagler College's annual One-Minute Film Festival on Thursday, March 12, held in the Virginia Room as part of the College's Communication Week (COM Week).

Mallory Bryk, Emily Cutair and Steffond White earned second place at Flagler College's annual One-Minute Film Festival on Thursday, March 12, held in the Virginia Room as part of the College's Communication Week (COM Week).

Julieta Ramos Correa and Gabriel Dinger earned third place at Flagler College's annual One-Minute Film Festival on Thursday, March 12, held in the Virginia Room as part of the College's Communication Week (COM Week).

Flagler College students Paige Cook, Taylor Drott, Shae Nogal, and Chase Schomer took home third place at the 2026 Lion's Cage competition for their business concept Safe Step during Flagler's annual Business Week.

Flagler College's student-run news organization, The Gargoyle, has earned national recognition with an honorable mention for Best News Website at the 2026 Apple Awards, presented during the Spring National College Media Convention held March 5-7, 2026 in New York City.

Flagler College students Brian Christophers and Mia Melendez took home second place at the 2026 Lion's Cage competition for their business concept Commercial Financial Solutions during Flagler's annual Business Week.

Flagler College students Jesse Van Krimpen and Reiss Skeen took home the top prize at the 2026 Lion's Cage competition, earning $5,000 for their business concept FocusTap during Flagler's annual Business Week.

Alexandra (Ally) Olejniczak earned first place in the 2026 Flagler College Speech Competition, held Tuesday afternoon in the Virginia Room of the Ringhaver Student Center as part of the college's annual COM Week.

Katelyn Sementelli earned third place in the 2026 Flagler College Speech Competition, held Tuesday afternoon in the Virginia Room of the Ringhaver Student Center as part of the college's annual COM Week.

The Flagler College Mock Trial Team earned an honorable mention for the Spirit of AMTA award at the American Mock Trial Association Regional Tournament. The award recognizes the team that best exemplifies honesty, civility, and fair play during competition.

Jayla Clowers earned second place in the 2026 Flagler College Speech Competition, held Tuesday afternoon in the Virginia Room of the Ringhaver Student Center as part of the College's annual COM Week.