ESCANABA — Bay College has announced the recipients of the 2025 Outstanding Graduate Awards: Skyler Newman, Meneo Aird, Vallery Kotila, Mitchell Cartwright, Chloe Pokovich, and Sawyer LaMarch. These exceptional students were nominated by faculty for their academic excellence, leadership, motivation, and contributions to the college community, as determined by their respective academic divisions.

Skyler Newman has been named the Outstanding Graduate for the Allied Health Division. Known for his strong character, academic excellence, and leadership in both classroom and clinical settings, Newman consistently exceeds expectations. Christina Reed, full-time nursing faculty at Bay College, shared a standout moment from the Nursing Foundations Lab, recalling Newman’s complete head-to-toe physical assessment as one of the most thorough and impressive she had ever seen. Faculty have also commended his perseverance throughout the rigorous nursing program. Upon graduation, Newman will begin his career as a Registered Nurse at Marshfield Medical Clinic-Dickinson. The nursing faculty commend his achievements and look forward to the positive impact he will have on his future patients.

Meneo Aird has been selected as the Outstanding Graduate for the Arts and Letters Division. After spending 25 years in major cities, Aird returned to his hometown of Gladstone to reconnect with family and earn a college degree. He will graduate with an associate of arts and plans to pursue a bachelor of science in English with a concentration in multimedia journalism at Northern Michigan University. Aird is also studying wildlife biology, earth sciences, and Native American studies to become an environmental journalist. He reflected on his academic journey, “I finally found the support and encouragement I needed to succeed.” A two-time AmeriCorps alum, Aird is passionate about activism and social justice. He plans to focus his future writing on environmental issues affecting marginalized communities.

Vallery Kotila has been named the Outstanding Graduate for the Business Division. Kotila began her studies at Bay College West but stepped away to focus on her family and personal health after being diagnosed with epileptic seizures. Inspired by her children’s encouragement, she returned to college in 2021. Kotila has since persevered as a part-time student while raising a family. She will graduate with an associate in computer information systems: Programming and User Support, and a Microsoft Office Specialist Certificate. Faculty member John Breitzman praised her talent, “Vallery has not only mastered every programming challenge with ease but has set the standard for excellence in our division.” Kotila aspires to support the development of special education programs through her technical skills.

Mitchell Cartwright has been selected as the Outstanding Graduate for the Math and Science Division. Cartwright will graduate with an Associate in Pre-Engineering and a perfect 4.0 GPA. He will continue his education at Michigan Technological University, pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. In addition to his academic achievements, Cartwright has served as a tutor in math, chemistry, and physics, helping fellow students succeed. His Calculus instructor, Spencer Slade, noted, “Mitch works hard on every task with a smile on his face. He loves learning and encourages his peers, setting a strong example in the classroom.” Cartwright is also an avid outdoorsman and is soon to be married.

Chloe Pokovich has been named the Outstanding Graduate for the Social and Behavioral Sciences Division. A history major from Norway, Michigan, Pokovich has served as a tutor at the Iron Mountain campus and an active Civics Corps member for two years. She will return in the fall as a mentor member. Dr. June Klees, her advisor, described her as “an example of what it means to challenge oneself and strive for excellence in work and learning.” Pokovich will intern at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point this summer. After taking a year to work, she plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in history at Northern Michigan University. Reflecting on her time at Bay, she shared, “I am extremely grateful to have been a part of this community. Bay is the way — go Norse!”

Sawyer LaMarch has been named the Outstanding Graduate for the Technology Division. LaMarch chose Bay College to pursue a cybersecurity degree close to home and quickly established himself as a capable and collaborative student. Karl Linderoth, Computer Network Systems and Security instructor, described him as “that favorite customer support person you trust–someone who listens, helps, and truly knows their stuff.” LaMarch’s technical skills and collaborative spirit have made him a standout student in the technology program.