Order of The Lakehawk

Formerly, the “President’s Award,” the Order of the Lakehawk is the most prestigious and significant honor that a student may receive at Lake-Sumter State College. This honor recognizes outstanding academic achievement, dedicated college involvement, and significant community service. Membership in the Order recognizes the very best of our student body and an enduring connection to Lake-Sumter State College. 

The Order of the Lakehawk is reserved for up five (5) total summer and fall graduates and five (5) total spring graduates from all degree programs. The nomination process takes place twice a year- early in the fall and spring semesters. Inductees will be in the spring and formally acknowledged at the December and May Commencement ceremonies.

Nominations: Students self-nominate to apply for this honor, no staff or faculty nominations are required. 

Application criteria: 

• Fall applicants must have graduated in August or must be eligible to participate in the fall Commencement 
• Spring applicants must be eligible to participate in the spring Commencement
• A minimum LSSC GPA 3.0 at the time of application
• Be in good conduct and financial standing at the time of application and remain in good standing through to Commencement
• Have demonstrated strong leadership and/or service to the college and community while enrolled at LSSC

Selection Process: Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement, college involvement, and community service. The selection process is divided into three parts: 1) submission of a completed application packet including two online faculty/staff recommendations and current resume, 2) selection committee review and scoring of the application packet, and 3) individual interviews with members of the selection committee comprised of faculty, staff, and student SGA leaders. In the future, inductees will also be invited to participate in the interviews.

Applicants must submit an electronic application packet that includes:

• Background information (hometown, major, career aspirations, & post-graduation plans)
• A listing of student engagement activities (by year), including any leadership honors, awards received, leadership positions held, and community service (by year) while a student at LSSC
• A listing of all academic honors, awards, and achievements (by year) while a student at LSSC
• Prepared responses to 3-5 questions focused on the student’s learning and growth at LSSC
• Two online faculty/staff recommendations
• A current resume

Information, including links to apply and submit references, will be emailed to all LSSC faculty, Staff and graduating students prior to opening the nomination process each fall and spring semesters.

Inductees in the Order of the Lakehawk