The hard work and academic achievement of Moraine Park Technical College students was celebrated at the annual Student Awards Banquet on May 8 at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center. Each year, faculty and staff nominate deserving students for six awards: Technical Achievement, Meritorious Service, Campus Impact, Leadership & Service, Student of the Year and Student Ambassador.
At the banquet, Moraine Park recognized Kristina Haensgen as the College’s 2025 Distinguished Alumna. Haensgen addressed the students, sharing her story and words of encouragement.
“It is an incredible honor to be named the 2025 Distinguished Alumna,” Haensgen said. “Moraine Park isn’t just where I began my education—it’s where I found my confidence, my direction, and the belief that I could build something more for myself and my daughter.”
Student of the Year
Moraine Park presented the 2025 Student of the Year Award to Ella Purvis of Beaver Dam. This award honors a student who has excelled academically, demonstrated leadership and involvement, and fully embraced the opportunities available at Moraine Park.
Purvis is set to graduate in May 2025 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice. Her passion for serving others led her to pursue a career in law enforcement. She has served as the Criminal Justice Club President and is an active member of the Fond du Lac Student Senate. Purvis recently accepted a Police Officer position with the Oshkosh Police Department and will begin following her graduation from the police academy in October. She hopes to one day serve as a school resource officer.
District Student Ambassador
The 2025-26 District Student Ambassador Award was presented to Angelina Emmrich. This award recognizes outstanding student representatives across the Wisconsin Technical College System, with recipients nominated by Moraine Park faculty and staff.
Emmrich is enrolled in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program and will represent the College at various events throughout the 2025-26 academic year.
Technical Achievement Award
This award is presented to one-year technical diploma students who have demonstrated strong academic performance, active classroom participation, and overall excellence.
Recipients:
Zachary Augustin, Jose Batista, Jacob Bera, Evan Chappelle, Charles (Chaz) Dreher III, Jamison Ermer, Marc Heppe, Zachary Hofmann, Kyle Kasten, Carlos Basora Paulino, Alex Schneider, Jadon Uecker
Meritorious Service Award
This award honors students who have contributed to the College through leadership and involvement in co-curricular activities, including student clubs, government and volunteer efforts.
Recipients:
Molly Atkinson, Timothy Becker, Samantha Behnke, Cynthia Benzel, John Blau, Marty Demlow, Stephanie Demlow, Madelyn Dorn, Emerson Eastlick, Bryce Eckhardt, Amber Finley, Nadia Frohmader, Guenther Hebbe, Carly Hetzel, Taylor Hopper, Christina Jimenez, Isaac Kaiser, Gloria Krstic, Siri Kuske, Emilia Lang, Emma Lemke, Brandon Magdic, Alfredo Mauricio, Oceonna Mertens, Trinity Mueller, Jair Paz, Tiffany Pohlhammer, Paige Posthuma, Rebekah Rabideau, Lewis Rice, Angela (Rue) Rucinski, Emily Sabel, Micki Scherwinski, Aaron Sohm, Mallory Stewart, Kaydn Terlisner, Abby Williams
Campus Impact Award
This award recognizes students who made a positive impact through participation in college focus groups, events, or student-led projects. Academic performance, reliability and follow-through are also considered.
Recipients:
Taylor Klima, Nicole Kucharski, Anthony Larson, Josephine Nussbaum, Ella Purvis, Zoey Promen, Elisa Schmitz, Tyler Sorgent
Leadership & Service Award
This award is given to student government members who have shown a high level of commitment to Moraine Park and served as strong representatives of the student body through active participation and leadership.
Recipients:
Charles (Chaz) Dreher III, Allyson Dusha, Angelina Emmrich, Haylee Gideon, Jesse Godina, Jesse Holmes, Abigael (Abi) Loehrke-Halfmann, Danica Picard, Jacob Schreiber, Maleah Sickinger
