Honorable Mention Winner
Andrew Hazelton
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Univ.
Senior in Engineering Physics
3.36 GPA

When Andrew Hazelton, 22, first came to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, he wanted a taste of everything college had to offer. Not only does he maintain a high GPA with a demanding major such as engineering physics, he also participates in Student Government Association, Air Force ROTC, the cross country team, and as a Resident Advisor.

"Andy Hazelton is truly an example of the type of student Embry-Riddle is most proud of," says Sonja Taylor, associate dean of students. Hazelton won the Rising Eagle Award and the 500 Club Award for field training in the Air Force ROTC. He also has earned an award from the SGA for "Student Representative of the Year." Along with awards for his extracurricular activities, he's also been on the dean's list for his academics and is in the national physics honor society, Sigma Pi Sigma.

As a resident advisor, Hazelton set up social gatherings and programs on sex and alcohol education. Since many students on his floor are studying to be pilots, Hazelton arranged for one of the professors to come and do a presentation on different aircraft types. "Andy is a student leader concerned first and foremost with meeting the needs of the student body and those under his advice," says Kelly Austin, assistant director of student activities.

After four years of participation in Air Force ROTC, Hazelton has the opportunity to commission into the Air Force as a Second Lieutenant. After a summer of military field training, he was honored for his hard work by being promoted to a Cadet Training Assistant. "I learned more as a CTA than I did as a cadet," Hazelton says. As a CTA, Hazelton attended field training at Tyndall Air Force Base and was involved in all aspects of training. "I directly influenced the officer skills of over 400 cadets that attended that encampment," Hazelton says.

Even after all of the extracurricular activities Hazelton does, he still doesn't run from anything…except maybe the competition. He has run cross country since his freshman year and is now captain of the team. Aside from racing, he helps the coach organize the team and organize volunteer races. In 2001, Hazelton won the Scholar Athlete Award for men's cross-country, and he also received an athletic scholarship for cross-country prior to this year.

"Integrity, honesty, and a constant pursuit for the betterment of services provided to Embry-Riddle students has remained at the forefront of Andy's overall life objective since I've known him," Austin says.

All of Hazelton's expenses are covered by an Air Force ROTC scholarship that provides full tuition and books, plus an extra $400 per month stipend. As an RA, his housing fees are waived, and he receives a stipend of $160 per month. -LE

 Contact Hazelton at alhazelton@hotmail.com.