The Appalachian Educators Club and graduate student Abby Silvers were recognized at Appalachian State University’s Black and Gold Leadership Awards Ceremony, hosted by Club Council and Campus Activities on April 8, 2026.
The annual ceremony celebrates exceptional achievements by student clubs, individual members, and advisors who have demonstrated leadership, service, and commitment to the campus and community.
Community Impact Award
The Appalachian Educators Club received the Community Impact Award, which recognizes a student organization that has contributed time, support, or financial resources to positively impact the local community.
The club was honored for its Shining Light program, an initiative that provides winter holiday gifts to children in Watauga County. During the past year, the club sponsored 80 students from Watauga County Schools and raised additional funds to present Watauga High School with a $1,300 donation to help ensure students’ holiday needs were met.
Reagan Ketchum, president of the Appalachian Educators Club and an elementary education major from Wake Forest, North Carolina, said the Shining Light program inspired her to become involved with the organization.
“As a freshman, I was drawn to the committee’s impact on the community through its Holiday Drive, and I knew that I wanted to be a part of the positive change that the club provides,” Ketchum said. “Now, a few years later, we’ve increased the number of local students in Watauga County that we can support, the number of schools we can partner with, and the monetary donation given to Watauga High School.”
“Seeing the growth and impact that this committee has made on its community, along with being a big part of that change, has truly paid off in being recognized for the amazing accomplishments that we’ve completed as a club,” she added. “I’m so thankful for this honor and hope that Shining Light will always leave a lasting impact on Watauga County.”
Gregory S. Blimling Award for Outstanding Graduate Student
Abby Silvers, a graduate student in the student affairs administration program, received the Gregory S. Blimling Award for Outstanding Graduate Student.
Named in honor of Dr. Gregory S. Blimling, who served as Appalachian State’s vice chancellor for student affairs for 14 years, the award recognizes excellence among graduate students in student affairs. Blimling is a nationally recognized scholar whose work emphasized graduate education and experiential learning through graduate assistantships.
Silvers has served the university in multiple roles, including New Mountaineer and Family Engagement, the Graduate Student Government Association, and the Plemmons Student Union. Originally from Cherryville, North Carolina, she earned her undergraduate degree in English, professional writing from Appalachian State.
Silvers said receiving the award was both unexpected and meaningful.
“I’ve always approached my roles as simply doing the work in front of me, so it means a great deal to be recognized and appreciated by others,” she said. “I’m incredibly grateful for the people who have supported and encouraged me along the way. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”
“I genuinely love the work I do, and this recognition feels like a meaningful reflection of my journey with App State,” she added. “These past two years of graduate study have been especially impactful, shaping me both personally and professionally. I owe so much to the many individuals who have invested in me.”
Following graduation, Silvers will join Texas A&M University as assistant coordinator for Family Programs.