Five student-athletes were honored during the open session of the Board of Trustees meeting Tuesday night.  Derrek Clyde and Shallon Grawey both received the Lynn Conway award while Jayde Abenth was recognized as the recipient of the Dan Kinsey award.  Gabrielle Sake and Ali Bourcier were both recognized for awards won previously through their respective sports. 

"These athletes stand for integrity, respect and responsibility which is why they were chosen as recipients," said Delta College athletics director Shelly Raube.  "Each of them have not only been able to reach their goals and move on to the next path in their life, but they have also reached back and taken the hands of many of their teammates and led them as well."

"They have been influential leaders to the young men and women who follow in their footsteps."

The Lynn Conway Award is in honor of Mr. Lynn Conway, a man who, through his 34 years of service as the Athletic Director of Delta College, stood for integrity to their sport, to the athletic program as well as Delta College.  Conway showed great leadership, skill, teamwork, sportsmanship and citizenship.

The Daniel Kinsey award is in honor of a man who was a highly regarded coach, professor and chairman of the physical education and recreation department at Delta College. He was considered a pioneer in physical education and coaching who personified what it means to be a "student-athlete". Mr. Kinsey recruited players he believed would exemplify the finest in athletic achievement, scholarship and consideration of their fellow man.

Derrek Clyde

Derrek is the son of Janet and Dale Clyde and is a sophomore from Bay City, MI. Derrek is a graduate of John Glenn High School that uses his skills in the classroom as well as on the field to lead his fellow teammates.

"There is never any quit in this young man," said DC baseball coach Danny Smith. "He personifies Lynn's passion of wanting to constantly improve a program.  Derrek is doing just that with our men's baseball here at Delta."

Derrek received multiple individual athletic awards throughout his high school years, as well as being named to the ALL-MCCAA Freshman team and honorable mention – All-MCCAA team last year.  He was also named the KI KI Cuyler Award winner which is awarded to the top American Legion baseball player in Michigan

His best achievements, however, have occurred off the field.  

"Derrek has grown as a young man and leader within our program," said Raube.  "He is a member of the Champions of Leadership program and has been a vocal member of our Student-Athlete Advisory committee."

When not playing baseball, Derrek can be seen coaching middle school sports and mentoring young athletes to set goals and dream big. He will be taking his talents to Saginaw Valley State University next fall after receiving a scholarship to play baseball while pursuing a degree in Secondary Education, majoring in history while minoring in Chemistry.  

Shallon Grawey

Shallon, daughter of Heather Mogg and James Grawey, is a freshman from Harbor Springs High School.  Shallon is a two sport athlete that is finishing her first year at Delta College.  She is an exceptional student-athlete maintaining a high GPA while leading the women in both the soccer and basketball arenas – two sports in which she also earned multiple awards for while in high school.   

"Shallon is a young women that leads by example," said women's soccer coach Paul Stenglein. "She does all the little things that hold a team together.  Her leadership, kindness to others, determination and her willingness to lift her teammates up are all commendable."

Shallon is undecided in her major but is leaning towards the wildlife or biology fields.  She is looking to transfer to Northern Michigan University or Grand Valley State University after graduating from Delta College in the spring of 2017. 

Jayde Abenth

Jayde Abenth, daughter of Paul, Liz and Nicole Abenth, is a graduate of Sagianw Heritage High School where she earned multiple athletic honors on the hardwood for the Hawks.  She enrolled at Delta College for her education and had no intention of playing basketball for the Pioneers but one day made her way to the Pioneer gym and began practicing with the women's basketball team.  Thus, the beginning of a successful playing career – a career where she made a lasting impression as a leader over the past two years within the entire athletic program.

"Her basketball skills don't define the person Jayde has become," said head women's coach Kelly Miller.  "Jayde is a young woman who always gives her time to help others while pursuing academic success, competing at a high level in basketball and taking on extra responsibilities, like holding down a part time job."

Jayde currently serves as the Vice President of the student-athlete advisory committee, a committee that gives a voice to the student-athletes of Delta College. This program is a first for a NJCAA Region XII member school.

"Jayde has been instrumental in the development and the advancement of this program," said Raube.  "She has created a path for not only the Delta student-athletes but for all student-athletes of Region XII to follow."

"She is a young woman that truly believes in what Mr Kinsey stood for."

On top of her work for this committee, Jayde gives back to the community at large by being active with homeless shelters, Special Olympics, CAN Council, Underground Railroad and working with special needs children K-2.  

Jayde committed to Trine University to continue her basketball career next season while majoring in Marketing.  

Gabrielle Sake was the recipient of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Junior College Women's All-Scholar First Team award. She was honored on January 16th in Baltimore Maryland during the annual NSCAA ceremony. To be nominated for this award, a player must have at least a 3.30 cumulative GPA, start more than 50 percent of all games and be a significant contributor on the team.

Gabrielle came to Delta from Cadillac High School and currently holds a 3.93 GPA while majoring in Graphic Design. While at Delta, she was selected All-Conference, All-Region, and All-Freshman team in 2014 and Academic All-Conference in the past two seasons. Finishing the semeter she will be named to the NJCAA Academic All-American Team. Gabrielle will be taking her talents to Saginaw Valley State University next year continuing in graphic design.

Ali Bourcier was the 2016 recipient of the YWCA Emerging Leader Award. Ali arrived at Delta this past year after graduating from Saginaw Nouvel Catholic Central High School where she received several athletic and academic accolades.

"I believe leadership is not about titles or positions but about one life influencing another," said Bourcier.  "I don't command, I lead.  I lead by holding the hands of others to move forward as a team.  

"If she sees a need, she finds a solution and leads others to fulfill that need," said Stenglein.  "Ali doesn't judge or hold limits to one's ability. She believes that anyone can achieve anything if they have someone believing in them and giving support."

Whether leading the Lady Pioneers on the soccer field or leading others while on mission trips to Africa, Bourcier is a proven leader that will excel in everything she takes on.  She plans on transferring to Saginaw Valley State University upon graduating in the spring of 2017 while majoring in neuroscience.

"Athletics couldn't be more proud of these individuals that have and will continue to represent Delta College, its principles and its potential in a positive manner as they transition," said Raube.