The ballroom at CSN’s North Las Vegas campus was filled with laughter, applause and a few emotional moments last Thursday evening as students, families, faculty and staff came together for the 2025 Outstanding Student Awards ceremony.

The annual Outstanding Student Awards ceremony honored 22 students across CSN’s academic departments—from Accounting to World Languages—each nominated by faculty for their academic achievements, personal growth, and unwavering spirit.

Some stories highlighted students who triumphed over medical setbacks or mental health struggles. Others were praised for stepping up as mentors and role models for their peers. Several students also took the mic, expressing how CSN’s support shaped their path. One student shared, “I wish I could be a student here forever—I never want to leave.”

Mariellena Mariscal, this year’s honoree for World Languages, bravely shared: “I wish my high school teachers could see me now. I was told I would never amount to anything, that I wouldn’t speak English well enough, that I wasn’t white enough.”

Dr. James McCoy, Vice President of Academic Affairs, closed out the night with words that captured the spirit of the evening: “Keep sharing your stories, your resilience to overcome, and recognize the power of support and connection.”

Each award recipient received a $1,000 scholarship from the CSN Foundation to support their continued education at CSN or another NSHE institution. And in a surprise moment Dr. McCoy personally pledged an additional $500 to each student.

It was a warm and inspiring evening—one that left the room full of pride for what these students have accomplished and where they’re headed next.

2025 Outstanding Student Award Recipients