Windward Community College values the hard work of its student assistant workforce. The Student Employee of the Year (SEOTY) Award was created to recognize them and annually give one deserving student employee an award of $250.

Eligibility

The nominator must…

• be a WCC faculty or staff

The nominee must…

• be a current or former WCC student employee continuously employed for a minimum of four months (estimated one full semester of work) during the current academic year by the award announcement date.

Nominations

• Nomination form(s) must be submitted by the deadline
• Essay scoring is NOT based on style, grammar, or length
• By submitting a nomination, you give permission for the essay to be published, quoted, or shared for SEOTY business (e.g. Student Employee Appreciation Event, Ka Ohana, WCC website, etc.)
• Your essays must describe how your nominee has embodied each of WCC’s core values sampled below:

WCC Core Value:	Guiding Questions:	Sample behaviors include, but are not limited to:
Ka lama kū o ka naʻauao. The standing torch of knowledge   Interpretation: Creating meaningful curricula and diverse learning experiences.	How is this student employee a leader in their position?  What leadership qualities does this student employee exemplify?	• Approaches tasks with a can-do attitude; sees challenges as opportunities for growth; is willing to learn • Is fully reliable in terms of attendance, punctuality, and work projects/tasks • Requires little direction in day-to-day duties • Trains/mentors co-workers
ʻAʻohe hana nui ke alu ʻia.  No task is too big when done together Interpretation: Working collaboratively and inclusively.	How does this student employee work collaboratively and inclusively?	• Assists others with tasks and projects  • Is flexible; works harmoniously with coworkers and students • Actively listens to others’ opinions, ideas, and feedback • Contributes to shared tasks, projects, and events
He pūnāwai kahe wale ke aloha.  Love is a spring that flows freely Interpretation: Serving and supporting with aloha.	How does this student employee serve and support with aloha?  How does the student employee carry themselves?	• Is approachable; treats others with respect and courtesy  • Creates and maintains a friendly and positive work environment • Remains calm and focused during high-stress situations • Practices empathy, compassion, and patience with others
Kūlia i ka nu‘u.  Strive for the summit Interpretation: Striving for excellence.	How does this student employee strive for excellence in their role?  How does the student employee go “above and beyond” their duties?	• Consistently delivers high-quality work • Requests additional responsibilities • Seeks and provides constructive feedback • Suggests improvements to processes • Participates in professional development opportunities
He ali‘i ka ‘āina, he kauwā ke kanaka. The land is the chief, and the people are the servants Interpretation: Caring for Hawaiʻi and the planet.	How does this student’s work contribute to the campus or community?	• Is a role model on campus that motivates and inspires others • Participates in campus clubs, events, and/or activities • Contributes to tasks or projects that add value to the campus and/or the community

Awardees

2024: Christine “Kaleo” Kaʻaiai, Assistant Operations Coordinator
2023: Paul Silva, Natural Sciences Student Worker
2022: Dustin Hew Len, Hawaiian Studies Student Assistant
2021: Jayten Galario, Online Instruction Support Aide
2020: Micah Souza, Alakaʻi Hoʻonui ʻIke
2019: Maile McLaurin, Alakaʻi Hoʻonui ʻIke 
2018: Brandon DiPaola, Performing Arts Assistant 
2017: Makana Tani, Peer Mentor (Student Life) 
2016: Jesse Soileau, TLC Lab Assistant