Every year, Tompkins Cortland Community College pays tribute to students, student clubs, and campus organizations for their leadership and contributions to the College with the annual Leadership Awards and Athletics Banquet. The 2026 winners were honored at a luncheon on April 29.

The Student Leader of the Year Award was presented to Malachi Brown (pictured above). The award recognizes a student that has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills during the academic year.

The Excellence in Service Award went to Dylan Mitchell. This award is presented to an organization or individual that has shown a commitment to providing students with opportunities to get involved in the community.

The New Student of the Year Award was given to Chase Velasquez. This award is for a student who has shown exceptional school spirit, academic success, and overall campus pride during their first academic year.

The Resiliency Award went to Saadia Doak and Jay Pearson. This award is for a student leader who has demonstrated tenacity in the midst of academic and/or personal hardship.

The Male Athlete of the Year award was given to Jah-Mel Bruce of the men’s basketball team. 

The Female Athlete of the Year award went to Kyla Mustapha of the women’s basketball team.

The Outstanding Organization Award went to Slow Food TC3. This award is for an organization that has excelled in making a positive influence on the student body.

The Emerging Organization of the Year Award was given to the TC3 Swim Team Club for having a strong presence on campus in a short amount of time.

The Student Event of the Year Award is for a student-run program that excelled in student engagement and participation. The winning event was Graveyard Gardens put on by the Student Government Association.  

The Club Advisor of the Year was presented to TC3 Farm Director Todd McLane for his work with the Slow Food TC3.