CANTON—Two SUNY Canton graduating seniors have received SUNY Chancellor's Awards for Student Excellence (CASE). Sarah Balcom, a Health and Fitness Promotion major and two-sport athlete from Lacona and Sonia Wilson, an online Healthcare Management major from Patchogue, officially received their awards at a SUNY-wide ceremony held April 29 in Albany."SUNY represents academic excellence, and our students have worked tirelessly to not only excel in their academic studies, but also stepped up as community leaders," said SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jr. "Congratulations to this year's CASE awardees who've distinguished themselves amongst their peers through their work ethic, determination, and commitment to their fields of study."

Both students will be celebrating their graduation at SUNY Canton's 117th Commencement Ceremony, which will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 10, in the Roos House Convocation, Athletic and Recreation Center.

"Sarah and Sonia are wonderful examples of what SUNY Canton students can achieve," said SUNY Canton President Zvi Szafran. "Both have demonstrated academic and professional abilities and have demonstrated their abilities in the areas of professionalism and volunteerism. Most importantly, they have used their education for the benefit of others."

Balcom is a standout student-athlete at SUNY Canton, who has graduated Summa Cum Laude with degrees in Individual Studies in 2022 and the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program in 2023. She has consistently earned a place on the President's Honors List. She's a recipient of the SUNY Canton Spirit of Success Award and holds a New York State Coaching Certification and a Minor in Applied Psychology.

Wilson demonstrated academic excellence at SUNY Canton, earning both President's List and Dean's List honors during her studies. She excelled in courses such as Health Services Management, Public Health Issues, Management Communications, and Legal and Ethical Issues in Healthcare. She also interned at New York-Presbyterian Hospital's outpatient women's health center. Inspired by a strong desire to help others, Wilson is pursuing a future in hospital leadership.

Chancellor's Awards for Student Excellence acknowledge students for outstanding achievements that have demonstrated the integration of SUNY excellence into many different aspects of their lives, including academics, leadership, diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, campus involvement, civics and service, research and development, or creative and performing arts. It is the highest honor bestowed upon a student by the University.