The Bolt Awards strike another year in MTSU’s Student Ballroom

Lily Agee, Reporter • April 15, 2026

Michai Mosby introduces the renaming of the Generosity Charge Award for Philanthropy to honor late Elizabeth McPhee at the MTSU Bolt Awards in the MTSU Ballroom on April 14, 2026.

MTSU’s Student Government Association and Division of Student Affairs hosted its second annual BOLT awards showcase on Tuesday, featuring live music and honoring MTSU students for their accomplishments and service.

Friends and families gathered in the Student Union ballroom to celebrate the winners of 18 different categories. Four categories were designated as university awards, given to students who demonstrated exemplary community service, diligence, scholarship and character.

University Awards

Monia Mohammed, a double psychology and religious studies major, received the Community Service Award. Mohammed’s work in the Murfreesboro community provided meals and assistance during the Thanksgiving season.

Monia Mohammed accepts the Community Service Award at the MTSU Bolt Awards in the MTSU Ballroom on April 14. (Lily Agee)

The Robert C. Lalance Jr. Achievement Award was given to Kevarrius Wright, a senior in media management with a minor in mass communications. As a first-generation college student, Wright worked to support his family while diligently furthering his education.

For exemplifying outstanding scholarship through several research projects and presentations of her work, Elizabeth Lawrence, a psychology major and professional musician, received the Provost’s Award.

Hannah Ferreira received the prestigious President’s Award. Ferreira is involved with SGA and has represented MTSU as a delegate at the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature for multiple sessions. Ferreira was also elected as Speaker Pro Tempore of the Senate for the 2025-2026 TISL term.

“I’m extremely grateful to have my leadership and accomplishments recognized,” Ferreira said. “It wasn’t necessarily the award itself that motivated me – it’s more about what it represented – this moment of achievement.”

Singular student awards

The night also highlighted impactful students and their contributions to MTSU. Individual BOLT awards ranged from academics to school spirit.

Winners:

Emily Callison – Academic Excellence Award

Jonathan Gross – Behind the Scenes Hero Award

Cavarius Wright accepts the Service Spark Awards from Hayden Shaworsky at the MTSU Bolt Awards in the MTSU Ballroom on April 14.
(Vanessa Hamel)

Kevarrius Wright – Service Spark Award

Acori Thompson – Electric Spirit Award

Nelly Chuquicallata – Thunderstruck Involvement Award

Kae Sigler – True Blue Pride Award

Sreehari Sreejith (MT economics) – Leadership Lightning Award

Emma Rae Glenn – Lightning’s Rookie of the Year Award

Samuel Hackler – BOLT of Excellence Award

SGA President RJ Ware received the Trailblazer Legacy Award, an award given to a graduating student who has left a lasting impact on the MTSU campus.

“Being a very involved student leader is difficult,” Ware said. “You have to balance classes on top of other activities. Sometimes it can be very thankless. I think that’s why award shows like this are very important because they recognize people who are behind the scenes.”

Organization Awards

A few of MTSU’s student organizations also received special awards for their outreach and event impact.

Winners:

Alpha Delta Pi – Lightning Strike Event of the Year

Chi Omega – Elizabeth McPhee Generosity Charge Award for Philanthropy

Phi Mu Alpha – Impact Catalyst Award

Middle Tennessee Leadership Society – Student Organization of the Year Blue Thunder Award

One moment that made a lasting impact at this year’s award ceremony was SGA’s announcement of the previous Generosity Charge Award for Philanthropy being named after the late Elizabeth McPhee.

Performances

The awards ceremony featured local artists during its entertainment breaks.

Harpist Alana Greene provided peaceful background music before the show began.DJ Cash Ruulz energized the audience for each segment, alongside artists like Khyi-Trell and the Trio Band.

Blank Page duo band performs an original country song at the MTSU Bolt Awards in the MTSU Ballroom on April 14. (Vanessa Hamel)

The Blank Page duo and Taylor Wallace moved the crowd with their soulful country music before Alena Mullins sang powerfully into the night’s conclusion.

Excellence at MTSU

Though many awards and honors were presented on Tuesday, President Ware emphasized the value of hard work.

“I think that there is a growing reputation with our generation that we don’t work hard,” Ware said. “We are all responsible for our self-determination. If you want to get something in life, work harder than anybody else and get it.”

Kevarrius Wright, who received a university award and an individual award, echoed a similar sentiment.

“Especially as a first-generation college student, that means so much to me,” Wright said. “You do have a story to tell. Don’t let your past determine your future. And I really mean that. Don’t let past decisions determine what you do in life.”

As the night closed with camaraderie and school pride, Ware left a message for students.

“It’s an honor to win an award – it’s more of an honor to be a student here at MTSU,” Ware said.

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