Peer Educator of the Year

Samantha Grayeck

Senior, Communication Disorders and Sociology
Program Nomination: Orientation
Other Peer Education Involvement: AOD Ambassador President, Community Assistant
Through her years of experience as a Peer Educator, Samantha has continually taken on more responsibility by developing programs for AOD deriving from researching she conducted, serving as a Community Assistant for three years, and by leading groups of students through training as the Director of Jumpstart. Samantha is described as having a “tremendous ability to connect to her peers and influence positive behaviors.” She has a passion for helping others and is always the first to help out
Acceptance speech.

Vu Tran

Junior, Entrepreneurial Management Major
Program Nomination: Sexperts
Other Peer Education Involvement: Violence Against Women Prevention Program Facilitator, UConn Connects, Peer Leadership Instructor, FYE Mentoring, Queers United Against Discrimination, Rainbow Center Speakers’ Bureau
Vu’s commitment to Peer Education has been far reaching and multidimensional. Whether he is preparing panelist to share very personal coming out stories in the Rainbow Center, creating new ways to deliver information as a PLI, or writing a Sexpert Conduct Code, Vu’s dedication and energy are inspiring and constant.  Vu is also very active in social justice through education and is truly concerned about student learning and the leadership development of his peers.
Acceptance speech.

Juan Carmona

Junior, Economics and Spanish major
Program Nomination: Leadership Legacy
Other Peer Education Involvement: FYE Mentoring, Husky Outreach Leadership Developing, Understanding and Pride! (HOLDUP!), Mentoring, Education, and Training for Academic Success (METAS) Program, Learning Community Community Assistant
Juan is determined to make a positive impact on his community by challenging those around him to be better and adding his amicable demeanor, authentic leadership and honest interactions to each program he is involved in. Even though Juan is a Co-founder of HOLDUP!; peer mentor for M.E.T.A.S. and FYE; and a Community Assistant, he is very humble of his accomplishments and never looking for recognition.
.Acceptance speech.