GORHAM, Maine  – Several University of Southern Maine student-athletes, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and USM Best Buddies were recently recognized for their outstanding contributions to the University of Southern Maine and surrounding communities at the 2023 USM Student Government Association (SGA) Student Leadership Awards Gala.
 
USM's SAAC led by advisor Samantha Norris (Women's Basketball Coach/Lecturer) received the University's Service to Community Award, while USM Best Buddies was named the Outstanding New Student Organization. 
 
Presented to the individual or group who has made a commitment to service in the community, and has demonstrated leadership in creating a culture of service at USM, Huskies' SAAC is spearheaded by student-athlete officers Sophia Slovenski (track & field), Rona Scott (softball, track & field), Hannah Shields (softball) and Maddie Fornasier (track & field). 
 
Co-founded by student-athlete Tanner McClure (ice hockey), USM's Best Buddies Chapter was created this fall.  An international organization that focuses on inclusion, Best Buddies goal is to pair individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) with an individual without IDD to make a 1-on-1 friendship.  Since its inception, Best Buddies has hosted several social activities, including a Holiday Party, Cookie Decorating, Open Gym and more. 
 
Husky Pack Chats were named the University's Event of the Year. A professional development series, Husky Pack Chats provide a path for USM student-athletes at all stages of their collegiate careers with an opportunity to prepare the varied facets of the job hunt and build a connection with USM's Career and Employment Hub.  One of the highlight events of the 2022-2023 academic year, was the Mocktail Hour and Networking Event that coincided with the University's Homecoming and Family Weekend.  With a blend of student-athlete alumni and Husky alumni from a variety of professions and industries, student-athletes were able to enjoy festive mocktails crafted by USM coaching staff while practicing their networking skills. Following the networking portion of the event, student-athletes had the opportunity to chat with USM alums on a variety of topics, including interview tips, internships, etc.  
 
Graduate student Tyler Gardiner (men's ice hockey, tennis) was recognized with the Contribution to Campus Life Award, while senior Nick Ritmo (men's ice hockey) was presented with the Senior Husky Achievement Award. 
 
The Contribution to Campus Life Award is presented annually to a student who has worked to make the University of Southern Maine a better place for students, has shown a commitment to academic success  and has committed themselves to scholarship, service and involvement.
 
President and member of the Athletic Training Student Association, Gardiner is also a Learning Assistant with the University of Southern Maine Learning Commons, and a Resident Assistant with the University's Residential Life.  A member of SAAC, Gardiner is a four-time William B. Wise Scholar Athlete, and an American Hockey Coaches Association Scholar All-American.
 
The Senior Husky Achievement Award is an award given to a graduating senior who has demonstrated pride in USM, served in a variety of leadership roles, demonstrated a commitment to academic success, and has been a role model for peers.  A two-year assistant captain and the 2022-2023 captain for the Huskies' men's ice hockey team, Ritmo leads both on and off the ice for the Huskies. A two-time New England Hockey Conference All-Academic Team member and a three-time William B. Wise, Ritmo is a Resident Assistant with Student Life, and a Campus Ambassador for University Admissions.  In 2020 he received the Residence Life  Fish Philosophy "Choose Your Attitude" Award, which is given to an RA who takes responsibility for how they react to what life throws at them and how their choices affect others.
 
Four student-athletes were also recognized with Residential Life Awards: Gardiner, Maggie Brock (tennis), Jaryd Traverso-Penn (tennis), and Maddy Young (ice hockey).  Gardiner was presented with the Above and Beyond Award, while Brock and Traverso-Penn were recognized with The Big Fish Award.  Young was presented with the Fish Philosophy: Be There Award. 
 
The Student Government Association (SGA) is comprised of the Student Body Presidents Office, the Student Senate, the Board of Student Organizations, the Student Communications Board, Gorham Campus Activities Board, Portland Events Board and the Outdoor Adventures Board.
 
Student Government Association Leadership Award Winners
 
Contribution to Campus Life
Tyler Gardiner (Men's Ice Hockey, Tennis)
 
Service to Community Award
USM Student-Athlete Advisory Committee
 
Outstanding New Student Organization Award
USM Best Buddies
 
Senior Husky Achievement Award
Nick Ritmo, (Men's Ice Hockey)
 
Event of the Year
Husky Pack Chats
 
Residential Life Leadership Awards
Above & Beyond Award: Tyler Gardiner (Men's Ice Hockey, Tennis)
The Big Fish Award: Maggie Brock (Women's Tennis); Jaryd Traverso-Penn (Men's Tennis)
Fish Philosophy Award: Be There Award: Maddy Young (Women's Ice Hockey)