NSU Alumni Association names 2026 Outstanding Seniors

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – The Northeastern State University (NSU) Alumni Association has announced the 2026 Outstanding Seniors and the recipient of the Jack Kaufman Senior of Distinction Award.

The Outstanding Senior recognition honors graduating seniors nominated by NSU faculty and staff who have made significant contributions through academic achievement, campus involvement, community service, honors and awards. The NSU Alumni Association presents the recognition each spring for students on the Tahlequah and Broken Arrow campuses.

The 2026 Outstanding Seniors are:
● Jada Bray – Stigler, Okla.
● Aubrey Cagle – Wagoner, Okla.
● Joshua Harwell – Claremore, Okla.
● Sydney Harwell – Owasso, Okla.
● Nico Jackson – Broken Arrow, Okla.
● JaiCee Lester – Checotah, Okla.
● Grace Manuel – Byng, Okla.
● Sidney Robinson – Tulsa, Okla.
● Sydney Taylor – Fort Gibson, Okla.
● Hayden Thomas – Tahlequah, Okla.
● Melody Wrather – Fort Gibson, Okla.

Each honoree received a commemorative stole to be worn at graduation, a framed certificate and a one-year membership in the NSU Alumni Association.

NSU President Rodney Hanley praised the students for their accomplishments and impact.

“These students represent the very best of what it means to be a RiverHawk. They are driven, engaged and committed to something larger than themselves,” Hanley said. “Their achievements speak to a culture that values hard work, community connection and the pursuit of knowledge, and we are proud to celebrate what they’ve accomplished and where they’re headed next.”

Following interviews with each of the Outstanding Seniors, the Alumni Association Board of Directors Awards Committee selected Melody Wrather as the Jack Kaufman Senior of Distinction.

Wrather is actively involved in campus life, serving as president of the Order of Omega Honor Society and vice president of membership development for the National Panhellenic Council. She is also a recipient of the True RiverHawk Award.

For Wrather, the recognition reflects the relationships, experiences and opportunity she has found during her time at NSU.

“My time at Northeastern State University has been filled with growth, involvement and connections that have shaped who I am today. Representing NSU in this way would be an incredible honor and a recognition I would carry with pride and gratitude,” Wrather said. “It’s a title I would never take lightly, because this university has given me so much, and I am proud to give back as a RiverHawk.”

As the Jack Kaufman Senior of Distinction, Wrather will receive a three-year membership in the NSU Alumni Association, two complimentary tickets to The Emerald, a $500 monetary award and the Kaufman Medal.

For more information about the NSU Alumni Association, visit nsualumni.com.

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