SUNY Canton Students Earn Chancellor’s Awards

Two SUNY Canton graduating seniors have received SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Student Excellence (CASE) awards.

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.”

Sarah Balcom

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.

“Sarah helped elevate the standards of her class,” said Associate Professor Janet Parcell, the lead faculty member for the Health and Fitness Promotion program. “She is responsible, dependable, caring, and has the vital ability to not only be smart on paper; she can also apply her knowledge to real life outside of a textbook.”

Balcom has excelled in both volleyball and softball, earning multiple all-academic team honors. She was named a National Fastpitch Coaches Association Scholar-Athlete. She serves her campus community as a peer mentor, lab assistant, and event staff member for SUNY Canton Athletics. Known for her quiet leadership, she volunteers at Special Olympics Fun Fitness events and represents the PTA program at admissions events. Balancing her academic workload, athletic commitments, and professional role as a licensed PTA, Balcom is a model of dedication, leadership and service in both college and community life.

Sonia Wilson

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.

“Sonia’s leadership qualities and community service make her truly exceptional,” said Associate Director of Career Services Katie Kennedy. “She has spent many late nights and personal time supporting people in need. Sonia is one of the unsung heroes in our world. I am so proud to know her."

Wilson has led numerous community initiatives, including clothing, coat, food, and toy drives that supported families in both New York and Guyana. Her efforts abroad included mobilizing local resources to assist those in need. She credits these experiences with teaching her the value of strategic planning, communication, and teamwork. In recognition of her service, she received the 2023 Martin Luther King Jr. Award for Outstanding Community Service from Northwell Health.

The SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence acknowledges 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.