The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) established the Air Force Academy Distinguished Service Award (DSA) in February 1999. Each year, the USAFA DSA is presented by the Superintendent to a military person, civilian, or group, whose contributions have had a distinct impact on the morale or well-being of the Air Force Academy. Any individual or group who has contributed significantly and directly to the morale or well-being of the Academy through the generous donation of time, resources, or influence is eligible.

Selection Criteria

Award selection is based on an individual’s or group’s accomplishments, which can be described as having had a long-term, positive effect on the morale or well-being of the Academy. Former military and civilian employees are eligible upon termination of employment from the Air Force Academy. However, the USAFA DSA is intended to recognize those individuals who contribute not as part of their official duty but through their personal generosity and dedication to the institution. Personnel currently assigned to the Academy can be considered for the award so long as their contributions were performed outside of their official duties.

Year	Recipient
2021	Colonel (Retired) Robert Munson
2020	Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Garry W. Dudley ’68
2019	General (Retired) John Lorber ’64
2018	Class of 1970 Gift Committee (aka, the ’70 Heritage Committee) Brigadier General (Retired) Curtis Emery II ’70 Colonel (Retired) Gary Dahlen ’70 Colonel (Retired) Richard Rauschkolb ’70 Colonel (Retired) Michael Torreano ’70
2017	Mr. Carl A. Janssen, Jr. ’68
2016	No award Presented
2015	The Air Force Academy Foundation
2014	Mr. John M. Fox ’63
2013	Dr. Jimmy Covey ’68
2012	Mr. Edward E. “Ted” Legasey ’67
2011	Colonel (Retired) Jock C. H. Schwank ’60
2010	Lieutenant General (Retired) Benjamin N. Bellis ’85
2009	Mr. A. Bart Holaday ’65
2008	General (Retired) James P. McCarthy
2007	Brigadier General (Retired) Malham M. Wakin
2006	Academy Top 3
2005	Major General (Retired) William Lyon
2004	No Award Presented
2003	Colonel (Retired) Joseph and Doctor Dorothy Moller
2002	The Olmsted Foundation
2001	Brigadier General (Retired) Philip J. Erdle
2000	Mr. Harold U. Littrell
1999	Colorado Springs Citizens Committee Lieutenant General (Retired) A. P. Clark

The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) in conjunction with the Jabara Family and the USAFA AOG established the Colonel James Jabara Airmanship Award in January 1967. Each year the award is presented by the Superintendent and AOG to an active duty USAFA graduate whose airmanship contributions are of such significance as to set them apart from their contemporaries. Each major command (MAJCOM), field operating agency (FOA)–to include National Guard and the Reserve, and direct reporting unit (DRU) may submit one nomination for the award. Retired or separated graduates may be considered and should be nominated by corporate, civilian, government, or other organizations, as appropriate.

Selection Criteria

Award selection is based on airmanship contributions that are of such significance as to set the performer apart from their contemporaries. The definition of airmanship includes feats of aircrew members, as well as exceptional contributions with respect to design, production, or testing of an aerospace vehicle or its subsystems. Nominations will fall into one of the following categories:

• An individual heroic act.
• Sustained superior performance over a period of time. In this category, nominations may cover a broad spectrum ranging from crewmembers of an aerospace vehicle mission to an engineer or manager associated with the development of an aerospace vehicle.

Past Jabara Award Winners:

	*Received Posthumously **Died Subsequently
Year	Recipient	Description
2021	Maj Cameron Dilts, ’10	CV-22B Pilot, Iraq
2020	Capt Alexander E. Boules, ’15	A-10, Afghanistan
2019	Col Tyler N. Hague ’98 Maj Caitlin T. Reilly ‘ 07	Astronaut Operations: Inherent Resolve, Freedom’s Sentinel, & Resolute Support
2018	Maj Marc P. Catalano ’06	Iraq, Operation Inherent Resolve & Resolute Support, AC-130U Pilot
2017	Capt Brian R. Guyette, ‘08	Syria, B-1 Instructor Pilot
2016	Maj Matthew J. Kuta, ‘05	Afghanistan, F-15E Pilot
2015	Capt Kyle L. Babbitt, ’08	ACC, A-10 C pilot, OEF
2014	Capt Charles C. Napier, ’06	HH-60G Rescue in Afghanistan
2013	Capt Christopher D. McConnell, ’05	Op Odyssey Dawn (Libya), B-1
2012	Capt Joseph A. Hext, ’02	USAFE, Op Enduring Freedom, A-10 Pilot
2011	Capt Michal P. Polidor, ’04	Global Strike Command, F-15E Pilot
2010	Capt Prichard R. Keely, 04	ACC, F-15E Weapon Systems Officer
2009	Capt Travis A. Burton, ’00 Mr. Chesley B. Sullenberger, ’73	USAFE, A-10 Pilot OEF US Airways Pilot, Hudson River Landing
2008	Capt Jonathan W. Graham, ’99	AETC, Operation Iraqi Freedom MH-53
2006	Maj John E. Vargas Jr., ‘96	USAFE, F-16, OIF, OEF
2005	Lt Col Keith D. Schultz, ‘79	B-52 flight, weapon system development
2004	Maj Jason L. Hanover, ‘92	AFSOC; MC-130H; OEF and OIF
2003	Capt Leighton T. Anderson, Jr., ‘92 Capt Edward J. Lengel, ‘92	Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) Operation Anaconda
2002	Maj Henry C. Thompson, ‘87	Operation Allied Force/Northern Watch
2001	Maj Julian M. Chesnutt, ‘89	Operation Allied Force, Fighter Ops
2000	Maj James L. Cardoso, ‘88	Operation Allied Force, Rescue
1998	Capt Daniel E. Flynn, ‘91	Special Operations Excellence
1997	LtCol David J. Scott, ‘78	F-16 Tactics Development / Leadership
1996	LtCol Robert P. Donnelly, Jr, ‘77	Flatyeri, Iceland Rescue
1995	Capt Harold E. Waters, ‘85	RC-135 In-flight Emergency
1994	LtCol James A. Sills, ‘74	Iceland Rescue
1993	Maj Ali C. Frolich, ‘80	Desert Shield / Desert Storm
1992	Maj Corby L. Martin, ‘80	Desert Shield / Desert Storm
1991	Capt William F. Andrews, ‘80	Desert Storm / F-16  Heroic Act
1990	Capt Francis R. Gabreski, ‘8	Tactics Validation / Panama
1989	LtCol Robert H. Schnick, ‘72	F-16 Test Pilot for LANTIRN
1988	Maj Marc D. Felman, ‘76 Capt Thomas M. Ferguson, ‘81	KC-10 Mission over Atlantic KC-10 Mission over Atlantic
1987	Capt James A. Trinka, ‘78	Save F-16 w/ Engine Failure
1986	Maj Larry E. Faber, ‘73	Save TR-1 w/ Engine Failure
1985	Col James N. Allburn, ‘63	X-29 Program
1984	Capt Michael P. Davis, ‘78	Grenada Rescue
1983	Col Karol J. Bobko, ‘59 Maj Neal D. Coyle, ‘72	Maiden Voyage of Challenger B-52 In-flight Emergency
1982	LtCol Robert L. Brenci, ‘63	Iran Hostage Rescue Attempt
1981	Capt William T. Gillin, ‘73	Dutch Liner Rescue
1980	Col Thomas A. LaPlante, ‘61	Excellence in System Management
1979	Maj Mart H. Bushnell, ‘64	F-15 & AIM-7F Sparrow Missile Improvements
1978	LtCol (Dr) Wayne F. Kendall, ‘60	F-15/F-16 Canopy Loss
1977	Maj Roger E. Carleton, ‘67	A-10 T & E
1976	**LtCol Michael V. Love, ‘60	Test Pilot
1975	**Capt Donald R. Backlund, ‘71 Capt Ronald T. Rand, ‘71	Mayaguez Rescue (Pilot) Mayaguez Rescue (Photographer)
1974	*Maj Robert A. Lodge, ‘64	Southeast Asia
1973	Capt Dale E. Stovall, ‘67	SEA/Helicopter Rescue
1972	Maj Richard S. Ritchie, ‘64	Southeast Asia
1971	Capt Neil B. Crist, ‘66	Southeast Asia
1970	Capt (Ret) Wayne A. Warner, ’63	Southeast Asia
1969	Maj Terry R. Jorris, ‘61	Space Sextant (Aerospace Research)
*	Lt Karl W. Richter, ‘64	Southeast Asia
1968	Capt Donald D. Stevens, ‘60	Southeast Asia

The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) and the USAFA Association of Graduates (AOG) have established the Distinguished Graduate Award. Each year the award is presented by the Superintendent (HQ USAFA/CC) and the Chairman of the AOG to a USAFA graduate(s), whose lifetime of achievement is of such significance as to set them apart from their contemporaries. More than one individual may be selected during a particular year. The purpose of the award is to:

• Recognize outstanding performance by graduates who have demonstrated a lifetime of exceptional service to the Nation.
• Favorably promote the Air Force Academy and its graduates. Promote and increase awareness of graduate heritage among alumni, cadets, parents, and friends of the Air force Academy.

Selection Criteria

Award selection is based on a lifetime of achievement that is of such significance as to set the individual apart from their contemporaries. The Award will not be given to individuals who occupy, or are candidates for, elective office, or who are still on active duty. Individuals must be alive and agree to accept the Award at the Air Force Academy whenever possible. Posthumous nominations will only be considered in rare instances.

Year	Recipient
2022	Brig Gen (Ret) Hans Mueh ’66 Maj Gen (Ret) Susan Desjardins ’80 Gen (Ret) David Goldfein ’83
2021	Col. (Ret.) Leonard “Lucky” Ekman ’63 Dr. William Wecker ’63 Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Eugene Lupia ’67
2020	Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Jay Kelley ’64 Mr. Hugh Williamson ’64 Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Ronald “Ron” Sega ’74 Col. (Ret.) Gail Benjamin Colvin ’80
2019	(Ret.) Leslie Denend ’63 Mr. Fletcher “Flash” Wiley ’65 Gen. (Ret.) Norton “Norty” Schwartz ’73 Gen. (Ret.) Edward Rice Jr. ’78 Mr. John “Jack” Kucera ’78
2018	Gen. (Ret.) Edward R. Jayne II ’66 Col. (Ret.) Dr. H. Michael Lambert ’70 Gen. (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III ’76 Brig. Gen. (Ret.) John C. Inglis ’76
2017	John Fox ’63 T. Allan McArtor ’64 Gen. (Ret.) Steve Lorenz ’73
2016	(Ret.) George Lee Butler ’61 Gen. (Ret.) Charles R. Holland ’68 Mr. R. David Yost ’69 Col. (Ret.) Gary E. Payton ’71
2015	(Ret.) Gregory “Speedy” Martin ’70 Paul Madera ’78
2014	Thomas J. Eller ’61 Gen. (Ret.) Kevin P. Chilton ’76
2013	A. Bart Holaday ’65 Gen. (Ret) William R. “Bill” Looney III ’72
2012	Gen. (Ret.) Marcus A. Anderson ’61 Mr. Edward E. “Ted” Legasey ’67
2011	Gen. (Ret.) Ruben A. Cubero ’61 Mr. Richard D. McConn ’66
2010	Max F. James ’64 Gen. (Ret.) Ralph E.Eberhart ’68
2009	(Ret.) John Michael Loh ’60 Honorable Heather A. Wilson ’82
2008	Gen. (Ret.) Donald Shepperd ’62 Mr. John Martinson ’70
2007	Gen. (Ret.) Ervin Rokke ’62 Gregg Popovich ’70
2006	Gen. (Ret.) Robert D. Beckel ’59 Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Edward J. Mechenbier ’64
2005	(Ret.) H.T. Johnson ’59 Gen. (Ret.) Michael E. Ryan ’65
2004	(Ret.) Frederick Gregory ’64 Gen. (Ret.) Ronald W. Yates ’60
2003	Gen. (Ret.) Bradley C. Hosmer ’59 Mr. Richard T. Schlosberg ’65
2002	Paul G. Kaminski ’64 Gen. (Ret.) Robert C. Oaks ’59
2001	(Ret.) Ronald Fogleman ’63 Mr. Harry J. Pearce, ’64

The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) and the USAFA Association of Graduates (AOG) have established the Sullenberger Distinguished Achievement Award through a Memorandum of Agreement. The Superintendent (HQ USAFA/CC) and the Chairman of the AOG to a USAFA graduate(s), whose singular act of achievement is of such significance as to set them apart from their contemporaries. More than one individual may be selected during a particular year.

Selection Criteria

Award selection is based on a singular achievement or a series of events within a short duration of time, which is of such significance as to set the individual apart from contemporaries. Individuals must be alive and agree to accept the Award at the Air Force Academy when possible.  Posthumous nominations will only be considered in rare instances. The criteria for the award is the following:

Exemplary performance during a singular act, or series of events within a short duration of time, where the individual demonstrated an achievement well exceeding the expectations for that period of time. For the 2023 Sullenberger Award for Courage we will accept nominations for acts within the year 2023.

• Incident exemplifies the Academy core values of – service before self, excellence in all we do, and integrity
• Act of bravery can occur during a military, civilian, business sector, or community related event
• The incident reflects positively on the Academy and is directly correlated to the training provided by the Academy

Past Sullenberger Award Winners

This award was established in 2020 and was awarded for the first time in 2021.

• 2021 Winner Lt. Col. Alexander Pelbath

The USAFA Malham M. Wakin Character and Leadership Development Award offers the institution an official means of recognizing a current or former USAFA permanent party member who has fostered character and leadership development consistent with the Center for Character and Leadership Development (CCLD) conceptual framework by living honorably, lifting others to their best possible self and elevating performance to a noble and common purpose during the current calendar year, 1 January-31 December.

The award honors Brigadier General Malham M. Wakin, USAF, Retired, who served as Vice-Dean and as head of the Philosophy and Fine Arts Department at USAFA from 1959 – 1995.

Year	Recipient
2023	Mr. Michael Kazlausky
2022	Capt Victoria Morrison
2021	Dr. Gregory “Greg” Tate, Cadet Wing
2020	Ms. Gina “Nikki” Mench ’02
2019	Maj Keturah Onukwuli
2018	Lt Col Camilo Guerrero ’96
2017	Col (Ret) Tom Berry ’71
2016	Col Jennifer Block ’92
2015	Dr. Robert “Jef” Jackson
2014	Maj Christina D. Vile
2013	Capt Seth G. Ostlund
2012	Lt Col Ryan K. Osteroos ’94
2011	Col (Ret) Steven A. Shambach
2010	Lt Col Brian Huntley ’88
2009	Maj James Thompson
2008	Lt Col Vicki Rast ’88
2007	Coach Fisher DeBerry
2006	Mr. Phillip Gronseth ’75
2005	Professor Howard Eggers
2004	USAFA Response Team
2003	Lt Col Mark McGeehan ’78 C1C Patrick McGeehan ’03 C1C Brian Smolensky ’03
2002	Dr. Martin Carlisle, DFCS
2001	C1C Catherine Adams
2000	USAFA Prep School
1999	Brig Gen Ruben A. Cubero ’61
1998	Lt Gen Bradley C. Hosmer ’59

Academic awards reward outstanding achievement in each of the four academic divisions.

Award	Winner	Class	Sq	In Memory of
Outstanding Cadet in Basic Sciences	Margaret O. Meehan	2025	28	in memory of Lieutenant General Claire L. Chennault
Outstanding Cadet in Engineering	Alyssa N. Hargis	2025	37
Outstanding Cadet in Humanities	Quintin C. Kies	2025	33	in memory of Lieutenant General Barton K. Yount
Outstanding Cadet in Social Sciences	Sophia A. Stewart	2025	28	in memory of General Joseph R. Holzapple
Outstanding Cadet in Aeronautical Engineering	Ethan M. Stroup	2025	27	in memory of Captain Zoltan J. Tober, Jr. (Class of 1965)
Outstanding Cadet in Astronautical Engineering	Connor M. Emmons	2025	07	in memory of Dr. John von Neumann
Outstanding Cadet in Behavioral Sciences and Leadership	Grace S. Bradley	2025	25	in memory of Captain Richard D. Chorlins (Class of 1967)
Outstanding Cadet in Biology	Reginaldo R. Capati	2025	05	in memory of members of the 384th Bomb Group who served from 1942 to 1945
Outstanding Cadet in Chemistry	Luke A. Wolf	2025	20	in memory of Captain Edward E. Barrow
Outstanding Cadet in Civil Engineering	Zakary D. Adama	2025	37	in honor of Major General Eugene A. Lupia, USAF, Retired (Class of 1967) and in memory of First Lieutenant George W. Kamenicky (Class of 1969)
Outstanding Cadet in Computer Science	Thomas M. Blalock	2025	15	in memory of Captain Dean W. Gonzalez (Class of 1980)
Outstanding Cadet in Cyber Science	Isaiah D. Seals	2025	14
Outstanding Cadet in Data Science	Margaret O. Meehan	2025	28
Outstanding Cadet in Economics	Mark W. Carnes	2025	40	in memory of Major Arthur L. Moxon (Class of 1968)
Outstanding Cadet in Electrical & Computer Engineering	Alyssa N. Hargis	2025	37
Outstanding Cadet in English	Christian M. Perales	2025	19	in honor of Brigadier General Peter R. Moody, USAF, Retired
Outstanding Cadet in Foreign Area Studies	Max W. Lasco	2025	28	in honor of Brigadier General Ruben A. Cubero, USAF, Retired (Class of 1961)
Outstanding Cadet in Geospatial Science	Will R. French	2025	15	in memory Of Brigadier General Robert F. McDermott, USAF, Retired
Outstanding Cadet in History	Ryan M. Pattison	2025	29	in memory of Lieutenant General Frank M. Andrews
Outstanding Cadet in Humanities (Major)	Gabrielle R. Burnett	2025	40
Outstanding Cadet in Legal Studies	D. Micah Stark	2025	17	in memory of Brigadier General Marcos E. Kinevan, USAF, Retired
Outstanding Cadet in Management	Andrew D. Cormier	2025	15	in memory of Colonel Frank T. Birk (Class of 1968)
Outstanding Cadet in Mathematics	Taylor A. McManus	2025	21	in memory of Dr. Robert H. Goddard
Outstanding Cadet in Mechanical Engineering	Ashlynn E. Sweet	2025	19
Outstanding Cadet in Meteorology	Grace C. Muesing	2025	20
Outstanding Cadet in Military History	Tyler L. Holcomb	2025	33	in memory of Major Richard Ira Bong
Outstanding Cadet in Military and Strategic Studies	Isaac W. Musselman	2025	40	in memory of Major General Lucas V. Beau and Brigadier General William (Billy) Mitchell
The Brigadier General John M. Andrew Award for the Outstanding Cadet in Operations Research	Cameron W. Solomon	2025	07
Outstanding Cadet in Philosophy Award	Alex J. Woodward	2025	09
Outstanding Cadet in Physics Award	Abby G. Halasi-Kun	2025	37
Outstanding Cadet in Political Science	Sophia A. Stewart	2025	28
Outstanding Cadet in Systems Engineering	Weiss M. O’Connor	2025	13

Military awards recognize the highest standards of leadership, character development, and military scholarship.

Award	Winner	Class	Sq	In Memory of
Outstanding Group Award	Cadet Group 1
Outstanding Squadron Award	Cadet Squadron 15
Drill and Ceremonies Competition Squadron Award	Cadet Squadron 08			in memory of United States Ambassador Laurence A. Steinhardt and Squadron Leader Allan A. Sherlock, Royal Canadian Air Force
Military Proficiency Squadron Award	Cadet Squadron 10			in memory of Colonel John H. Fowler, Jr.
Core Values Squadron Award	Cadet Squadron 35
Academic Achievement Squadron Award	Cadet Squadron 15
Leadership and Scholarship Squadron Award	Cadet Squadron 29
Outstanding Cadet Summer Wing Commander Award	D. Micah Stark	2025	17
Outstanding Cadet Fall Wing Commander Award	Grace E. Beal	2025	32	in memory of Captain Herbert A. Adamson (Class of 1959)
Outstanding Cadet Spring Wing Commander Award	Joseph R. Tschetter	2025	18	in memory of General of the Air Force Henry H. (Hap) Arnold
Outstanding Cadet Group Commander Award	Charles W. Phillips	2025	18	in memory of Major General Oscar Westover
Outstanding Cadet Squadron Commander Award	Corinne D. Hanson	2025	27	in memory of General Hoyt S. Vandenberg
Outstanding Cadet Flight Commander Award	Joseph R. Olson	2025	07
Outstanding Cadet Element Leader Award	Ashley L. Spear	2025	07	in memory of First Lieutenant Joseph D. Helton, Class of 2007
Outstanding Cadet Who Best Exemplifies the Highest Ideals of Loyalty, Integrity and Courage Award	Madisen R. Campbell	2025	26
Honor Chairperson Award	Mayson K. Slaughter	2025	07	in memory of Second Lieutenant John C. K. Milligan (Class of 1959) and First Lieutenant Beverly S. Parrish, Jr.
Outstanding Cadet in Citizenship Award	Margaret O. Meehan	2025	28
Outstanding Cadet in Military Performance Award	Andrew Frank Amadeo Espinoza Jr.	2025	14	in memory of General Walter C. Sweeney, Jr. (Class of 1959)
Outstanding Cadet in the Order of Graduation Award	Anika R. Havlik	2025	28	in memory of Lieutenant Generals Millard F. Harmon and Hubert R. Harmon
Semper Supra! Award	Caleb L. Shea	2025	08
General David D. Thompson Award	Bryan P. Simpson	2025	01

These top awards recognize the first class cadets who excel in various aspects of airmanship including soaring, parachuting, powered flight, and navigation. Selection is based upon the advice of the 306th Flying Training Group Commander and staff and considers leadership and skill performance during jumps or flights as well as total number of jumps or flights.

Award	Winner	Class	Sq	In Memory of
The Col. Jay B. Harrelson Award for Commitment and Service celebrating the Outstanding Cadet in Airmanship Award	Erin Brzusek	2025	35	In Memory of Colonel Jay B. Harrelson
Outstanding Cadet in Parachuting Award	Chase Powers	2025	37	in memory of Peter A. Johnston (Class of 1966)
Outstanding Cadet in Powered Flight Award	Rushaan Mahajan	2025	03
Outstanding Cadet in Soaring Award	Gabriela Castaneda	2025	11	in memory of former Air Force Chief of Staff, General John P. McConnell
Outstanding Flying Team Cadet	David Johnson	2025	01

The tapping ceremony typically occurs each year during graduation week.  Honorees in these categories are recognized with a permanently affixed nameplate in the Arnold Hall ballroom.

Award	Winner	Class	Sq
Outstanding Cadet, United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School Graduate Award	Joseph R. Tschetter	2025	18
Outstanding Former Regular Enlisted Cadet Graduating with Highest Class Honors Award	Joseph R. Tschetter	2025	18	in memory of Master Sergeant James D. Horner
Outstanding Former Falcon Scholar Award	Luca A. Valenti	2025	12	in memory of Major General Robert J. Smith
100 Year Honor Roll (Top Graduate)	Anika R. Havlik	2025	28	in memory of Lieutenant Generals Millard F. Harmon and Hubert R. Harmon
Civil Air Patrol Award	Ryan J. Buckton	2025	31

Athletic awards are awarded to cadets who demonstrate superior athletic achievement and leadership abilities.

Award	Winner	Class	Sq	In Memory of
Intercollegiate Athletics Squadron Award	Cadet Squadron 16
Intramural Athletics Squadron Award	Cadet Squadron 36
Athletic Excellence Squadron Award	Cadet Squadron 28
Most Valuable Athlete Award (Men)	Erich A. Upton	2025	38	in memory of Colonel John J. Clune, United States Air Force Academy Athletic Director, 1975-1991
Most Valuable Athlete Award (Women)	Madison R. Smith	2025	08	in memory of Colonel John J. Clune, United States Air Force Academy Athletic Director, 1975-1991
Outstanding Cadet, Athletic Achievement Award	Patrick W. Hoopes	2025	2	in memory of Major Jack Schwall, USAF, Retired
Outstanding Cadet, Athletic Excellence Award	Lauren M. Hurley	2025	16	in memory of First Lieutenant Dale A. Walters (Class of 1982)
Outstanding Cadet, Athletic Leadership Award	Alexis J. Odom	2025	07	in memory of First Lieutenant Michael J. Mark (Class of 1975)
Outstanding Cadet, Scholar-Athlete Award	Guy W. Blessing	2025	02	in memory of General Edwin W. Rawlings
Most Valuable Baseball Player Award	Walker W. Zapp	2026	24	in memory of Captain Valmore W. Bourque (Class of 1960)
Most Valuable Basketball Player Award (Men)	Ethan Emanuel Taylor	2025	03
Most Valuable Basketball Player Award (Women)	Madison Rose Smith	2025	08
Most Valuable Cadet in Boxing Excellence Award (Men)	Luke O. Kohout	2025	05
Most Valuable Cadet in Boxing Excellence Award (Women)	Elise K. Bell	2026	16
Most Valuable Cadet in Marksmanship Award (Rifle)	Lauren M. Hurley	2025	16	in honor of the United States Air Force Academy Purple Heart Recipients
Most Valuable Cheerleader Award (Men)	Scott K. Winger	2026	28
Most Valuable Cheerleader Award (Women)	Emily R. Cook	2025	20
Most Valuable Cross Country Runner Award (Men)	Zachary R. Ayers	2026	22
Most Valuable Cross Country Runner Award (Women)	Allyson L. Peterson	2025	15
Most Valuable Diver Award (Men)	Brady Benjamin Nichol	2028	11
Most Valuable Diver Award (Women)	Chloe Holden Perkins	2028	37
Most Valuable Fencer Award (Men)	Omar Elsayed Emara	2026	19	in memory of Captain Harlow L. Halbower (Class of 1959) and First Lieutenant John P. Skoro, Jr. (Class of 1963)
Most Valuable Fencer Award (Women)	Christina Elena Watrall	2027	24	in memory of Mr. Edwin L. Purdy
Most Valuable Football Defensive Player Award	Osaro Paul Aihie	2025	15
Most Valuable Football Lineman or Special Teams Player Award	Matthew Henry Dapore	2025	05
Most Valuable Football Offensive Player Award	Alex G. Moore	2025	07	in memory of Captain Martin S. Bezyack
Most Valuable Football Player Award	Camby Goff	2025	09
Most Valuable Golfer Award (Men)	Cameron Glenn Kahle	2025	22
Most Valuable Gymnast Award (Men)	Erich Anthony Upton	2025	38	in memory of Mr. Jasper D. Ackerman
Most Valuable Gymnast Award (Women)	Maggie Mae Slife	2027	39	in memory of Lieutenant Colonel Karolen K. Fahrni (Class of 1985)
Most Valuable Ice Hockey Player Award	Clayton Cosentino	2025	08	in memory of First Lieutenant Hal K. Henderson (Class of 1967)
Most Valuable Lacrosse Player Award	Josh S. Yago	2025	19	in memory of First Lieutenant Michael L. Sands (Class of 1971)
Most Valuable Soccer Player Award (Men)	Noah T. Higbie	2027	33
Most Valuable Soccer Player (Women)	Hannah Grace Johnson	2025	21	in memory of Second Lieutenant Gary K. Davis (Class of 1969)
Most Valuable Swimmer Award (Men)	James Roland Winterfield	2026	08	in memory of Captain Bryan A. Rye (Class of 1971)
Most Valuable Swimmer Award (Women)	Hanani C. Dona	2026	15	In memory of Coach Casey Converse
Most Valuable Tennis Player Award (Men)	Alex J. Moore	2026	17	in memory of Lieutenant General Francis C. Gideon, USAF
The Carole Gilchrist Bassett Award for the Most Valuable Tennis Player Award (Women)	Alexis J. Odom	2025	07
Most Valuable Track and Field Athlete Award (Men)	Texas T. Tanner	2026	10	in memory of Brigadier General James V. G. Wilson
Most Valuable Track and Field Athlete Award (Women)	Taylor E. Rioux	2025	34	in memory of Lieutenant General Claire L. Chennault
Most Valuable Track and Field Competitor Award (Men)	Javin D. Bostic	2025	11	in memory of Mr. Arne U. Arnesen
Most Valuable Track and Field Competitor Award (Women)	Allyson L. Peterson	2025	15	in memory of Lieutenant General Claire L. Chennault
Most Valuable Volleyball Player Award	Isabella Jane Tschuor	2025	20
Most Valuable Water Polo Player Award	Thomas Andrew Leggett	2027	28
Most Valuable Wrestler Award	Gage Kenneth Musser	2025	29	in memory of First Lieutenant Richard N. Christy II (Class of 1970)
Physical Education Average	Brandon C. Tilp	2025	08	in memory of Lt Col Paul Edward Bickle (Class of 1970)
Outstanding Cadet in Physical Education	Ethan M. Stroup	2025	27	in memory of Captain Dean G. Crowell (Class of 1964)

This award honors 1st Lt. Roslyn ‘Roz’ Littmann Schulte, the first female Air Force Academy graduate to be killed in action in the war on terror. It has been awarded since 2010 to recognize an outstanding cadet first class who embodies “impeccable character, unwavering leadership and spirit of service.”

Watch the 2025 Award and Recognition Ceremony.

View images of the ceremony.

Award	Cadet	Class	Sq	In Memory of	Donor
Winner	Kylie Swartz	2025	09	in memory of 1st Lt. Roslyn Schulte	Sponsored by  the Center for Character and Leadership Development and the Schulte family
Runner-Up	Rylie Anderson	2025	25
Runner-Up	Regi Capati	2025	05
Runner-Up	Dilan Cinta	2025	13
Runner-Up	Yujin Shim	2025	12
Runner-Up	Joseph Tschetter	2025	18