Ohio Christian University gathered for its annual Honors Chapel to celebrate a year marked by academic excellence, Christ-centered service, and student achievement across disciplines. As the final chapel of the academic year, the event served as both a celebration and a moment of reflection—recognizing students who have distinguished themselves not only in the classroom, but in character, leadership, and calling.
At the heart of the ceremony were three distinguished awards presented by each academic School: the Rising Scholar Award, the Character & Service Award, and the Honor Graduate Award. Together, these honors reflect the University’s commitment to developing students who pursue truth, live with integrity, and serve with purpose.
The Rising Scholar Award recognizes sophomore- and junior-level students who demonstrate exceptional academic promise through outstanding coursework, scholarly initiative, and engagement beyond the classroom.
The Character & Service Award honors students who exemplify Ohio Christian University’s core values through a consistent commitment to serving others and demonstrating strong Christian character.
The highest distinction, the Honor Graduate Award, is presented to one graduating senior from each School who has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, Christian service, and leadership. Beginning this year, Honor Graduates will also lead their respective Schools in the commencement procession and be recognized by wearing a distinctive Honor Graduate stole.
2026 Special Award Recipients include the following:
School of Ministry and Theology
· Honor Graduate: Laura Calhoun
· Rising Scholar: Matthew Conway
· Character & Service: John Grabans
School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
· Honor Graduate: Sydnee Davis
· Rising Scholar: Alayna Baughn
· Character & Service: Dylan Davis
School of Education and Science
· Honor Graduate: Brady Olson
· Rising Scholar: Brya McClain
· Character & Service: MacKenzie Carte
School of Business and Innovation
· Honor Graduate: Katie Sharp
· Rising Scholar: Mason Pollard
· Character & Service: Issac Horner
Each School also awarded scholarships to select students within the School’s programs. The following students received School-awarded scholarships: Sarah Hicks, Logan Peters, Samuel Messer, Tyler Frownfelter, Chloe Jenkins, Emma Hannah, Leah Bouldin, Ashleigh Jackson, Emma Muncy, Lauren Payte, Lael Simmons, Joey Wright, Charity Buckamneer, Sophie Coleman, Chandler Hayes, Hannah Skaggs, Amy Thompson, Jenna Tripp, DJ Spicer, Addison West, Makayla Westbrook, Kayla Allen
Students were also inducted into two Honor Societies. Brooklyn Hoover, Brady Olson, Alli Tobert, Leah Watson, Grace Wisecup were inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society (Education), and Moriah Ewen, Lillian Smith, Kaitlyn Sharp, Katie Sharp, Clayton Rhyne, Kobi Payne, Ella Rapp, Michael Conway, Emma Hannah were inducted into the Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society (Business).
The Honors Chapel stands as a meaningful expression of Ohio Christian University’s mission to prepare students to serve effectively in the Church and society by integrating faith and learning. The students recognized represent not only academic excellence, but lives shaped by purpose, calling, and a commitment to Christ-centered leadership