The annual Student Leadership Awards Ceremony and Appreciation Luncheon celebrated the achievements and impact of student leaders across the community. Organized by the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), last week’s event recognized students and student groups who exemplify the Institute’s mission, vision, and core values through service-oriented leadership. 

Emma Green, OTD ’26 received the Outstanding Student Leader of the Year Award for her impactful leadership as Student Government Associate Vice President, where she has helped foster transparency, inclusion, and connection across campus. Emily Pickard, OTD ’28 was recognized with the Emerging Leader Award for her strong commitment to leadership development and community engagement as a first-year student. 

Occupational Therapy student Valeria Saldana received the Be the Change Award for her dedication to advancing healthy equity and advocating for others  and the Outstanding IMPACT Group Award was presented to I-CARES, led by the group’s president, Speech-Language Pathology student Rebecca Butler, for organizing an interprofessional event that strengthened collaboration among health profession students across the Boston area. 

Tedy’s Team Center of Excellence presented the Tedy’s Team Center of Excellence in Stroke Recovery Student Impact Award. Elizabeth Lawlor, OTD '27 received the award for her contributions to stroke awareness and community outreach from Tedy's Team Center Director Kim Erler and Education/Community Outreach Coordinator Gwen Larsen. According to Erler, Lawlor’s work “exemplifies the power of student leadership to translate knowledge into action and to improve stroke awareness in ways that can truly save lives.”

In addition to student awards, the Advisor of the Year Award was reintroduced for the first time in several years. This honor recognizes a student organization advisor who goes above and beyond in supporting their students. This year’s recipient, Physician Assistant Studies faculty member Brittany Palaski, who serves as advisor to the PA Student Society (PASS), was recognized for her dedication to student success and her meaningful contributions to the organization. In the nomination, students wrote, “Her ability to keep up with our goals of fundraising, lifting class spirits, and celebrating small and big wins, makes the experience of being a part of PASS fun and meaningful.”

The ceremony served not only as a celebration of individual accomplishments, but also as a reflection of the vibrant, engaged, and collaborative community that defines the MGH Institute of Health Professions. While only a select number of recipients were recognized, all nominees were acknowledged for their meaningful contributions to campus life and their commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive community.