FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 18, 2004
CONTACT: Sarah Lingenfelter, Media Relations (585) 567-9559

HOUGHTON HONORS SCHOLAR-SERVANTS

HOUGHTON, N.Y. – Houghton College has honored four students with the Barnabas Student Leadership Awards. Aram Mitchell of Indianapolis, Ind.; Amy Nordaas of Japan; Timothy Stanley of Akron, N.Y.; and David Steele of Arlington, Va., were selected to receive this award.

The Barnabas Award recognizes students who exhibit leadership skills in the areas of ministry and community service and who also promote servant-leadership. The award is funded partially by the Barney II and Moore Foundations.

Mitchell, a Bible major, has served in ministry at the Houghton Wesleyan Church and the Boys Adventure Club. He has ministered as a wilderness trip guide for kids with Houghton’s STEP program and with Summer’s Best Two Weeks WILD. He recently received recognition as a Who’s Who Among American College and University Students award. He is donating his entire scholarship to Pulaski Wesleyan Church to support his sister and brother-in-law as they embark on a mission of faith in Indianapolis.

Nordaas, a double major in English and adolescent education, has spent significant time as a Houghton College Upward Bound tutor for area high school students. During her sophomore year, she began teaching a Japanese Sunday school class through the Houghton Wesleyan Church for international students at Houghton Academy. She has worked with Houghton’s summer STEP program and led a Highlander Adventure group. She recently received recognition as a Who’s Who Among American College and University Students award. She is donating $250 of her scholarship to Houghton’s Wilderness Adventure Program.

Stanley, a religion major, has spent three years leading the Houghton College Nursing Home Ministry. His service earned him the nursing home’s volunteer of the year award. He has worked as a camp counselor at a Youth With a Mission camp in the Virgin Islands, taught a Sunday school class for middle school boys, and participated in Cross-Footed Ministry, a soccer camp ministry. He recently received recognition as a Who’s Who Among American College and University Students award. He is donating $500 to the Union Biblical Seminary in Yangon, Myanmar to provide year-long scholarships for two students to attend the school.

Steele, a psychology major, has served as class president for two years. In this role he initiated various service projects to the Houghton community to collect food and money to donate to needy families in Allegany county around the holidays. He is a member of the Koinania worship team. He plans to pursue a career in marriage and family counseling. He is donating a portion of his scholarship money to Christian Missions in Many Lands.