Civically Engaged College Students Recognized with Volunteer Award

Helena, MT; Missoula, MT – The Montana Student Volunteer Award is awarded in partnership between the Governor’s Office of Community Service and Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement (MCNCE) campuses to college students across the state who have demonstrated service to their communities while pursuing a college degree or certificate.

“These students help us remember that even with our busy lives, it’s possible to give back in thoughtful and significant ways,” Josh Vanek with the MCNCE said. “We appreciate what the service they provide to Montana communities and thank them for their service.”
This year, 15 student volunteers across Montana will be recognized at a virtual event on April 24th and presented with a certificate signed by Governor Gianforte and their college president.

2025 Montana Student Volunteer Award Winners:

Blackfeet Community College | Kane B. Gilham is a dedicated member of the Student Senate and his willingness to volunteer for every event and activity sets him apart as a reliable and selfless individual. He also participated in the AIHEC summit in Washington D.C in February 2025. Kane also is involved with Healthy Colleges Montana, and local USDA program.

Carroll College | Audrey Narum is Vice President of Carroll College Student Nursing Association, works with the Montana Hope Project, Special Olympics, Engineers Without Borders Health, and the Helena Health Alliance. Her ability to vision the best for everyone and build a foundation under that vision is outstanding.

Dawson Community College | Tayla Undem is always ready to serve whenever she is presented with an opportunity and, as a Glendive native, acts as a local ambassador to involve all of her softball teammates who have come to DCC from other places. Tayla volunteers for her church's Vacation Bible School, the local 4H club, helps with sport camps, with a local youth basketball tournament and put together care packages for survivors or abusive relationships and more.

Fort Peck Community College | Jaycee Gail Four Bear is an exemplary and outgoing student who has shown a natural leadership style that all students recognize. She volunteers for Head Start where she helps raise funds for early childhood education, health and family well being. She is a natural mentor, role model and is always around student services engaging with students and staff, so much so that we asked her to be our student lounge attendant while pursuing her degree in general studies.

Great Falls College Montana State University | Hope Westerman embodies the spirit of service at Great Falls College MSU. Through her leadership roles as Student Body Vice President and Treasurer, and her position in the Office of Student Engagement, Hope has consistently gone above and beyond to serve her fellow students. Her initiative in organizing and distributing over 60 Thanksgiving meal boxes—two years in a row—demonstrates her commitment to addressing student needs with empathy and action.

Chief Dull Knife College | Britney Gonzalez Wolfvoice is in her second year on the Student Senate and organizes all of the fundraisers for the group. She organizes community service events through her position on student senate such as clothing/coat drives and has been instrumental in revitalizing this program for our students. Britney is a student who is involved in almost every campus activity.

Miles Community College | Hattie Bumgarner is the Associated Students of Miles Community College (ASMCC) Secretary, a Resident Assistant in Pioneer Hall, the events coordinator for Phi Theta Kappa where she has contributed to food pantry and food bank initiatives, as well as the Toys for Tots program and the Cascade County Farm Bureau. Additionally, Hattie is the Vice President of the MCC Young Farmers and Ranchers Club and serves as a Pioneer Ambassador.

Montana State University Bozeman | Hadley Barbie is the Service Saturday Coordinator for the Office of Student Engagement (OSE). Hadley also helped with the coordination of over 20 food drives for the annual Can the Griz Food Drive this past fall – these food drives generated over 40,000 pounds of food donations for the Gallatin Valley Food Bank. She also initiated the first ever Earth Day Service Saturday Event, which includes a campus clean-up.

Montana State University Billings | Tessa Stokes has dedicated 151 volunteer hours between Billings Studio Theatre (BST) and Alberta Bair Theatre (ABT) since September 2024. She also serves as the Bulletin Editor for MSUB Circle K, promoting service activities on social media. Tessa finds joy in giving back to the community, making a difference, and gaining valuable experience.

Montana State University Northern | Amanda Hagerty serves on the Board of Directors for the Gardiner Chamber of Commerce, coordinates the Livingston Food Resource Center, serves on the Wildlife Society, and is a member of the Board for Montana Environmental Education. She's established her impressive resume` of volunteerism all while achieving academic success and campus engagement through MSU-Northern's Community Leadership program and maintaining her career.

Montana Technological University | Malachi Warneke is a huge help anytime there is a need on campus, and he has been al student leader of Chi Alpha Ministry on campus. He leads service groups routinely, such as leading local clinic with outreach. He also works at the local mission. He is a friendly, helpful, and hardworking and leads with passion.

Aaniiih Nakoda College| Tylanna Adams volunteers at our annual Luminary Walk, activities held during Native American Week, the annual Halloween Masquerade, and the annual Spring Fling. She is also a member of the Student Senate in which she has participated in fundraising events and volunteers her time preparing food and logistics. Tylanna is a kind individual who is very passionate about learning her culture and being a good relative.

Flathead Valley Community College | Colton Little is a Student Government Administrative Senator, where he demonstrates outstanding leadership, advocacy, and civic engagement. From organizing voter registration drives to serving on the Budget Committee and representing students at the state level, Colton consistently uses his voice to uplift others and create meaningful change.

Salish Kootenai College | Cain Santomo has dedicated countless hours to the SKC Food Pantry, ensuring students facing food insecurity have access to basic necessities. He has taken a leadership role in organizing volunteers, with a special focus on creating inclusive opportunities for individuals with mental or physical impairments to engage in meaningful service. Additionally, Cain manages snack programming across eight campus locations, providing essential nutrition so students can stay focused on their academics. Balancing these commitments while excelling as a student-athlete for the SKC Men’s Basketball team, Cain exemplifies dedication, leadership, and a deep commitment to community well-being

The University of Montana | May-Lyric Smith was a key organizer for the Stolen Waters summit in 2023, a large three-day Indigenous-led conference at the University of Montana. May dedicated dozens of hours to meetings, preparing traditional foods, and arranging hand-made gifts for presenters and also created an original piece of artwork for the event poster that featured buffalo, wild rose, and three sisters' gardens. May led workshops for tribal partners and community members, speaking to large groups and teaching gardening skills.

For contact information for and awardee’s nominator, please contact Josh Vanek (vanek@mtengage.org) with MCNCE.

The Governor’s Office of Community Service expands and promotes national service and community volunteerism in Montana and engages citizens in service. For more information, visit serve.mt.gov.