Karisa Hernandez, recent graduate of the Iowa Lakes Softball team, has received the John P. "Jack" Kibbie Outstanding Service Award. This is the most prestigious award given to four Iowa Lakes graduating students each academic year to acknowledge their leadership and contributions to the community and/or college that goes above and beyond the typical student. This annual award honors the significant role Senator Jack Kibbie has bestowed on Iowa's Community Colleges and Iowa Lakes in particular. Iowa Lakes recognizes these outstanding meritorious students who have been nominated by faculty and staff. The students received this award at summer commencement on Friday, July 28th in the Emmetsburg Gymnasium.
Hernandez, a graduate with her Associate of Science degree, has really grown since attending Iowa Lakes. She is a kid from Texas who took a chance on a little school in Iowa. Hernandez wore many hats at Iowa Lakes, including athlete, student senate president, and held a work-study job. She has been doing this by herself, thousands of miles from home, and has been doing it well. She is always the first person to volunteer when the team or student senate was asked to do something, and she did it with a smile and an infectious personality. During her two years, Hernandez has become a leader, impacted many different people, and matured to believe in herself. She has worked with children, Special Olympics, faculty and staff, as well as adults within the community. Her volunteer hours have not only had a positive impact on the Estherville community but also the Emmetsburg and Spirit Lake communities.
"I am so honored to be able to receive the Kibby Award! Being recognized by the staff for doing something good for the Iowa Lakes community and the community of Estherville is an honor. Estherville and Iowa Lakes will always be a home to me! Being in student senate and a part of the softball team really helped me thrive and grow in so many ways. I would like to say thank you for allowing me to bring good into the community and for letting it become a part of me," said Hernandez.
Hernandez was a great representative of the softball team on and off the field. She helped lead her team to consecutive Regional Championship game appearances and an overall record of 73-31-1 in the past two years. Hernandez has been the team's starting second basemen for two years and has had a nice athletic career. Hernandez also helped her team reach the top 10 in all NJCAA softball programs in team GPA the past two years. Hernandez was an NJCAA Academic All-American, an Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar Athlete, and an ICCAC Academic All-Region recipient.
"We are very honored to have had Karisa be part of our softball program," commented Coach King. "Karisa has gone above and beyond what was asked of her on the field, in the classroom, and as a community member. She has made a positive impact not only on our program, but within the college and community. Karisa has an infectious personality that allows her to serve others. I cannot wait to see how she continues to be a selfless leader at her new institution and throughout life."
Photo ID: Picture of Karsia Hernandez attached.
MEDIA: For more information, please contact Head Softball Coach, Katie King at (712) 362-8367 or the Iowa Lakes sports information office at (712) 362-7928.