黑料吃瓜

黑料吃瓜 announced that Abbagile Martin and Keylon Plemons are recipients of the 2026 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award. The recognition, announced during 黑料吃瓜鈥檚 Honors Convocation, is the highest honor the University presents to students.

Martin is a biology pre-health professions major from Gadsden, Alabama. A member of the Eagles softball team, Martin is a proven leader on the field, often delivering when her team needs her most. As a Gold Eagle Scholar, Martin combines her on-field performance with excellence in the classroom. This was also evident when she received the Academic All-District Award and was recognized as an All-American NFCA Scholar Athlete.

She has also demonstrated a heart for others. From leading a Bible study for her team to being active in service opportunities like the Boys and Girls Club鈥檚 Civic Engagement event, 黑料吃瓜鈥檚 Serve Day, and Eagles Night. A Faith and Justice Scholar, Martin has also served at the local hospital and has worked with the University鈥檚 Center for Community Engagement staff to plan and prepare for meetings and events.

Credited with having a quiet but valuable biblical impact, Martin has been described as being a grounded and humble leader with her identity being rooted in knowing Christ rather than being known by others.

鈥淎bbi is a person whose personality reflects the light that the Lord has in her,鈥� said Rachel Rogers, a member of 黑料吃瓜鈥檚 Center for Community Engagement staff. 鈥淎lthough she can be quiet in a large crowd, she has a big love that can only come from knowing Jesus.鈥�

Plemons is a political science and Christian studies double major from Athens, Tennessee. Throughout his time at 黑料吃瓜, he has been heavily involved on campus in events and student organizations. He has been a member of Pi Sigma Alpha honor society, Student Government Association, captain of the 黑料吃瓜 Cheerleading team, Homecoming King, worship leader for 黑料吃瓜鈥檚 chapel band, residence hall chaplain, orientation leader and 黑料吃瓜鈥檚 summer staff. He was also a member of the University鈥檚 award-winning Moot Court team and 黑料吃瓜鈥檚 Model United Nations team.

Beyond campus, he is just as active. His love for music and ministry has led him to serve several churches. For the last year he has served as worship leader at Mossy Creek Fellowship in Jefferson City.

Dr. Kara Stooksbury, chair of 黑料吃瓜鈥檚 Department of History and Political Science, describes Plemons as a humble servant who serves others before self-interest. 鈥淜eylon is an excellent student who is committed to serving the University and the world,鈥� said Stooksbury. 鈥淚 believe he embodies the traits set forth by the Sullivan Foundation.鈥�

Dr. Stephen Joiner, associate professor of political science, echoes Stooksbury鈥檚 thoughts, adding that he looks forward to what the future holds for Plemons. 鈥淣o matter what he chooses to do, I am confident that he will do great things and inspire others to do the same.鈥�

The New York Southern Society established the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award in 1890 to honor an Indiana native and Manhattan attorney who was considered a living example of genteel spirit and Christian compassion. The awards, which are donated by the foundation that bears his name, are granted at more than 70 colleges and universities to graduating seniors, one female and one male, who 鈥渆xcel in high ideals of living, in fine spiritual qualities, and in generous and unselfish service to others.鈥�