Mr. and Ms. YC Candidates Announced

York College recognized eight students this week as nominees for the Mr. and Ms. YC awards, presented annually at the All-School Banquet (April 6). Faculty and staff nominated these students based on their positive contributions across campus and their commitment to the mission, purpose and core values of York College.​

Nominees for the 2021 honor include: Amber Jimenez, Kellie Fredendall, Thaddaeus Kinney, Diego Korol, Pierce Mederios, Davi Mendonca, Connie Nickell, and Elizabeth Ryan.

Nominees: Ms. YC

Amber Jimenez
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Amber is a special and elementary education major from Gilbert, Ariz. During her time at York College, she has been a four-year starter on the women’s soccer team, York Campus Ministry Intern, member of the Cheer and Dance team, student government, Presidential Leadership Institute, Delta Songfest rep, and a Genesis leader. She was captain of the soccer team, 2nd Team All-Conference, KCAC Offensive Player of the Week, won the Soccer Identity Award, NAIA Character Award, Cheer and Dance Diligence Character Award, and was a Homecoming Queen candidate. Upon graduation, Amber plans to move back to Arizona to pursue her teaching and coaching career.

Kellie Fredendall ​

Kellie is a special and elementary education major from Jefferson City, Mo. She has been involved in York Campus Ministries, women’s basketball, student government, Presidential Leadership Institute, Concert Choir, Celebration Singers, Theta Psi and Omega Phi social clubs, as well as the Delta Songfest rep, and a leader in Genesis. Kellie came to York as a Presidential Scholar and while a student received the 3C Character Award, was student body president, and a member of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society. After graduation, Kellie will be getting married and moving back to Missouri where she has accepted an elementary special education position at Blair Oaks in Jefferson City, Mo.

Connie Nickell

Connie is a biology major from Clackamas, Ore. She is a founding member of York College’s STEM Society, a member of the cross country team, track and field team, Concert Choir, Residence Life, York Campus Ministries, Delta Chi Alpha social club, and the Math and Science Club. She was a recipient of the KCAC Champions of Character Award and is a member of the Dean's List. As soon as she graduates, Connie said she will take the nap that she’s put off for four years. She plans to move to a new state with her dog, join a team of researchers, and begin a career that allows her to invest in lives through science.

Elizabeth Ryan

Elizabeth is a chemistry major with minors in math and biology from Mountain Home, Idaho. During her years at York she was a four-year starter on the women’s soccer team, an assistant director with Residence Life, student government officer, a Genesis leader, had a chemistry internship, and participated in the 2019 study abroad. She was recognized with the Women’s Soccer Discipline Award, inducted into Alpha Chi National Honor Society, a member of the Dean's List, and Honorary Bro for Kyodai social club, and was the 2020 Homecoming Queen. Upon graduation Liz plans to earn her Ph.D. in chemistry.

Nominees: Mr. YC

Thaddaeus Kinney

Thaddaeus is an agricultural business major from Council Bluffs, Iowa. He has been involved in Concert Choir, cheer team, and active in Sigma Tau social club. He was a Songfest emcee in 2019 and a 2021 Songfest host. Thaddaeus is a member of the Dean’s List, an NAIA Daktronics Scholar Athlete, and was recognized with the Concert Choir WOW Award. He plans to seek full-time employment after graduation.

Diego Korol

Diego is a business administration and accounting major from Santiago, Chile. He has been a member of the men’s soccer team, Residence Life, and vice president of Phi Beta Lambda (PBL). Diego is a member of the Dean’s List, a 2020 Homecoming King candidate, and a three-time PBL national placer including first place in Emerging Business Issues in 2019. He was named the Nebraska PLB Member of the Year and was elected as the Nebraska State PBL vice president of membership. Upon graduation, Diego plans to serve as the graduate assistant for the men’s soccer team.

Pierce Mederios

Pierce is a biology (pre-professional) major from Mountain Home, Idaho. He has been the captain of the men's wrestling team, president of Kyodai social club, a member of the PR Squad, York Campus Ministries, and Math & Science Club. He was a three-time KCAC wrestling champion, a three-time NAIA wrestling national qualifier, 2018-2019 Tyler Phipps Memorial Scholarship Recipient, and the 2020 Homecoming King. Pierce plans to attend dental school through the Idaho Dental Education Program, spending one year at Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho, and three years at Creighton University in Omaha. He hopes to specialize in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Davi Mendonca

Davi is a sports management and business administration major from Fortaleza, Brazil. He was a member of the men’s varsity soccer team, serving as captain, and involved in student government. He is a member of the Dean’s List, a three-time NAIA Daktronics Scholar Athlete, and the 2019 Homecoming King. Upon graduation Davi said he hopes, “to make less plans and continue to find joy in the little things.”