Brooklyn Hyatt Receives 2023 President’s Spirit of ECC Award

Brooklyn Hyatt Receives 2023 President’s Spirit of ECC Award

May 17, 2023 |

The 2023 President’s Spirit of East Central College award recipient Brooklyn Hyatt exemplified student involvement during the last two years.

She has served as the Student Government Association president, and she was a heavily involved member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the Student-Missouri Teachers Association.

Hyatt, of St. Clair, took part in all these organizations while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average.

She was presented the award by ECC President Dr. Jon Bauer during the College Commencement Saturday, May 13. Hyatt graduate Summa Cum Laude with an Associate of Arts in Teaching.

The prestigious President’s Spirit of ECC award, formerly the Outstanding Student Award, recognizes one student who demonstrates exemplary academic excellence, and significant student involvement during their time at ECC.

Hyatt, a first-generation college student, also served as a Student Ambassador at ECC. In that role, she gave student tours and guided future Falcons. One piece of advice she gives to all new students, “I would tell them that they would benefit greatly if they put themselves out there more.”

“My relationships and bonds have astronomically benefited me socially and academically,” she said. “I wouldn’t have made it as far without knowing staff, faculty, and students. College is new to a lot of people, so you should just dive into new experiences.

“I loved being in SGA and it opened so many opportunities for me,” Hyatt added.

In addition, Hyatt received a Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) Student Leadership Award. She also was recognized by the MCCA and PTK for being named a 2023 All-Missouri Academic Team.

Transferring to SEMO

Up next for Hyatt is Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO), where she will continue toward a bachelor’s degree in education.

“ECC has done a marvelous job of preparing me for SEMO,” she said. “I feel extremely prepared academically,” Hyatt added. “Classes here are a lot like they are there, and I have a ton of transferable classes.”

She noted that the guidance of Greg Stotler, education/teacher coordinator and assistant professor, and Carson Mowery, coordinator of Campus Life and Leadership, helped prepare her for what’s next.

“Mr. Stotler and Carson Mowery were extremely instrumental in guiding me to SEMO and preparing me for the world and options as a whole,” Hyatt commented.

After she graduates from SEMO, Hyatt says she’ll begin a teaching career as soon as possible. She plans to continue her education after earning a bachelor’s degree and work toward a master’s degree.

In addition to being involved in clubs and organizations, and thriving academically, Hyatt also was a student worker in the ECC Foundation office and worked with ECC’s mascot Franklin the Falcon.

“I did a lot of work, but it never felt hard, and I was able to help more people than just my bosses,” she said. “I loved working with Franklin and making connection with people especially children. Seeing their eyes light up when they see him is similar to how I feel teaching.

“I enjoyed working with everyone at ECC, Hyatt added. “They are so kind and willing to help. ECC is just a brilliant place to be and was certainly a big part of my journey.”