North Central Missouri College announced Hikaru Mikami of Japan and Nathan Stark of Trenton as this year’s Academic Excellence Award winners.Mikami and Stark will graduate from NCMC in May.

Mikami will receive an Associate of Arts degree while Stark will receive an Associate of Arts in Teaching and an Associate of Science degree.

Susan Stull, chair of the Academic Excellence Award Committee and life science instructor, said the academic award recognizes students for their work in and out of the classroom.

“We have many academically excellent students at NCMC,” Stull said. “I am grateful this award highlights a job well done and our student accolades.”

The Academic Excellence Award winners are chosen annually by a faculty committee, which selects two students who excel in academics, service and involvement. Honorees must maintain a GPA of at least 3.5, be recognized and recommended by an NCMC faculty member and participate in public service.

Mikami is a student-athlete on the Pirates baseball team, a resident assistant and a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Stark is involved in the Student Missouri State Teachers Association and serves as a tutor at the Tutoring Center.

Mikami said he chose NCMC to play baseball and has enjoyed the small community and the helpfulness of others on campus.

“Everyone is willing to help, and they are very kind,” Mikami said.

Mikami said his favorite class has been English with Amy Guthrie.

“It was hard, but I enjoy writing and I liked the class,” Mikami said.

Stark said NCMC was a good fit because of its campus, affordability and location close to home.

“I chose NCMC because it is a good transition into college,” Stark said. “I liked the campus when I toured, and being close to home made it a really good option. I like that it is affordable, and I can use my A .”

Stark said his favorite class has been Teaching Professions, taught by instructor Cassie Cordray.

“I enjoy the group discussion and the topics are interesting,” Stark said.

Amy Guthrie, NCMC English faculty member and Education and Communications Division chair, said Mikami has stood out in several classes over the past year.

“It has been my pleasure to have Hikaru in several classes over the past year,” she said. “Hikaru is an international student from Japan who exemplifies academic excellence, leadership and community engagement. He is a well-rounded student in the class, a high-achieving athlete on the baseball field, and an engaged NCMC community member.”

Sterling Recker, NCMC political science instructor, said Stark made a strong impression through his participation in class.

“I was always impressed with Nathan’s attentiveness and contributions to our class discussions,” Recker said. “He seemed to have some background knowledge in national government, and his comments demonstrated strong critical thinking skills. It was always interesting to hear his thoughts during discussions and through the various assignments throughout the semester.”

Mikami and Stark will be recognized at the annual honors brunch and will have their names engraved on a plaque in Geyer Hall alongside past award recipients.