While MSU-N Skylights volleyball player Emily Feller did not receive All-Conference honors when her season ended, she was recognized for something bigger. On Saturday afternoon, she was one of 12 student-athletes around the state of Montana honored for the “Montana Athletes in Service” awards, which was held at Bobcat Stadium in Bozeman prior to the “Brawl of the Wild” football game between Montana and Montana State over the weekend.
Carroll College President John Cech and the 2024-25 Chair of the 18 college and university coalition of the Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement (MCNCE) released a statement on what Feller and the rest of the group showed throughout the course of the last year:
“These student-athletes demonstrate that their commitment to excellence extends far beyond their respective sports. They embody the ideals of civic engagement, dedicating their time and energy to causes ranging from youth mentorship to environmental conservation.”
Feller, a senior from Helena, has donated her time in volunteer work at a number of Havre gatherings, which is highlighted by her efforts in the Adopt-a-Highway cleanup and Halloween Trunk-Or-Treat events on campus. She will graduate later this school year with a degree in Civil Engineering Technology.
MCNCE Press Release Athletes
This year’s Montana Athletes in Service award recipients exemplify extraordinary community commitment:
Jay Beagle (University of Montana, Track and Field) has been a pivotal leader in the Grizzly Athletics Student Athlete Advisory Committee, organizing United Way Food Friday and the Griz-O-Ween Halloween Celebration.
Walker Bennett (Miles City Community College, Baseball) serves as president of associated students, volunteering with the ROCKS after-school program and Special Olympics.
Zack Blaszak (Montana State University Billings, Baseball) has organized an annual Holiday Dinner Food Drive for eight years, feeding 500-750 families in need.
Gracey Carter (Montana State University, Track and Field) volunteers with the Bozeman Track Club and the MMIP Club, demonstrating commitment to sports and social causes.
Abraham Chentnik (Flathead Valley Community College, Logger Sports) has dedicated time to conservation projects with the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation.
Abby Clark (Montana Technological University, Volleyball and Track and Field) leads the Student Athlete Advisory Council, organizing blood drives and canned goods collections.
Jaiden Dulin (Dawson Community College, Volleyball) supports the athletic and performing arts center, assisting custodial staff and teachers.
Emily Feller (Montana State University-Northern, Volleyball) participates in the Adopt-a-Highway cleanup and Halloween Trunk or Treat events.
Kaylee Fritz (University of Montana Western, Volleyball) serves as president of the student-athlete association and coaches younger volleyball players.
Tamika Guardipee (Salish Kootenai College, Basketball) volunteers 15 hours weekly in local schools and 10 hours at kids’ camps.
Geordy Medicine Cloud (Fort Peck Community College, Basketball and Cross Country) coaches youth basketball and supports Native American celebrations and drug abuse prevention programs.
Hunter Peck (Carroll College, Football) volunteers with Inheritance of Hope, Shodair Children’s Hospital, NAMI, Special Olympics, and numerous community initiatives.
