Helena, MT; Missoula, MT – The Montana Student Volunteer Award is awarded in partnership between the Governor’s Office of Community Service and Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement (MCNCE) campuses to college students across the state who have demonstrated meaningful volunteer service to their communities while pursuing a college degree or certificate. This year, 18 college student volunteers across Montana will be recognized at a virtual event on April 23rd and presented with a certificate signed by Governor Gianforte and their college president.
2026 Montana Student Volunteer Award Winners from our listening area are:
- Aaniiih Nakoda College | Cody James – Harlem, MT
For the past two years, Cody has volunteered at every single Aaniiih Nakoda College campus event. As a member of Student Senate, he has helped with the annual Halloween Masquerade and Luminary Walks, and volunteers with the Human Services Department at events like Domestic Violence Walks and community outreach. What makes Cody stand out is that he never needs to be asked. He simply shows up and lends a hand. As he often says, “I will be there to help, no matter what it is you need.”
- Montana State University Northern | Jalia Haley-Giard – Havre, MT
Jalia volunteers with the Red Cross as a Duty Officer Associate, training people across Idaho, Montana, and Eastern Oregon to prepare for disaster events, including shelter management, evacuation coordination, and communications. Her enthusiasm for undergraduate research has generated enough momentum that MSU-Northern is hosting a summer research project in Integrated Health Sciences for the very first time, creating paid positions for students in the process. Beyond these commitments, Jalia volunteers online to assist people with blindness through Be My Eyes, classify scientific data through Zooniverse, and counsel people in crisis through Crisis Text Line.
- Montana Technological University | Hayden Diekhans – Geraldine, MT
Since August 2025, Hayden volunteered fifteen hours per week as the student alumni outreach coordinator at the Montana Tech Foundation, coordinating donor and alumni outreach through phone calls that directly support the success of both the Foundation and the campus. As a member of the Montana Tech basketball team, he brings the same passion to the court that he brings to his volunteering. Service and community engagement reflect Heyden’s character in everything he does at Montana Tech.
- Helena College University of Montana | Amanda Moulton – Conrad, MT
Amanda serves as President of the Associated Students of Helena College. Though it was a role that found her, Amanda has worked incredibly hard to fill it well and serve her fellow students. Before college, she gave four years to the Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), coached junior high tennis players, and led Bible study and Vacation Bible School activities at her church in Conrad. Amanda is kind, driven, and always ready to help others reach their goals.
“Montana’s college students strengthen our communities,” Josh Vanek, MCNCE Executive Director shared. “Our board, advisory committee, staff and partners acknowledge and celebrate students’ civic engagement and impactful volunteerism.”
