NC West Virginia News

West Virginia University has recognized five students as the 2024 Mountaineers of Distinction, an accolade awarded during Mountaineer Week to honor outstanding academic performance and extracurricular engagement. The recipients were selected from over 70 candidates by a panel based on their academic excellence and commitment to service.

The honored students—Haley Bockius, Laasya Chennuru, Mary G. Roush, Christopher J. Smith, and Dakota Swiger—were acknowledged during halftime at the WVU vs. Baylor University football game held at Milan Puskar Stadium.

Haley Bockius, from Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, is a biochemistry major in the Honors College with a minor in medical humanities and health studies. She actively participates in Project 168 and serves as managing editor of the Mountaineer Undergraduate Research Review. Her future plans include attending the WVU School of Medicine to become an ophthalmologist.

Laasya Chennuru is a dual major in biology and psychology from Kearneysville and also part of the Honors College. Her work includes serving as a Presidential Student Ambassador and president of the Global Medical and Dental Brigades. Chennuru aims to attend medical school next year with aspirations of becoming a pediatrician.

Mary G. Roush from Mason is pursuing advertising and public relations. As the 68th Mountaineer mascot, she made over 430 appearances representing WVU across various events. Roush intends to pursue a master’s degree following her graduation.

Christopher J. Smith is originally from Point Pleasant and majors in biomedical engineering with a minor in molecular medicine. A first-generation college student maintaining a perfect GPA, Smith was awarded the 2024 Goldwater Scholarship for his achievements in undergraduate research.

Dakota Swiger from Bridgeport majors in journalism with an English minor. Recognized for nearly 700 hours of volunteer service since her freshman year, she plays an active role in youth leadership programs and aims to attend graduate school eventually.

Finalists for this year's distinction included Suraya Boggs, Julia Chapman, Megan Frappier, Charlie Long, and James Cameron Speaker.