CCV has a proud tradition of honoring student leadership each spring. After all, our students bring a wealth of experiences and skills to their academic centers, classrooms, and communities, and CCV would not be the vibrant, engaging college that it is without their many passions and talents. 

The Leadership Scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate significant leadership abilities through service learning, volunteer work, and involvement in student life at CCV. Students are nominated each fall by CCV staff, faculty, and other students, and receive a $1,000 award. 

This year, we met up with two scholarship recipients, Mabel Buteau and Charlotte Cloutier, to learn more about their stories. Check out their videos, as well as a full list of this year’s Leadership Scholarship recipients, below.

Congratulations to the 2025-2026 Leadership Scholarship recipients, and thank you for your many contributions to CCV and beyond!

  • Denise Searles is a peer mentor in the CCV-St. Albans student resource center, where she connects classmates with community resources. She is completing a degree in behavioral science.
  • Taviah Williams supports young people within the Essex Westford School District. She is pursuing a degree in behavioral science.
  • Lucas Zarr is a corrections officer who previously worked with Easterseals VT. He earned a certificate in human services and will graduate with a degree in behavioral science this spring.
  • Felix Ljosa is a student ambassador for the Free Degree Promise program, and will earn a debt-free STEM studies degree this spring.
  • Samantha Smith is involved with CCV’s Student Advisory and Leadership Council, and is a member of both Phi Theta Kappa and the SALUTE veterans honor society. She is pursuing a degree in liberal studies and an early childhood education administrator certificate.
  • Sandra Lubeck is a role model in her CCV classes. She embodies the joy of learning and is always willing to lend a hand to her peers. She is pursuing both a degree in design & media studies and a certificate in studio art.
  • Isabel Fish is a leader in the classroom, where she facilitates difficult conversations and sets a positive example. She will earn her debt-free degree in liberal studies through the Free Degree Promise.
  • Mari Paterson is a student leader with a passion for human services. She is just starting out on her CCV journey toward a degree in behavioral science.
  • Camden Wells is actively engaged at CCV. From setting up group study sessions to organizing off-campus activities, he is at the heart of the student community. He is pursuing a degree in behavioral science.