A look of surprise and confusion crossed Macy Montana's face when she received a plaque naming her the Student Employee of the Year.

The senior English major is the Student Employee of the Year not only for WSU, but for Washington state also.

Jennifer Davis, student employment coordinator for the Student Employment Center, said Montana was pooled for competition with student employees from colleges all over Washington, so winning for the state is a huge accomplishment.

“We’re really excited to say the least,” Davis said.

Davis said this is the third time in three years of participation in the competition that a WSU student has won the Employee of the Year award for the state.

“We’re three for three, and I think that speaks to the work ethic of our students,” she said.

Davis said there are many guidelines to be eligible for student of the year. The award requires more than six months of student employment, a job history, leadership skills and other qualities. The eligible students then must be nominated officially by their employer.

Davis said Montana set herself apart from the other nominees by not limiting her commitment to making a difference with her piers.

“Macy is a natural leader. She’s enthusiastic, a good mentor and she’s completes her tasks with excellence. You don’t come across that kind of attitude and effort often,” said Laura Lahne, student involvement coordinator for the Center for Civic Engagement and Montana's nominator.

Lahne said Macy has worked in the CCE office for three years, and she’s taken on almost every challenge available during her time there. She is a mentor for school partnerships so she works with students who are interested in tutoring. In addition to her work on campus, Montana also helps in the Pullman community coordinating activities for a children’s community center.

Lahne said she thinks Montana is a great student for this honor because she is invested in her job. Even though it’s just part-time work-study, Lahne said Montana found something she’s passionate about and she’s giving it her all.

“I am extremely shocked. I never thought I would win. I’m really excited," Montana said. "It’s a great honor to just be nominated."

She said her co-workers keep calling her employee of the year and it makes her blush. She said it’s great to have all her hard work and dedication recognized, but she doesn’t think it was necessary because a lot of other student employees work hard too.

“Oh my goodness I’m still shocked,” she said. “I’m really cherishing this honor.”