Jenna Garriga wins WCU Student Leadership Award

Jenna Garriga of Kiln received the 2026 Student Leadership Award during “Honors Day” at William Carey University.

Each year, WCU’s Student Life Committee selects one graduating senior for this award, among the highest bestowed by the university. Dr. Valerie Bridgeforth, WCU vice president for student affairs, made the presentation.

“An outstanding student, Jenna is captain of the women’s basketball team at William Carey. She received a Halbrook Award from Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning – and was named a 2025 ‘Champion of Character’ by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics,” Bridgeforth said.

“She is a student leader whose personality combines humility, resilience, humor, compassion and warmth. She excels in group settings – always emphasizing group success over individual recognition.”

Garriga also won this year’s Kappa Mu Epsilon Mathematics Award.

What’s next: This summer, Garriga will serve on a two-month mission trip in Southeast Asia. She will return to William Carey University in the fall to pursue a master’s degree in business administration.

WCU’s “Honors Day” ceremony was held April 29 at Thomas Fine Arts Auditorium on WCU’s Hattiesburg campus.

Student Leadership Award winner Jenna Garriga, right, visits after Honors Day with Dr. Valerie Bridgeforth, WCU vice president for student affairs.