ST. GEORGE, UT (04/16/2025) — In a display of excellence in a number of areas, several Utah Tech University students were recognized at Utah Tech’s annual Trailblazer Awards event this week.
As part of the university’s annual D-Week celebration, Trailblazer Awards was held on Thursday at the Eccles Mainstage Theatre on campus to honor those who have helped shape Utah Tech’s legacy and recognize their accomplishments. Students honored have displayed dedication in a variety of different areas, like serving the community, being actively involved on and off campus, showing commitment to a club, persevering and overcoming obstacles, demonstrating extraordinary talent or having a unique character, personality, and enthusiasm that contributes to the Trailblazer spirit.
These students received awards in the following categories:
- Student of the Year: Bella Estes
- Stafford Student Involvement: Naji Runs Through
- GRIT Award: James Cates
- Entertainer of the Year: Shoko Domoto
- Personality of the Year: Joriz Mandac
“I think it is wonderful to see the accomplishments of students, faculty, staff, and community on full display and appreciated for their accomplishments,” Del Beatty, vice president of student affairs at Utah Tech, said. “It is so difficult to even be a finalist, that the honor itself is almost secondary but the winners were all very deserving.”
Trailblazer Awards have been a traditional part of student life at Utah Tech for decades. Nominations are submitted by anyone who sees excellence within the Utah Tech community, with five finalists in each category present at the awards.
“To me, being awarded Student of the Year is a recognition of every student I had the privilege to represent this year,” Bella Estes, student body president and Student of the Year recipient, said. “I was able to be the voice of these ambitious students, bringing creative ideas to life. It truly takes a village to make an impact, and I’m proud to be part of that village and call it Trailblazer Nation.”
Utah Tech University’s D-Week is held every year as a celebration of tradition, community and UT’s pioneering heritage and spirit.
Utah Tech University is a premier open-enrollment teaching institution that offers nearly 300 academic programs at one of the lowest tuition costs in the Western United States. The University was built upon a rich tradition of determination and generosity that is still embraced by the campus community today. With the motto “active learning. active life.” Utah Tech provides personalized and engaged learning experiences that prepare students for rewarding careers and enriched lives. Outside of the classroom, students have the opportunity to enjoy the unparalleled opportunities for an active life that accompany UT’s location in beautiful Southern Utah.
For more information about Utah Tech University, visit utahtech.edu.
