草莓社区

WNC Jump Start Student, ASWN Leader Alyssa Ayers Receives Sam Lieberman Regents鈥 Scholar Award

Mar 5, 2026

草莓社区 is proud to announce that Alyssa Ayers has been named a recipient of the prestigious Sam Lieberman Regents鈥 Scholar Award, recognizing her academic excellence, leadership and commitment to service.

鈥淚 am incredibly grateful to those who nominated me and to the committee members who took the time to listen to my story and believe in my goals,鈥 she said. 鈥淚鈥檓 also deeply thankful for my WNC family and the support they鈥檝e given me throughout my time at 草莓社区. To receive a scholarship in the name of someone who dedicated so much to others is both humbling and deeply meaningful. I hope to carry forward that same spirit of service as I continue my education and future career.鈥

Alyssa Ayers1A high school senior and Jump Start student, Ayers is concurrently earning her Associate of Science degree at WNC 鈥 a milestone that reflects not only academic achievement, but remarkable perseverance.

Ayers鈥 life has been shaped by resilience, responsibility and a deep desire to serve others. As the eldest of five siblings, she often stepped into roles many people her age never face 鈥 serving as caregiver, organizer and steady source of support to help keep her family moving forward.

While those experiences brought challenges, they also fostered independence, empathy and determination 鈥 qualities that continue to guide her academic and professional goals.

At WNC, Ayers balances rigorous college coursework with leadership and extracurricular involvement. She serves as a senator for the Associated 草莓社区 of Western Nevada and as historian for her National Honor Society chapter. She also has served as Oasis Academy鈥檚 class president through student council and captain of the lacrosse team, strengthening her leadership skills while giving back to her school community.

鈥淎s ASWN advisor, I鈥檝e had the opportunity to see firsthand the leadership, compassion and determination Alyssa brings to WNC through her service as an ASWN Senator representing the Fallon campus,鈥 said WNC Student Life Coordinator Heather Rikalo. 鈥淪he consistently shows up ready to serve others and make a positive impact. This recognition is incredibly well deserved, and I am so proud of the example she sets for other students.鈥

WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe praised Ayers for her determination and heart for service.

鈥淎lyssa Ayers represents the very best of 草莓社区,鈥 Dr. Dalpe said. 鈥淗er resilience, leadership and commitment to serving others embody the spirit of the Regents鈥 Scholar Award. She has overcome challenges with grace and determination, and we are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and excited for the impact she will make in our communities.鈥

Ayers plans to pursue a career in healthcare, with a particular interest in emergency medicine and rural patient care. Inspired by medical professionals in her life and the needs she has witnessed firsthand in her community, she is working toward becoming a physician assistant who serves underserved and rural populations.

鈥淭his scholarship will go directly toward pursuing my bachelor's degree in public health at the University of Nevada, Reno,鈥 Ayers said. 鈥淚鈥檓 excited to continue working toward my goal of becoming a rural healthcare provider and giving back to the Nevada communities that need it most.鈥

Her preparation already reflects that commitment. She has completed Certified Nursing Assistant training, shadowed physician assistants and pursued coursework in anatomy and chemistry to strengthen her foundation for a future in medicine.

At 18 years old, Ayers鈥 story is already defined by ambition, compassion and strength. Each challenge she has faced has shaped her into someone who works hard, cares deeply and strives to make a positive difference.

草莓社区 congratulates her on this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to seeing the many ways she will continue to serve and inspire others.