UPIKE Newsroom

The University of Pikeville – Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) held its awards luncheon honoring the Class of 2025 in the Health Professions Education Building on May 8.

Jacob Paul Keener, O.D., was awarded the Dean’s Award, presented to a graduating student who has shown outstanding leadership while maintaining high academic standards.

Keener also received the Contact Lens Clinic Excellence Award, presented to a graduating student for outstanding enthusiasm and achievement with gas permeable contact lenses in the clinical environment. Sponsored by the Gas Permeable Lens Institute.

In addition, Keener received the Kentucky Optometric Association Advocacy Award, The KOA Advocacy Award which is presented to the graduating KYCO student who is a vocal advocate for organized optometry, seeks to advance and protect the profession and demonstrates outstanding dedication and contribution to the profession, the Kentucky Optometric Association and the legislative process.

Alexus Dawn Miller, O.D., received the President’s Award, presented to the Class of 2025 Valedictorian.

Miller also received the Board of Trustees’ Award, presented to a graduating senior who earned the highest score on Part One of the National Boards.

Miller received the Dr. Pierrette Dayhaw-Barker Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Area of Medical Sciences, awarded to the KYCO graduating student with the highest GPA in the areas of medical science: anatomy, physiology, pathology, biochemistry and microbiology.

In addition, Miller was awarded the Beta Sigma Kappa Highest Grade Point Average Award, presented to the graduating student with the highest grade point average.

Diana Knight Scavuzzo, O.D., received the Earl T. Reeder Memorial Award, presented to a graduating student who is pursuing a residency and has a desire to join academia.

Madison Danielle Chisom, O.D., received the Dr. Michael and Kelly Bacigalupi Family Award for Advanced Therapeutics, presented to a graduating student who has demonstrated special interest and skill in the area of advanced therapeutics and laser treatment by optometrists.

Jessica Jean Olson, O.D., and Katelynn Amanda Philyaw, O.D., both received the Ibironke Family Legacy and Leadership Award, Instituted in 2020 by Josephine Ibironke, O.D., MPH, in honor of her parents, children and siblings. Presented to a graduate who consistently exemplifies discipline, empathy, dedication and humility in service to all patients.

Olson also received the College of Optometrists in Vision Development Award of Excellence, presented to a graduating student who has demonstrated strong interest and clinical skills in the area of vision therapy.

Philyaw also received the Metro Optics Excellence in Contact Lens Skills, presented to a graduating student who has shown exceptional skills in the fitting of gas permeable and specialty contact lenses.

Kirstyn Nichole Linne, O.D., was awarded the Dr. Ronald McCoy Community Service Award, presented to a graduating student who exemplifies Dr. Ronald McCoy’s commitment to community service.

Adisyn Kayli Dawkins, O.D., was awarded the AEG Visionary Optometry Student Award, presented to a graduating student who has a clear vision for their career and contributions to the profession.

Lindsay Brooke Bentley, O.D., received the CooperVision Contact Lens Award, presented to an exceptional rising star with demonstrated excellence and growth as a contact lens clinician and demonstrates a high interest in contact lenses.

Gabrielle Kathryn Anderson, O.D., received the Dedication to Transforming the Delivery of Eye Care Award, presented to a student who demonstrates leadership both personally among their peers and professionally within the optometry field to transform the delivery of eye care for years to come and lead this profession to even greater heights.

Jenna Brooke Gardner, O.D., was awarded the Eschenbach Low Vision Student Award, presented to a graduating student who has demonstrated outstanding clinical application, exceptional aptitude and interest in the field of low vision.

Megan Britt Carry, O.D., received the Good-Lite Pediatric Vision Care Award, presented to a graduating student who has demonstrated a high passion and excellence in pediatrics and binocular vision.

Carry also received the VSP Vision Private Practice Award, presented to a graduating student based on academic achievement, clinical and patient care and leadership qualities with a special focus on private practice. 

Tanner Allen Wells, O.D., was awarded the Commonwealth of Kentucky Award, presented to a graduating student who is most passionate and committed to the excellence of eye care in Eastern Kentucky. Sponsored by David Cowen, M.D., FACS.

Amanda Brooke Putorek, O.D., received the Metro Optics Award of Excellence in Contact Lens Patient Care, presented to an outstanding clinician who has demonstrated excellence in contact lens patient care, including the student’s overall knowledge in the contact lens field and skillful, considerate and professional care of their contact lens patients.

Putorek also received the Southern Council of Optometrists Clinical Excellence Award, Presented to a graduating student who has demonstrated outstanding clinical performance.

Madison Nicole Balbirer, O.D., was awarded the MyEyeDr. Senior Excellence Award, presented to a graduating student who has exemplified excellence in patient care, showcases exceptional leadership, and a commitment to being a life-long learner with a special focus on corporate practice.

Emily Renee Hargrave, O.D., was awarded the National Vision Senior Award, presented to the graduating student who has a grade point average of at least 3.25 and demonstrated service throughout their schooling through outreach programs offered by the school or through other avenues.

Carley Miranda Warburton, O.D., received the Pioneer International Senior Leadership Award, presented to a graduating student who has helped pave the way for not only their classmates and schoolmates, but also incoming students.

Allison Kali Shelton-Tahdooahnippah, O.D., was awarded the Pioneer International Senior Excellence Award, presented to a graduating student who has shown excellence in care, compassion and consideration for not only their patients, but also for the field of optometry.

Gracie Ruth Lee, O.D., received the Optelec Excellence in Low Vision Award, presented to a graduating student who has excelled academically or has contributed to a university service, and has a special interest in low vision.