Before casting your vote for Homecoming Royalty and the Bulldog Spirit Award, take a moment to learn about the nominees by reading their nomination submissions from fellow students:
“Pete Gibson is an excellent candidate for Homecoming Royalty. As one of the football team captains, he exemplifies leadership, dedication, and school spirit. He leads both on and off the field, demonstrating hard work, perseverance, and a positive attitude. For the 2024 season, Pete was chosen to carry on the #18 legacy, a number that represents the true spirit of being a Bulldog. He is an outstanding teammate, classmate, and community member, making him truly deserving of this recognition.”
“Pete Gibson was chosen to wear No. 18, a legacy number with deep significance at UMW. To earn it, you need to be a strong leader and a good person. That’s what it means to be a Bulldog.”
“Kelsey is one of the most remarkable students on campus, embodying leadership, kindness, and school spirit—qualities that make her highly deserving of this award. She has been a key member of the volleyball team, even serving as one of the team captains. Kelsey consistently demonstrates her ability to inspire and motivate others through her involvement in various school activities. Additionally, she serves as a Bulldog Ambassador, participating in admissions, new student events, and leading campus tours for prospective students. Kelsey is truly deserving of this recognition.”
“Jonah Lindsey is an active member of the UMW campus community, dedicated to connecting and inspiring individuals of all ages at UMW and in the Dillon, MT community. He serves as the president of the Honors Student Association, the president and founder of the Babble Society (which promotes language learning), and is an active event organizer and volunteer for student organizations and local youth. His involvement includes leading student-led fundraisers, participating in public parades, and volunteering with children. Alongside his Ecology major, Jonah is also involved in the performing arts, having performed in several UMW theater productions. He actively encourages student participation in the UMW Honors Program, where interdisciplinary connections are explored in every course. Jonah promotes the university through science outreach with K-12 students in Montana and Washington, and is a regular supporter and attendee of home sporting events.”
“Braeden deserves this award because of his leadership. He has served on the Red Line Council for several years and is one of the team captains for UMW Football, demonstrating his commitment and influence both on and off the field.”
“Michael deserves this award because of his leadership and hard work. Over the years, he has embodied everything a true leader encompasses. From serving as a distinguished football captain to leading his team as quarterback to remarkable victories, Michael has made a tremendous positive impact on Western’s campus. His contributions make him truly deserving of this nomination.”
Zaley is an inspiring individual, fully engaged and enthusiastic in everything she does, always giving 110 percent. She is kind to everyone she meets, with a contagious smile that brings joy to those around her. Zaley embodies what it means to be a good person and live life to the fullest.
“Rylee Hilmo has a bright and uplifting personality, motivated by her friends and family to be a positive influence on everyone around her. With Rylee, there is never a dull moment—she always finds a way to make people smile. Not only is she a dedicated student-athlete, but she also serves in the United States Army Reserve and has a significant impact on the youth in her community. She works at the Montana Youth Challenge Academy, striving to make a difference in young lives, helping them turn a new page for the better.
Rylee also actively participates in kids’ camps hosted by the cheer team. After one recent camp, a mother shared with the coach how much of an impact Rylee had on her daughter, saying she hadn’t seen her smile like that in a long time. Her daughter couldn’t wait for the next camp. Rylee always puts others before herself, ensuring that everyone she interacts with leaves with a smile.
During colder months, Rylee often takes time out of her day to stop and offer help to people shoveling their driveways or raking their yards. She has been at Western for five years and is saddened to graduate, expressing how deeply connected she feels to this loving community. Despite her busy schedule, Rylee consistently finds time to brighten others’ days.
Her positive influence on youth and her dedication to serving others make her an outstanding candidate for Homecoming Royalty.”
“Morgan Bakken is an exemplary leader who understands what it takes to make a difference. Always willing to go the extra mile, she ensures that tasks are completed efficiently. Morgan is one of the most dependable students on campus, consistently volunteering when help is needed. She possesses all the qualities of an outstanding leader, demonstrated through her extensive involvement.
Awarded the Volunteerism Award for SLA, Morgan’s contributions are just beginning. She goes above and beyond as a student to support the campus community, driven by her love for being a Bulldog. For those who haven’t had the chance to meet Morgan, her bubbly personality, kind heart, and overall generosity have made a significant impact on campus.
Despite being one of the busiest students, she always makes time to prioritize her peers. This selflessness and commitment make her the perfect nominee for Homecoming Royalty.”
“Morgan works diligently on campus to make it a better place for everyone. Her dedication and school spirit shine through in all her activities. Whether on the football field, hosting swing dance events, or being available in her office to answer questions, she consistently strives to help others.”
“I am honored to be considered for Homecoming Royalty at Montana Western, as I believe my leadership and involvement on campus embody the Bulldog Spirit. As a senior and ASUMW Senator, I have worked to represent student interests and advocate for positive changes. My participation in key committees, such as Cabinet, which advises the Chancellor, and Academic Leadership, where we discuss academic affairs, has allowed me to contribute to the success and well-being of the university.
Beyond student government, I have actively participated in campus life by attending football games and various Club Week events hosted by different student organizations. These activities have enabled me to engage with students across campus and foster a sense of connection and community.
Through my roles as an ASUMW Senator and my attendance at events like football games and Club Week activities, I have engaged with the student body and represented their interests. I believe these accomplishments, along with my dedication to making a positive impact on campus, make me a strong candidate for Homecoming Royalty.”
“James is a determined and kind individual. He is a great team player who works hard to support others. Loved by his teammates on the field, he is also a good friend to those around him.”
“Raina is arguably the most involved student on campus. She serves as a Peer Educator for PATH, has held the position of Student Body President, and is currently the Student Regent for the entire MUS system. Many would agree that she is a pretty cool cat.”
“Lexi is amazing at everything she puts her mind to. Even with her crazy schedule she still offers so much to her students.”
“Not only does her fiery red hair match the school colors, but Kamree ensures that all school events and athletic teams receive the support they deserve. While working in the dining hall, it can be uncertain if Kamree will make it to home games for sports with student sections, but she is sure to attend cross country meets, traveling with a few other students to cheer on the Bulldog Cross Country runners. Driving to both Bozeman and Missoula, Kamree is a dedicated Bulldog fan committed to supporting all students on and off the field and court. She makes a point to ask athletes about their games and practices as they come in for dinner, offering good luck or congratulations around game time.”
“Grace Linton is nominated for the Bulldog Spirit Award. She embodies the essence of the Bulldog spirit through her unwavering and positive impact on our campus. One of her most remarkable qualities is the ability to uplift and motivate others. Grace has a natural talent for bringing people together and creating a sense of unity and belonging. Whether cheering on sports teams at games, attending pep rallies, or simply offering a kind word of encouragement, she consistently goes above and beyond to spread positivity and school spirit.
In conclusion, Grace is an excellent example of the Bulldog spirit, showcasing passion, dedication, and positive influence. She is wholeheartedly recommended for the Bulldog Spirit Award, as she truly embodies the spirit and values that this award represents.”
“Rylee is a dedicated friend and a TRIO mentor who works hard at her job, demonstrating a strong passion for helping freshmen and other students in general.”
“Alexis is an outstanding nominee due to her dedication to the school through sports and academics. She is both encouraging and a leader to everyone in the school.”
“Mark Doty is an excellent nominee. He is not only one of the most positive students on campus but also one of the loudest and most spirited Bulldogs out there. He has been a part of the Dawg Pound at every game, ensuring that everyone across the stadium can hear him. Alongside him is his group of friends, who take off their shirts, paint their bare skin, and cheer as loudly as they can to show support for the football team.
Mark leads this group with enthusiasm and embodies school spirit like no one else on campus. It would be a real shame not to have him as a nominee.”
“Bird Hayes is an outstanding nominee. Ever since he arrived on campus, he has been a positive and goofy individual who embodies school spirit. Bird does whatever it takes to energize the crowd. His personality and the way he presents himself have a remarkable impact on the Western campus.
His Bulldog spirit at every game never goes unnoticed by other spectators. Everyone knows his name and recognizes him as the one who gets everything started. From running back and forth in the stands to shouting as loudly as he can to energize the student section, Bird is a fantastic example of what Bulldog spirit is all about. He deserves this nomination and award time and time again.”
“Hannah embodies a can-do spirit and proudly wears her school colors. She consistently lifts others up when they feel down and inspires everyone around her. As a freshman, she has displayed remarkable school spirit, making a significant impact on those around her. Hannah is a shining example of what true Dawg spirit looks like!”
“Jasper is a friendly guy who works hard, and cheers even harder!”
“Ellie, in simple terms, is a ray of sunshine. She always has a smile on her face, a kind soul to everyone she meets, and truly embodies what it means to be a leader. Since her freshman year, Ellie has consistently gone above and beyond to help those around her. Whenever there’s an opportunity to volunteer, Ellie is always the first to step up.
She is also one of the few students who attends every sporting event and has even traveled to multiple cross-country meets to ensure the team had supporters. Ellie is passionate and exemplifies everything it takes to be a true Bulldog. Known for always being decked out in Bulldog gear and cheering louder than anyone around her, her school spirit is unmatched.
Ellie serves as a Student Senator and is actively involved in the Student Leadership Academy. She frequently brings student concerns to the Senate because she believes student voices matter and always strives to do what’s right for her fellow students. Additionally, she is the President of Catholic Campus Ministry, where she has led numerous activities and remains dedicated to her faith.
Ellie is a shining example of leadership, school spirit, and dedication, making her the most deserving of this award.”
“Kim Giannone, known as KG, is an active UMW student and community member whose decades of life experience have informed and inspired everyone around her. As a professional photographer, she was featured in the UMW Fine Arts Gallery for her ongoing work with ranchers in southwest Montana. Some of her work has been published in Scribendi, an honors literature and fine arts magazine. KG currently serves as Vice President of the UMW Honors Student Association.
She actively promotes the UMW Math & Science Division, UMW Honors, Experience One, and the university as a whole through her photography, enthusiastic pep talks, and tireless advocacy for the well-being of students and faculty alike.”
