SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (September 15, 2025) – Five student-athletes were awarded the Skookum Award of Excellence on Sunday afternoon, recognizing the commitment and dedicated service of Western New England University students throughout their college careers by their demonstrated leadership roles on campus, community service and volunteer experiences, and participation in athletics and co-curricular programs.

Each fall, the Office of Alumni Relations hosts a signature event to honor 15 exceptional seniors with the Skookum Award. These students are selected from more than 100 nominees following a rigorous application and interview process that takes place during their junior year. Of the 15 students who receive the Skookum Award, the three students with the highest scores receive additional recognition as Royal Skookum and Grand Skookum awardees.

Joshua Farrell from the Western New England men's cross country and track & field teams was honored with the Grand Skookum Award this year. A native of Pawtucket, Rhode Island and St. Raphael Academy, Farrell has been part of many leadership groups around campus and is actively involved in the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Captains Council within the department of athletics. Farrell holds a 3.9 GPA, studying Mechanical Engineering. Read more about Josh's WNE experience here.

Additionally, Zach Drewry from the Western New England baseball team, Jayden Montagna from the Western New England men's soccer team, Dakota-Marie Dinielli from the Western New England women's wrestling team and Kendall Branchaud from the Western New England women's wrestling team were honored.

Drewry, a native of Prospect, Connecticut, holds a GPA of 3.97 as a history major and has been a leader inside and outside of the dugout for WNE baseball throughout his career. Read more about Zach's WNE experience here.

Montagna has been an anchor at the midfield position for WNE men's soccer while being named a captain for the 2025 squad. Montagna, an Agawam, Massachusetts native, holds a 3.82 GPA in mechanical engineering. Read more about Jayden's WNE experience here.

Dinielli is one of the original members of the Western New England women's wrestling team, which began collegiate competition in 2022-23. Dinielli has been a leader for Golden Bear Athletics on and off the mat. The Plainville, Massachusetts native holds a 3.7 GPA, pursuing a degree in elementary education/psychology from WNE. Read more about Dakota's WNE experience here.

Branchaud, also a founding member of the Golden Bears women's wrestling program, has held leadership roles throughout her four years at Western New England. Branchaud has taken over captain of WNE women's wrestling and was one of seven Golden Bears to qualify for the NCWWC National Tournament a season ago. Kendall is also involved in SAAC and is an Orientation Group Leader for admissions at WNE. The San Leandro, California native is studying criminal justice. Read more about Kendall's WNE experience here.

Congratulations, Golden Bears!