Lindsay Powers || Staff Writer || Issue 17
The President of the HVCC Student Senate, Caris Kraty, was awarded the Norman R McConney Jr. Award for Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Student Excellence. Kraty is one of 48 students who were awarded the EOP Student Excellence award.
The Award for EOP Student Excellence recognizes students across the SUNY System’s personal and professional achievements. Students need to have a 3.0 GPA or higher and demonstrate perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity and in overcoming significant challenges. Students must be nominated by their schools’ EOP for high academic merit and personal growth. The award is in honor of Norman R. McConney Jr., and former Deputy Speaker Arthur O. Eve, who helped establish the EOP in 1967.
Kraty, who is in her second year at HVCC and has been the President of Student Senate and the Black and Latino Student Union since 2024, is a board member of the Faculty Student Association and is the treasurer of the EOP club. Additionally, Kraty volunteers as a peer mentor, helping new students transition into the college environment.
In a statement made by HVCC, Kraty said, “EOP is more than support; it is opportunity in action. Coming to this country from Liberia at a young age, I had big dreams but limited resources. Through Hudson Valley, SUNY, and EOP, I found mentors, leadership opportunities, and a community that reminded me my circumstances do not define my potential. This award reflects what happens when access meets empowerment. EOP gives students the tools to rise, to lead, and to create brighter futures for ourselves and our communities.”
According to the EOP, Kraty demonstrated resilience and commitment to her professional goals throughout her time at HVCC, and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in media studies at SUNY New Paltz.
The Hudsonian 