Boise State celebrated the achievements of ten of its top graduating seniors during the 44th annual Top Ten Scholar Award Ceremony, held at the Stueckle Sky Center and livestreamed for audiences across the country. Alumni, staff, faculty, family and friends gathered both in person and online to honor students recognized for excellence in academics, leadership, research and service.
The 2026 Top Ten Scholars include Leah Engle and Emily Grabow from the School of Public Service and Honors College; Allison Hampton and Addison Hobson from the College of Arts and Sciences; Sydney Leitch and Maci Ann Mattravers from the College of Arts and Sciences and Honors College; Ethan Mariner from the College of Business and Economics; Megan Rubio from the College of Health Sciences; Hannya Adali Ornelas from the College of Health Sciences and Honors College; and Ali Russell from the College of Engineering, College of Business and Economics and Honors College.
Presented by the Boise State Alumni Association, the Top Ten Scholar Award is one of the highest academic honors granted to a graduating senior. Scholars are selected not only for their outstanding academic record — maintaining at least a 3.8 GPA — but also for their excellence in research, leadership, service and experiential learning. Each recipient is nominated by their college dean and undergoes a rigorous selection process.
Shelton Woods, acting dean of the Honors College, opened the ceremony with remarks that highlighted the factors that shaped the Top Ten Scholars’ journeys.
“Much of what is being recognized this evening is based in the brilliance of the mind: Significant academic discovery. Intellectual curiosity. The asking of questions when the answer is unknown. The pursuit of knowledge for its own sake. Yet tonight, we recognize not only academic achievement but also what it means, in the words of one of them, to pursue ‘what it means to live life to the fullest.’ These scholars have explored their worlds with both intellect and heart.”
Reflections from the Top Ten Scholars
Each scholar delivered a speech reflecting on the relationships and moments of growth that defined their college experience.
Physics major Addison Hobson reflected on finding “multiple homes away from home” at Boise State after moving to Boise without knowing anyone. She shared how a simple interaction with Physics Department Chair Charles Hanna during her first week on campus helped her feel seen and welcomed. “This simple gesture showed me that I was not just a student number on a list,” she said.
Allison Hampton spoke about the confidence she gained through the encouragement of faculty mentor Manda Hicks. “Manda Hicks taught me to be a better learner by inviting me to see myself as capable, confident and prepared,” Hampton said, crediting that support with helping shape the future she now plans to pursue.
Emily Grabow, a political science major and aspiring attorney, reflected on the personal transformation she experienced during her time on campus. “Boise State gave me far more than an education,” she said. “It gave me the confidence to grow, the courage to contribute and the belief that I belong in rooms I once thought were beyond me.”
Gymnast and student leader Sydney Leitch described how saying “yes” to research, internships and leadership opportunities helped her discover passions beyond athletics and become “someone more multidimensional than I ever imagined.” Looking back on her time at Boise State, she said she would treasure the people most of all. “Boise State gave me more than an education,” she said. “It gave me a family. It gave me lifelong friendships. It gave me mentors. It gave me a home.”
While each scholar’s path was unique, their reflections shared a common thread: the lasting impact of the people who believed in them. As scholar Maci Ann Mattravers shared, “We are who we are because of the people who love us.”
Learn more about this year’s honorees and their honored faculty on the Top Ten Scholars webpage.
Becoming BOLD
For these Top Ten Scholars, crossing the commencement stage doesn’t mark the end of their Boise State experience. As members of the Class of 2026, they now join Broncos of the Last Decade (BOLD) — a community of recent alumni who continue to shape Boise State through connection, service and leadership.
BOLD represents all Boise State graduates from the past ten years. Through this group, the Boise State Alumni Association helps graduates grow their careers, build relationships and stay engaged with the Bronco network wherever life takes them. From local meetups and professional development events to lifelong support from the Bronco community, BOLD ensures that Boise State remains a meaningful part of life beyond graduation.