Peyton Duncan named Catamounts Climb Higher award recipient
Peyton Duncan, a pre-nursing major from Romney, W.Va., was presented with the Catamounts Climb Higher Award for December 2024 at West Virginia University Potomac State College.
During her freshman year, Duncan played on the Catamounts volleyball team. She enjoys volunteering for her father’s car club by hosting charity car shows in her hometown for Relay for Life and the Haiti Hope Mission.
“I chose Potomac State because it was close to home and not as costly as a large university. Professors Erin Cunningham and Molly Alvaro have been so helpful and kind throughout my time here at PSC,” Duncan said.
Climb Higher recipients are recognized for their ability to bounce back despite encountering obstacles, for overcoming challenges, and for staying the course. Recipients are also recognized for their outstanding work ethic, kindness, and positive attitude. Although this award is not based on GPA, recipients must be in good academic standing.
“Peyton was enrolled in my Psychology 241 course this fall. Just a month into the semester, her brother, Camden Duncan, who was also a student at PSC, was involved in a serious car accident. Not only has she been an enormous emotional support to her parents and brother since the accident, but she has also maintained contact with me and stayed up to date with her assignments,” Alvaro said. “Her strength and resilience to keep up with her coursework and family struggles are to be commended. She is a shining example to her fellow students,” Alvaro added.
After graduating with a bachelor of science degree in nursing, Duncan wants to work in the Neurological Critical Care Unit at Ruby Memorial Hospital.
When asked what advice she could offer other students, Duncan said, “I would advise incoming students to follow their passions and live life to the fullest.”
Photo Caption: Peyton Duncan, a pre-nursing major from Romney, W.Va., was presented with the Catamounts Climb Higher Award for December 2024 at West Virginia University Potomac State College, by Campus President Dr. Jerry Wallace.