Bridgeport's Maci Cook, Clayton Hammond Among Outstanding Seniors at West Virginia University
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on May 08, 2026
Bridgeport's Maci Cook, a nursing major, and Clayton Hammond, a double major in finance and accounting with a minor in business data analytics, are among the Outstanding Senior honorees and members of the Honors College in West Virginia University's graduating class.
Cook is a 2022 graduate of BHS. She was selected as a Peer Mentor for the WVU School of Nursing Soar Program and the WVU Honors College. She is a member of Alpha Rho Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, which is an international honors society for nursing, Cook is also a member of The National Society of Leadership and Success and a member of the WVU Student Nurses Association.
Hammond is a 2022 graduate of BHS and cofounder and treasurer of Mountaineers on Wall Street, formerly serving as president of the Finance & Investment Club and VP of alumni relations for Delta Sigma Pi. 
Established in 1995 to mark the 40th anniversary of the WVU Foundation, the Outstanding Senior award honors students for their contributions and achievements in scholarship, leadership and service.
They are among the 52 students that were considered for the Order of Augusta, the University’s most prestigious honor for academic excellence, leadership and service.
Six members of the Class of 2026 and two December 2025 graduates were picked for the Order.
Most of this year’s cohort are from the Honors College and, overall, the group represents a diverse range of backgrounds, including two ROTC cadets, two emerging business professionals, a professional soccer player, a curious storyteller, an aerospace engineer and an aspiring neurosurgeon.
The Order of Augusta honorees and Outstanding Seniors will be recognized at a drop-in event from 12:30-4:30 p.m. Friday, May 15, in Elizabeth Moore Hall, Betty Boyd Lounge.
“The WVU Outstanding Seniors showcase what it means to lead with purpose, serve with integrity and make the most of their time at this University,” Dean of Students and Associate Vice President for Student Life Carrie Showalter said.
“Their impact can be felt across our campus and beyond, and they have set great examples for their peers. Being named among the top 1% of their graduating class is an extraordinary achievement, and I’m so excited to see how they carry their talents, leadership and Mountaineer spirit into what comes next.”
The 2026 Order of Augusta scholars are:
Ronalie Abeyratne, a member of the Honors College from Colombo, Sri Lanka, is graduating with a degree in biology pre-medical and a minor in molecular medicine. As a student in the WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, she dedicated much of her undergraduate career to advancing neurological and ophthalmological research, as well as community leadership and service.
Marcus Caldeira, a professional forward for Minnesota United FC, graduated in December 2025 with a degree in finance with an emphasis in investments. A Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, native and first-generation college student, Caldeira maintained a 4.0 GPA while completing rigorous coursework and establishing himself as one of the most accomplished student-athletes in the history of the WVU men’s soccer team.
Emma Fleming, a member of the Honors College from Parkersburg, is graduating with dual degrees in English and multidisciplinary media studies, with minors in journalism, entertainment media and strategic social media. As a student in the Eberly College and a 2022 Foundation Scholar, Fleming built a professional foundation combining her passion for storytelling and strategic communications.
Isabella Hart, a member of the Honors College and 2021 Neil S. Bucklew Scholar from Hurricane, graduated with dual degrees in mechanical and aerospace engineering in December 2025. Following graduation, she moved to Sterling, Virginia, to begin her career as an associate guidance navigation and control engineer at Northrop Grumman’s Space Systems division.
Ella Holley, a member of the Honors College from Pickerington, Ohio, is graduating with dual degrees in international studies and criminology, and minors in Russian studies and military science. A student in the Eberly College and an Army ROTC cadet, she built her undergraduate experience on a foundation of leadership and a commitment to service.
Jarell Galido Rimando, a member of the Honors College and first-generation immigrant from the Philippines, is graduating with a degree in accounting and a minor in finance. An emerging business professional, she successfully balanced internships with community building, cultural engagement and peer mentorship.
Gabriele Smith, an Air Force ROTC cadet from Forestville, New York, is graduating with dual degrees in philosophy and multidisciplinary studies, with her multidisciplinary degree composed of minors in leadership studies, religious studies and aerospace studies.
Alexandria Spiker, a member of the Honors College from Morgantown, is graduating with a degree in finance with an emphasis on investments, and minors in law and legal studies, leadership studies and insurance. At the WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics, she led efforts to foster student success and economic opportunity.
The following WVU Outstanding Seniors are members of the Honors College:
• Morgan Baker, Morgantown, data science
• Keira Bruce, Columbia, Maryland, management information systems
• Kelsey Clodfelter, Hershey, Pennsylvania, technical art history
• Maci Cook, Bridgeport, nursing
• Addison Dobson, Dayton, Ohio, sport, exercise and performance psychology
• Zohra Feliachi, Morgantown, exercise physiology
• Isabella Ferrell, Morgantown, international studies
• Chloelle Fitz, Fairmont, computer engineering
• Jessica Fuss, Shepherdstown, biochemistry
• Anna Goldizen, Cabins, journalism
• Clayton Hammond, Bridgeport, accounting
• Mia Hang, Pennsburg, Pennsylvania, biomedical lab diagnostics
• Corinne Hazel, Delaware, Ohio, environmental microbiology
• Logan Kalman, Garnet Valley, Pennsylvania, supply chain management
• Caroline Kelley, Havre De Grace, Maryland, biomedical engineering,
• Grady King, Morgantown, data science
• Carter Leadmon, Hurricane, computer science
• Julia Leyden, Morgantown, history
• Camryn Morgan, Fairmont, English
• Payton Ogden, Morgantown, advertising and public relations
• Matthew Olivero, Hurricane, political science
• Amaira Palmer, Clendenin, immunology and medical microbiology
• Kaelyn Pavlick, Charles Town, advertising and public relations
• Logan Pierce, Carolina, international studies
• Diego Reyes, Morgantown, management information systems
• Abby Ruth, Fallston, Maryland, biochemistry
• Stephanie Sarfo, Martinsburg, political science
• Olivia Schmieder, Novi, Michigan, human nutrition and foods
• Gabriella Sergent, Martinsburg, advertising and public relations
• Erin Skaff, Morgantown, industrial relations and human resources
• Mia Tallman, El Paso, Texas, political science
• Zachary Taylor, Spencer, computer engineering
• Lauren Taylor, Wheeling, advertising and public relations
• Andrew Tiu, Wheeling, biochemistry
• Sheridan Tolley, Morgantown, neuroscience
• Isabella Tuzzio, Shepherdstown, biology pre-medical
• Samuel Ulicny, Allentown, Pennsylvania, immunology and medical microbiology
• Alliese Walker, Morgantown, communication studies
• Kenneth Wang, Morgantown, biomedical engineering
• Sarah Warder, Marlinton, chemistry
The remaining WVU Outstanding Seniors include the following:
• Rylee Brown, Kearneysville, agricultural and extension education
• Keely Gregory, Bruceton Mills, nursing
• Benjamin Lambert, Morgantown, music performance: jazz studies
• Ashly Yost, Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, music education
The Order of Augusta further recognizes superior scholarship, demonstrated leadership, and a record of community and public service. The award is named for its historical significance in the state. Augusta was among the original names considered by the Legislature when what is now West Virginia seceded from Virginia in 1863.
Editor's Note: Photos of Clayton Hammond submitted to Connect-Bridgeport.
