Students of the Month

Each month, we recognize two exceptional students nominated by faculty for their outstanding academic performance and positive contributions to CSI. Join us in celebrating their hard work and dedication!

October

Stephen (Zach) Leach

Zach volunteered to serve as a class representative for the first semester RN students which includes gathering feedback from a class of 50 students and presenting that information in a once-a-month meeting with nursing faculty. In September, Zach not only presented faculty with student concerns and feedback but also brought a list of suggestions and solutions. Zach is a leader in the class and participates in discussions.

Hometown: Appleton, Wisconsin
Year in School: 1st year
Major: Registered Nursing
Why CSI: I love CSI because it is a local path to big opportunities. The instructors embody a passion for the work, which makes me passionate to learn! The classes are arranged perfectly so I can take full advantage of my time throughout the week. This is the right choice for the right growth!

Isabel Smart

I am incredibly impressed with Isabel's work ethic and determination to be successful. Isabel is a student-athlete here at CSI (she plays volleyball). She always attends class, is respectful, and takes her academics seriously. It is her perseverance through adversity that's most admirable about Isabel's efforts. She is currently injured, but her motivation, grit, and overall well-being remain high. She takes the good with the bad and keeps her spirits up so that her goals and motivations are unaffected.

Wow! I am very impressed by this true freshman's want and desire to be successful. It has been an honor to be Isabel's instructor and I look forward to her continual success. She has also told me that she wants to study sports and psychology which seems to be a great match for someone with her background. Isabel Smart comes with my highest recommendation for Student of the Month. She truly represents what being a CSI Golden Eagle is all about.

Hometown: Truckee, California
Year in School: 1st year
Major: Psychology
Why CSI: I love CSI because of the endless support academically, socially, and athletically. CSI is such a great school that supports my academic and athletic goals.

September

Rachel Semrau

Rachel is a second-year Ag Ambassador and Animal Science student at CSI. She has stepped up in a big way as a leader on our Ag Ambassador team and has been a great role model and resource for our first heat team members. Rachael is one of the most positive students I know and always actively engages in class – asking good questions and sharing her experiences. She was recently selected as a Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE) intern. This is a highly competitive internship position, and she will spend a week in October at the event in Montana. Last semester, Rachael enrolled in a challenging math class, which was, according to her, the most difficult undertaking she’s ever attempted. She worked so hard to not only pass but earn a very high grade in that class. She spent hours upon hours upon hours in the math tutoring lab and utilized all of the resources available to her as a student. Her work ethic and determination to learn difficult material have been such an example to her peers. When she hears about other students who are struggling, she shares her experience and offers so much encouragement. Other students have referenced Rachael as a motivator and example when struggling with a class. Her efforts have been such a positive inspiration to other students in her pure groups. In all that she does, Rachel represents the CSI agriculture department and the College of Southern Idaho in an extremely positive way. I am so proud to call her my student and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of her educational journey.

Hometown: Mount Vernon, Washington
Year in School: 2nd
Major: Animal Science
Why CSI: College of Southern Idaho has felt like home since I first stepped on campus during my senior year of high school. CSI has provided me with extensive opportunities to gain knowledge and experience in the areas I am passionate about. CSI’s broader community has allowed me to make connections in the industries I am interested in, meet like-minded people, and be a part of the community that supports me. CSI Agriculture Department is playing a significant role in my success, as are the professors and other support staff I have interacted with. I am thrilled to be part of a school that is passionate about helping people learn and supporting them as they reach their career goals.

Christopher Davis

I’m excited to nominate Chris Davis for Student of the Month. I’ve had Chris in several online classes, and he has consistently demonstrated incredible dedication and involvement. As he works to finish his degree, he brings a wealth of experience from his background in electrical and telecommunications, as well as his current role in Special Education at a local elementary school. This semester has just begun, and Chris is already demonstrating the same care and thoughtfulness he always has. I want to specifically highlight an example from last semester. In one of his courses, students complete a community service project where they identify and address a community need. Chris went above and beyond by assembling 25 hygiene kits for a school in need, showcasing his compassion and problem-solving abilities. When he saw how much the kits meant to the students, he contacted a local dentist and arranged for 100 toothbrushes to be donated to the school. In addition to his academic work, Chris also coaches high school sports and manages family life, proving he can juggle multiple responsibilities while making a difference. Chris’s dedication to education and community service makes him an excellent candidate for Student of the Month.

Hometown: Canyon Lake, California
Year in School: 2nd year
Major: Associates in Education
Why CSI: I appreciate that they have the online option. I am able to take care of my other responsibilities and do my schoolwork when it fits my schedule. The education teachers do an amazing job. I am currently working in a school and am able to implement what I am learning into the classroom. The teachers are easy to work with and the feedback they provide is top notch.