Kathryn Albritton wins WCU Student Leadership Award

Kathryn Grace Albritton received the 2024 Student Leadership Award during Honors Day at William Carey University. The year-end event recognizes students for outstanding academic achievements.

Dr. Valerie Bridgeforth, WCU vice president for student affairs, made the presentation.

“The Student Life Committee selects one senior each year for this award, which is among the highest bestowed by the university,” Bridgeforth said.

Kathryn shows true leadership and is always willing to lend a helping hand to others. She helps other students grow as leaders and helps them excel. She is selfless and reflects outstanding character, scholarship, leadership, and service.

A brand-new alumna of the Winters School of Music, Albritton graduated May 10 with a bachelor’s degree in music education. She’s a Hattiesburg resident now, but her musical journey started in the sixth grade, when she played trumpet in West Marion Elementary School’s band.

“My mother played trumpet, too, and I played and sang in the church choir. Now that I’ve graduated, I’m looking for a job as a band teacher at the middle school or high school level,” Albritton said.

During her time at Carey, Albritton performed with the Spirit of Carey, Symphonic Winds, WCU Trumpet Ensemble, Evidence Winds, William Carey Orchestra and Carey Big Band.

Albritton was president of WCU’s chapter of Delta Omicron, a national music fraternity. Dr. Cassandra Weiss is faculty sponsor for the chapter.

“Being president of Delta Omicron means working with others at the national level, while still leading William Carey’s chapter. She took on her own responsibilities and trained others in their roles to help make the group successful,” Weiss said.

Together, WCU’s Delta Omicron chapter organized food drives, clothing donations and other community service projects.