The Peru Gazette

L-R SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Heidi Breyette, Acting CCC President Ken Knelly

L-R SUNY Chancellor John B. King, Jillian Bowen, Acting CCC President Ken Knelly

Two graduating students honored for academic achievement, leadership and service

PLATTSBURGH — Two Clinton Community College students have received the 2026 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, the highest honor awarded to State University of New York students.

Jillian Bowen and Heidi Breyette traveled to Albany to accept the award from SUNY Chancellor John B. King alongside Acting President Ken Knelly. The award recognizes exceptional achievement in academics, leadership, campus involvement, community service and the arts.

Bowen completed both her degree in human services and Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) certification in the fall. With support from her professors, she graduated with a 4.0 grade point average. Bowen currently works as a prevention counselor in a local elementary school and plans to return to college this fall to continue her education.

Breyette, a senior at Clinton this semester, has worked in the medical field since 2009 and chose Clinton after working alongside many graduates of its nursing program. She plans to continue her career as a registered nurse in the Emergency Department at CVPH – UVM Health Network in Plattsburgh. While balancing family life and academics, Breyette says she is proud to set an example of perseverance for her two children.

“SUNY students are New York’s future, and the outstanding individuals I am proud to recognize with the Chancellor’s Awards for Student Excellence embody the very best of our state university system,” said SUNY Chancellor King. “The students who have earned this recognition have inspired their classmates, their educators, their campuses and me with their inspiring work, tenacious drive, and dedication to their academic success. I commend each of the awardees and thank them for being examples for others to follow.”

“It is truly an honor to see our students recognized with such a prestigious award,” Knelly said. “Jillian and Heidi’s accomplishments reflect the hard work, determination and care they bring to their studies and their community, and Clinton Community College is incredibly proud to support them.”

Bowen and Breyette were also recognized during Clinton Community College’s Academic Awards Ceremony in April, where they were honored alongside classmates in the presence of family and friends.