Avy Overstreet receives Brady Award
Amy Overstreet is pictured with Jon Brady following a luncheon to recognize her as the 2023 recipient of the Jon E. Brady Award in Political Study at Casper College. (Casper College photo/Erich Frankland)
Avy Overstreet was recently selected as the 2023 recipient of the Jon E. Brady Award in Political Study at Casper College, where she is a political science major. She is the 22nd recipient of the annual award.
“Avy is a longtime resident of Casper, a graduate of Natrona County High School, and has lived in Indiana,” said Erich Frankland, political science instructor. According to Frankland, Overstreet has been active in her communities, especially as a lifeguard for the City of Casper and at summer camps in Indiana. She entered Casper College as a secondary education major but later switched to political science. Her current career goal is to work in the U.S. Foreign Service.
Responding to the question: What about politics interests you academically and personally? Overstreet responded: “I truly was not expecting to choose a degree in politics. As I’ve dived deeper into the world of politics, I can never seem to get enough. I love to learn about all the different cultures, perspectives, and historical context that comes with each issue. Even as I explore other classes at Casper College, I find that each and every subject has politics tied to it.” She continued: “In the coming years, I hope to learn more about each region in the world and their relation to politics on a global scale. Politics will forever be an interest to me.”
Some comments from reference letters on Overstreet note: “I have had her in class. She is open to ideas and yet isn’t afraid to object and debate. Her ideas are always thought out. She is an excellent student;” “Avy is extremely focused and connected in her classes;” “She often helps ground discussion that has wandered too far afield;” “Avy is committed to learning all that she can about politics, especially in regards to other countries;” “She always does her best and never slacks off;” “Avy is outstanding with her peers in helping them navigate class discussions;” and “Her interest continuously encourages others to be engaged in class.
“We are fortunate to have a student like Avy at Casper College. She is smart, committed, and is a great contribution to the campus. As a senior in high school, she took the “Issues in Foreign Relations” class at Casper College through the BOCES program. That class sparked her interest in political science and made her consider attending Casper College. I think it is wonderful that Avy has been selected for the award. It is well deserved!” said her current boss, Jeana Lam-Pickett, director at the Board of Cooperative Educational Services, Casper College and the Natrona County School District.
Past award recipients of the Jon E. Brady Award in Political Study at Casper College include Stacey Smith, 2020; Rachelle Trujillo, 2021; and Cameron Moore, 2022. The award is named after Jon Brady, instructor emeritus of political science at Casper College.