An NDSU student, Staff Sgt. Shelly Pherson, was named Outstanding Airman of the Year during the North Dakota Air National Guard’s award banquet March 1.
Pherson is an air transportation journeyman in the Air National Guard’s 119th Wing known as the “Happy Hooligans.”
A native of Rutland, N.D., Pherson is a junior studying crop and weed science and agricultural education. According to an Air National Guard news release, she plans a career teaching agriculture in a rural school and serving as an agronomist during the summer months.
In addition, Pherson is an improvisation artist with Linebenders Improv Comedy and a gymnastics coach at American Gold.
There were 15 nominees for three awards, based on their military and civic service during 2013.
“Congratulations to the nominees for the Outstanding Airmen of the Year,” said Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general, during the ceremony. “You have done a great job for us — not only as you serve on duty, but in our communities as well. And to all of the men and women of the 119th Wing, you are truly America’s best.”
NDSU is recognized as one of the nation's top 108 public and private universities by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.