Two college roommates get Connecticut academic award

WILLIMANTIC, Conn. (WTNH) — Two college roommates are crossing an unexpected milestone together as top academic award recipients in Connecticut.

The two seniors at Eastern Connecticut State University have won the 2024 Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Award, which is given to only 12 students per year.

This award is a top academic award for students in the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities System. The award recognizes stellar academic performance and community service.

The two roommates, Kathryn Kubisek of Southington and Billi Kozak of Clinton have each gone above and beyond in school, officials said.

Kubisek is a Spanish major with a 4.0 grade point average. She has plans to continue her education at Eastern Connecticut State University to earn her master’s degree in Elementary Education.

Kubisek has also volunteered in after-school tutoring programs and adult programs such as the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery and the Covenant Soup Kitchen.

Kozak is a biology major with plans to get her Ph.D. in microbiology at the University of Massachusetts. She hopes to enter a career in virology or bacteriology research.

Kozak participated in research at Tufts University in 2022 in the National Science Foundation’s summer Research Experience for Undergraduates program. She is also a peer mentor in Eastern’s Success Scholars program and the secretary of the Pride Club at Eastern.

Both roommates said they are immensely grateful for this award.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.