University College student Monica Antone-Watson was one of eight students selected to receive the Dr. Sherman V. N. Kent Scholarship from the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society for the 2011-12 academic year. Antone-Watson was selected from an outstanding group of candidates nationwide for her academic achievement, scholarship, leadership and need. Alpha Sigma Lambda is the National Honor Society for Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning. Its aim is to recognize the special achievements of adults who accomplish academic excellence, while facing competing interests of home and work.
Antone-Watson is a senior majoring in fiber arts and material studies in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, with a minor in Native American studies. She is earning her degree part time through University College. “I feel honored to be chosen,” says Antone-Watson. “I am grateful that my hard work and determination are being recognized by receiving the award.”
Antone-Watson is a member of the Native American Indian Education Association of New York, and won the Joan Rusitzky Award for Excellence in Knit Design from Syracuse University in 2010. She has won numerous scholarships and awards at Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC), including the MVCC Presidents List in 1996 and 1999, and the MVCC Vice Presidents List in 1994 and 2000. An active member of the Oneida Indian community, Antone-Watson teaches traditional Native American dance, basket-making, knitting, crocheting, quilting, Iroquois pottery, fabric doll making and cornhusk doll making.