Belle Named 2002 'Angel' for Academic and Social Achievements

Author: Peter Simon

Crystal Belle '04 was named winner of the 2002 Angel Award on Saturday night at a ceremony held in Mead Chapel during the intermission of the Morehouse Glee Club concert. The award is given annually to a sophomore woman of color based on her academic and social achievements and her leadership during her first year at Middlebury College.

The award was established in memory of class of 2003 members Anisa Gamble, Tiffany Holmes, Iniko Johnson and Maika Prewitt, who died in a car accident in April 2000 in their first year at the College. The four women's lives were celebrated with the term "angels," a named bestowed upon them by College community members.

Assistant Dean of Student Affairs Marichal Gentry oversaw the award ceremony. He spoke about the Angels' contribution to "leadership, love of learning and smiles."

Belle was chosen from 11 nominees, who all received personalized certificates from the selection committee. Nominees were honored as excerpts from their nomination statements were read at the ceremony.

In addition to Belle, sophomores Victoria Baptiste, Nelsie Castillo, Melissa Camillo, Athenia Fischer, Aracelis Lucero, Justina Ngo, Brandy Perry, Michelle Ray and Toni Spence were nominated for the award. Calvin Wallace '04 received a rousing ovation from the crowd when he was announced as the lone male nominee.

"They were all incredible, which made it a very tough choice," said Gentry. "Crystal excelled from the moment she stepped on this campus and met all the conditions of the award consistently. Her nominators said wonderful things about her." He praised Belle's academic performance and friendly demeanor as particularly noteworthy.

Belle said she was both shocked and honored to be announced as the winner. "'Wow' is the only way I can describe it," she said. "It's such an incredible honor."

Since beginning her first year at Middlebury, Belle has pursued what interests her most — writing. "Writing is my life," she remarked. In addition to majoring in English, Belle has frequently performed her own slam poetry at Riddim shows and other events. She will perform at The Grille on April 11.

"I see poetry as a form of expression for what I go through on a daily basis," explained Belle. She hopes to pursue a career in journalism after graduation, she added.

In addition to writing and performing poetry, Belle has been actively involved with African-American Alliance (AAA), the Riddim Dance Troupe and the Women of Color since her arrival at the College.

Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Belle came to Middlebury as one of 10 members of the Posse Program in the sophomore class.

AAA Chair Brandi Alexander '02 headed the selection committee, which also included Riddim member Tessa Waddell '02, Commons Residential Advisor Ingrid DeLeon and Gentry. Student, faculty and staff furnished nominations.

According to Gentry, efforts are being made to turn the Angel Award into a scholarship. Gentry said that the College is about halfway to its goal of raising $10,000 dollars through donations to fund the prize.