Courtney Chilcote '09 was honored with the Marjorie Bither Smith Award which is presented annually to a female member of the senior class for her academic ability, athletic ability, and leadership on campus. As a point of reference, Marjorie Bither served the athletic department between 1957-1979. She was the top administrator for the women's department until the men's and women's programs merged, at which time she became the coordinator of physical education. Marjorie coached several women's sports including tennis which won many state championships during her tenure. At the time of her retirement, she was commended for being a leader in the movement to gain parity for women's athletics as she helped found the Maine Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women. During her tenure at Colby, the number of women's sports grew from 1 to 13. This award was established upon her retirement.Here are my comments when presenting Courtney with her award...
It is my honor and privilege to introduce the Marjorie D. Bither Award Winner for this year to Courtney Chilcote.
The Marjorie D. Bither Award is given annually to a senior woman who has excelled at the highest of levels in athletics, leadership and academics during her time at Colby.
It is an award which recognizes the ability of a student to achieve excellence in the multiple realms of the Colby educational experience - as such it is an award which honors the vision of our department's and College's mission statement at the highest of levels.
Within the swimming team - as with all of our athletic programs - we talk often about this multifaceted approach – about achieving equal success in the classroom and pool – and engaging our gifts with the larger community. As such on our team earning recognition as an NCAA Academic All American is considered the ultimate honor. To achieve this honor the student must place within the the Top 16 at the NCAA National Championship while having also maintained a 3.5 gpa for the year of competition.
While we have had many team members achieve this honor in a given year, Courtney Chilcote will graduate in May as the only swimmer – male or female – to be honored as an Academic All American in each of her four years at Colby.
As a student, Courtney is a double major in Environmental Policy and Spanish and currently holds a cumulative gpa of 3.67.
During her junior year she studied abroad at the Duke in the Andes Program in Quito, Ecuador and upon graduation, Courtney will return to Latin America – most likely in Argentina - to teach English and engage in local environmental issues. Her studies have included research and data analysis for the State of Maine on childhood lead poisoning and she has interned at the Environmental Health Strategy Center of Maine working on the implementation of Maine’s Safe Product Act of 2008. In addition, Courtney has been involved with the Mitt Wartershed Council in Michigan on shoreline nutrient pollution. While in Ecuador, Courtney volunteered for Selva Viva in their efforts to restore contamination of the Amazon Rain Forest.
As a swimmer, Courtney . . .
· Is a member of the current school record 200 Medley Relay team,
· Has achieved a provisional national cut in each of her four years at Colby
· Is a 4x All American with her highest finish being 6th in 2007.
· Holds All Time Colby Top 10 times in both the 50 and 100 freestyle events
· Has also earned All NESCAC honors 3X
· And, was named to the Academic All NESCAC team in both her junior and senior year.
As an athlete, Courtney is a racer - which as a performance athlete is the greatest compliment one can receive. While her day to day persona is relaxed and introspective, her speed and competitive drive in meets – as one of her teammates put it – “is simply viscous.” For four years our team has relied on her as our anchor in sprint medley and free relays – and Courtney has delivered many breathtakingly successful finishes.
Courtney I am so proud of all you have accomplished and know that great things wait for you - and those you touch - as you continue on your journey. I want you to know how much I have truly enjoyed our four years together. It is my honor to present you with this very much well deserved honor.
What a great day for Courtney and the Aquamules!!
