ALMA — Mallory Fenskie, of Midland (Midland High School), is the 2026 recipient of the Barlow Trophy, Alma College’s most prestigious award for a graduating senior.

Established in 1949 by Dr. Joel Barlow, 1929 honors graduate of Alma College, the award recognizes academic achievement for students in the top 10 percent of their class as well as contributions to campus and community. The winner of the Barlow Trophy was announced April 2 at the Thomas Andison Chapel, as the culmination of an event highlighting academic achievements from the 2025-26 academic year.

Fenskie, a secondary education/history and social studies major, has held several leadership roles in student organizations, including serving on the executive board of Student Congress and as chapter president of Alpha Xi Delta. In those roles, she worked to improve communication between students and campus leaders and helped expand opportunities for student engagement and leadership.

She also co-chaired Alma’s chapter of the Young Democratic Socialists of America, organizing campus panels and discussions addressing major global issues and encouraging thoughtful civic engagement among students from across disciplines.

Fenskie’s global experiences have been shaped by the Posey Global Fellowship, through which she has traveled internationally four times. Her fellowships included teaching global affairs to students in India, conducting environmental education and research in New Zealand, and participating in archaeological fieldwork in Peru.

In addition to her leadership roles, Fenskie has served as a tutor for history and education courses and contributed to research on the long-term impacts of Michigan’s PBB contamination crisis.

Mallory embodies the mission of Alma College, wrote a faculty member supporting her nomination. She combines intellectual curiosity with a deep commitment to service, leadership and thoughtful dialogue.

Two other students were recognized as finalists for the Barlow Trophy

  • Owen Denk, of Williamston (Williamston High School), has combined academic excellence with leadership in athletics, research and campus organizations. A biochemistry major with a minor in mathematics, Denk has contributed to research and laboratory work while serving as a mentor to peers in science and mathematics courses.
  • Jake Lasceski, of St. Johns (St. Johns High School), has demonstrated leadership across academics, athletics and student governance during his time at Alma College. A business major, Lasceski has served as president of Student Congress and student representative to the Board of Trustees.

Among the other awards that were given out on April 2 were the Outstanding Senior Awards, Phi Beta Kappa inductees, the Kapp Honors Day Prize and the Golden Scot Award.