As part of a long-standing tradition, the U of A School of Law presented more than 20 graduate awards to the class of 2022 in a virtual ceremony on June 7. The recipients of Latin honors were also recognized.

Each award was created to honor members of the law school community who have excelled in a particular area of endeavor. The awards are endowed, or are funded by, benefactors with important ties to the School of Law.

Awards include the three students with the top scores in the class along with internal and external acknowledgments of academic excellence, pro bono hours provided while in law school and service to the school and community.

"The class of 2022 is the embodiment of resilience," said Interim Dean Alena Allen. "Excelling during a pandemic is really an extraordinary achievement. I am so excited to watch the careers of all our outstanding graduates."

2022 AWARDS AND HONORS

The most prestigious awards recognize overall class rank. Tyler Mlakar received the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award for graduating first in class. Mlakar also received an overall 4.0 GPA for his law school career — he's the first student ever to score a perfect GPA during their time at the law school. Taylor Wilbourn was second in class and received the High Academic Achievement Award. Rachel Sullivant received the Academic Achievement Award for having the third-highest grade point average in the class of 2022.

Additional 2022 graduate winners:

• Martin Arroyo Jr.: Bard Rogan Natural Resources Award, T.C. and Rosemary Carlson Memorial Award in Constitutional Law, Pro Bono Silver Medallion Recipient
• Hannah Gabriel Malone: Clinical Legal Education Association Outstanding Clinical Student Award;,W.J. Arnold Memorial Award for Most Promising Trial Lawyer, Pro Bono Silver Medallion Recipient
• Taylor Christine Spillers: American Law Institute and Continuing Legal Education Scholarship and Leadership Award, The Erron and Libby Smith Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Law School Publications
• Ashley Denae James: Robert F. Fussell Pro Bono Award, Pro Bono Gold Medallion Recipient
• Colton Langford: The Legal Aid of Arkansas Pro Bono Student of the Year Award, Pro Bono Silver Medallion Recipient
• Brett Austin Whitley: M. Jeff Starling Award for Labor & Employment Law, Pro Bono Silver Medallion Recipient
• Kyle Dalton Cook: Clinical Legal Education Association Outstanding Clinical Student Award
• Madison Miller: Outstanding Contribution to the Law School Community Award
• Nicholas Hays: Craig Sterne Memorial Award for Estate Planning and Taxation
• Tyler Mlakar: Bogle-Sharp Award
• Taylor Wilbourn: Joe C. Barrett Commercial Law Award
• Lacy Rae Ashworth: James H. McKenzie Award for Professional Responsibility and Ethics
• Caroline Brown: The Medico Legal Prize
• Caleb Alan Epperson: Pro Bono Silver Medallion Recipient
• Mason David Gates: Pro Bono Silver Medallion Recipient
• Zachary Joseph Rivera: Pro Bono Silver Medallion Recipient
• Ruby Catherine "Katie" Sparrow: Pro Bono Silver Medallion Recipient
• Jonathan Jenkins: Pro Bono Silver Medallion Recipient

About the School of Law: The law school offers a competitive J.D. as well as an advanced LL.M. program, which are taught by nationally recognized faculty. The school offers unique opportunities for students to participate in pro bono work, externships, live client clinics, competitions, and food and agriculture initiatives. The school strives to identify, discuss, and challenge issues of race, color, ethnicity, and the impact(s) they have on students, faculty, and staff members in an effort to achieve a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community. From admitting the Six Pioneers who were the first African American students to attend law school in the South without a court order to graduating governors, judges, prosecutors, and faculty who went on to become President of the United States and Secretary of State, the law school has a rich history and culture. Follows us at @uarklaw.