The U of A School of Law proudly announces and congratulates the recipients of the Class of 2025 Graduation Awards. These honors recognize outstanding academic achievement, peer-selected distinctions and exceptional pro bono service.

Three prestigious graduation awards, based on overall class rank, were presented to members of the Class of 2025. Payton Flower received the Outstanding Academic Achievement Award for graduating first in the class. Abigail Riddle, ranked second, was honored with the High Academic Achievement Award. Christopher Piel, who held the third-highest GPA, received the Academic Achievement Award.

"While we are proud of all our graduates, attaining this level of distinction is truly exceptional. These honors shine a special light on those whose academic journeys have been marked by exceptional dedication and perseverance. These awards reflect not just achievement, but the promise each of these students carries forward into the profession," said Dean Cynthia Nance. "Congratulations to Payton, Abigail and Christopher and their classmates for their demonstrated scholarly excellence."

The awards below are based on a graduate's final grades in designated courses, the total number of pro bono service hours completed or a faculty nomination.

Recognitions include:

• Sadie Baumann, Pro Bono Gold Medallion
• Holly Benson, Clinical Legal Education Association Outstanding Student
• Julia Bollin, Clinical Legal Education Association Outstanding Student (received the award in 2024 as a second-year student)
• Willie Chapple Jr., Pro Bono Gold Medallion
• James Curlin, W.B. Putman American Inn of Court Pupil Award
• Johanna Day-Rohr, Pro Bono Gold Medallion
• Alexandra Donihoo, James H. McKenzie Award - Professional Responsibility & Ethics
• Makenzie Fennig, W.B. Putman American Inn of Court Pupil Award and Pro Bono Silver Medallion
• Payton Flower, Outstanding Academic Achievement Award, Erron and Libby Smith Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Law School Publications, Bogle-Sharp Award, W.B. Putman American Inn of Court Pupil Award and the T.C. & Rosemary Carlson Memorial Award
• Hailey Garner, Pro Bono Silver Medallion
• Grace Ann Green, W.B. Putman American Inn of Court Pupil Award
• Michael Hammonds, W.B. Putman American Inn of Court Pupil Award
• Helen Hope, Pro Bono Silver Medallion
• Carlen Johnson, W.B. Putman American Inn of Court Pupil Award
• Bailey Lovett, Pro Bono Gold Medallion
• Lindsay Mast, James H. McKenzie Award - Professional Responsibility & Ethics, Outstanding Contribution to the Law School Community Award, Fussell Community Engagement Award and Pro Bono Gold Medallion
• Marcos Perez, Medico Legal Prize and Pro Bono Silver Medallion
• Christopher Piel, Academic Achievement Award and Clinical Legal Education Association Outstanding Student
• Stephanie Ponzaneli, Pro Bono Gold Medallion
• Cody Preston, M. Jeff Starling Jr. Award - Labor and Employment Law
• Abigail Riddle, High Academic Achievement Award and Joe C. Barrett Commercial Law Award
• Aly Savage, W.B. Putman American Inn of Court Pupil Award
• Royce Dylan Smith, Nathan Price Chaney Memorial Award
• Ben Speight, Bard Rogan Natural Resources Law Award
• Jacob Stringer, W.B. Putman American Inn of Court Pupil Award
• Harleigh Summerville, Pro Bono Silver Medallion
• Carter Wade, Craig Sterne Memorial Award - Estate Planning and Taxation
• Jaylen Wilbon, Peer-Elected Commencement Speaker
• Justyce Yuille, Robert F. Fussell Pro Bono Award, W.B. Putman American Inn of Court Pupil Award, W.J. Arnold Memorial Award and Pro Bono Gold Medallion

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About the University of Arkansas School of Law: The law school offers a competitive J.D. and is home to the nation's first LL.M. program in agriculture and food law. Led by nationally recognized faculty, the school offers students exceptional opportunities in pro bono work, live-client clinics, public service fellowships, competitions and much more It also has a rich history and tradition of leadership—from admitting the Six Pioneers, the first African American students to attend a Southern law school without a court order, to graduating governors, judges, prosecutors and faculty members who have gone on to serve as President of the United States and Secretary of State. Follow us at @uarklaw.