Posted Thursday, Feb. 9, 2006, The OG, student awards

Seniors Ben Erickson and Shruti Purkayastha will be honored Feb. 24 at the Illinois Principals Association Breakfast at the Urbana Holiday Inn.

The IPA annually recognizes students nominated by faculty members for their involvement in the community and achievements in school.

Erickson was nominated for his exemplary community involvement. He has worked for Planned Parenthood and the Teen Awareness Group to educate local high schoolers about sexual health and emergency contraception. Erickson has also worked with the Gay-Straight Alliance to promote rights, Food Not Bombs to provide food for the needy, and the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center to create a more diverse and inclusive media environment.

Purkayastha was nominated for her extensive involvement at Uni as well as in the local community. She has been part of various Uni activities, including several theatrical productions. She has also become a leading figure in Uni's GSA club, playing a large role in the dramatic increase of members this year. In addition, Purkayastha has been working at length with TAG for the past year, along with Erickson.

— Devika Bagchi