For the first time, Radford University students have been recognized by the Bacchus Network at the organization's national Peer Education Conference.

Sarah Gayle Ballagh was named 2012's Outstanding Student, and LeeAnn Dye was elected representative to the organization's Student Advisory Committee for Area 12, which serves the District of Columbia, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.

Also, Sarah Kenney, an instructor in Radford Department of Exercise, Sport and Health Education (ESHE), was named 2012's Outstanding Advisor.

Bacchus—an acronym for Boosting Alcohol Consciousness Concerning the Health of University Students—was founded in 1975 at the University of Florida in response to the need for alcohol awareness and abuse prevention. Today's Bacchus Network is a national collegiate peer education initiative that promotes student leadership to address campus health and safety issues.

At the national conference in early November in Orlando, Fla., RU ESHE majors Emily Stewart, Mira Kartheiser, Angela Cannavo and nursing major Avery Humphries joined Ballagh, Dye and advisor Kenney in presenting a program titled "EveryBody is Beautiful" to more than 75 students and advisors.

Dye was selected by her peers based on her qualifications for providing leadership for Area 12. Ballagh's award was given for contributions to the peer education group, academic success and leadership.