Northland Community & Technical College proudly announces the 2026 Student of the Year awards presented to East Grand Forks student Vanesa Gomez and Thief River Falls student Sierra Westberg. This honor is awarded annually to graduating students who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to their chosen profession, academic excellence, and meaningful contributions to the campus and community.
Gomez is a radiologic technology student from East Grand Forks, Minn. Originally from Kentucky, she moved to East Grand Forks in 2012 and graduated from East Grand Forks Senior High School. After working full-time and earning a Spanish certificate at the University of North Dakota, Gomez discovered her passion for healthcare and enrolled at Northland.
Gomez’s path into healthcare is deeply personal. As a child, she often served as an interpreter for her mother during medical visits, witnessing firsthand how language barriers can create fear and confusion for patients.
“I know first-hand the positive impact it can make when healthcare workers take the time to explain what they are doing and make patients feel at ease,” Gomez said.
At Northland, Gomez was actively involved in the X-Ray Club, helping organize community activities such as bake sales, blanket-making projects, and volunteer efforts with Journey Home Animal Rescue and the East Grand Forks Campbell Library. She also supported outreach efforts by sharing her experience with middle and high school students through Scrub Camp and Northland EXPO events, encouraging others to explore careers in healthcare.
In addition, Gomez served in the Student Senate and represented Northland at the statewide Advocacy in Action leadership summit, where she engaged with peers on the importance of student advocacy and campus leadership.
“Being named Student of the Year came as a complete shock,” Gomez said. “This award is an honor, and I’m so humbled to receive it. It reflects all the long days and late nights balancing school, work, and service.”
After graduation, Gomez will begin working full-time as an overnight radiologic technologist at Altru Hospital while continuing her education through Boise State University to earn a bachelor’s degree in imaging. She hopes to give back to the community by providing empathetic care to patients of all backgrounds.
Westberg is a Criminal Justice student from Middle River, Minn. Drawn to Northland for its proximity to home and the opportunity to continue competing in athletics, she quickly found a sense of belonging within the campus community.
Westberg was a dual-sport student-athlete, competing in both volleyball and women’s basketball. She credits athletics with shaping her college experience and building lifelong friendships.
“The biggest factor that led me to Criminal Justice was the desire to help people,” Westberg said. “I want to be someone people can turn to in a time of need and give back to the community that raised me.”
Westberg’s dedication to both academics and athletics, along with her commitment to service, earned her recognition as Student of the Year.
“When I found out I was selected, I was speechless,” she said. “This recognition means a lot to me—it shows that hard work really does pay off.”
Following graduation, Westberg plans to complete the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) exam to become a licensed peace officer. She hopes to serve as a deputy in Marshall County, bringing an open mind, strong work ethic, and commitment to making a positive impact in her community.
Northland will celebrate its 2026 graduates during commencement ceremonies on both campuses. The Thief River Falls campus will hold its ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, in the Northland Gymnasium, while the East Grand Forks campus ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 15, at the Chester Fritz Performing Arts Center in Grand Forks, N.D.
Student of the Year recipients will deliver remarks reflecting on their experiences and encouraging fellow graduates as they begin the next chapter of their journeys.
Friends, family members, and community members who are unable to attend in person will have the opportunity to view the ceremonies via live stream. Additional details, including ceremony times and streaming links, will be available on the college website.
For more information about spring commencement exercises, visit www.northlandcollege.edu or call 1-800-959-6282.
