This past May, Hempfield High School (HHS) alumna Hannah Johnson was awarded Colby College's 2021 Condon Medal. The Condon Medal honors a senior at Colby who exhibits the finest qualities of citizenship and has made the most significant contribution to the development of life at Colby. Established in 1920, the Condon Medal was made possible through the gift from Randall J. Condon, a member of Colby's Class of 1886.

According to Johnson, the Condon Medal represents fully investing in the Colby community, which meant dedicating most of her time at Colby to helping students feel like they belong.

"I struggled finding my stride at this school at first, and it was truly the people around me who helped me find my authentic self here," stated Johnson.

For many years, Johnson's family has rented a lakefront house near Colby, located in Maine. When she attended HHS, Johnson ran cross-country and needed to train over the summer. Johnson's mother would drive her to Colby's campus where she would run throughout the neighborhoods. When it came time for Johnson to apply to colleges, she applied to Colby on a whim and was accepted.

During her time at Colby, Johnson held several positions on campus. She was a class senator for the Student Government Association, a community adviser, an area residence director, a Lives of Purpose mentor, a volunteer scribe, a research assistant in the psychology department, and a front desk attendant at the Colby Museum of Art.

Several staff members at Colby made an impression on Johnson. "My adviser, Tarja Raag, was really like a motherly figure for me," said Johnson. "I was also super inspired by two of my religious studies professors: Ryan Harper and David Freidenreich. They really challenged the ways I think about religion and how we understand the world around us."

After graduating from Colby with a psychology major and religious studies minor, Johnson plans to attend medical school and become an OB/GYN.

"I think recognition like this is a bit overwhelming because so much of my life experiences are due to the support of so many people," explained Johnson. "I share this award with everyone who's been a part of my life throughout my journey at Colby!"