Rylee Derr of Lititz is one of six students who received a Chambliss Student Academic Achievement Award at Kutztown University (KU) on April 8. Students who received awards were nominated by staff and faculty members for meeting one or more of six areas of achievement: successfully completed research projects, high-quality original artwork, high-quality artistic performances, original writing in literature or meritorious writing in other fields, noteworthy achievements in athletics, and outstanding service to the KU community.

The Academic Achievement Awards were established in 2004 through a donation provided by Carlson Chambliss, KU professor of astronomy from 1970 to 2003. The purpose of the awards is to recognize the exceptional individual achievements of a select group of KU graduating seniors. Specially designed coin medallions of gold, silver, and copper were presented to the students.

Derr, who graduated in December with dual degrees in special education and elementary education, received a copper medal for noteworthy achievements in athletics. Derr has been a starter and member of the KU women's basketball team since 2017 and led the Golden Bears to two PSAC East titles, two PSAC Final Four appearances, and the program's first NCAA tournament since 1996.

Derr is the all-time leading scorer in KU women's basketball history. She holds the school record for three-pointers made in a game, season, and career. She is a three-time All-PSAC selection, was the KU Freshman of the Year, and has made the dean's list and been named a PSAC Scholar-Athlete every year. She was the team captain this season and returned to complete her four years of athletics after a hiatus due to COVID-19. She is also pursuing a master's degree in education and a reading specialist certification. Derr intends to become a teacher and remain involved in basketball.