FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mark Albanese, Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Media Relations

SOMERS, Wis. (May 10, 2013)-- University of Wisconsin-Parkside volleyball student-athlete Shannon Curtis was named the university's Student Leader of the Month for April.

Curtis, a member of Latinos Unidos and the president of the Ranger Student Athlete Advisory Committee, volunteers on campus with the Make-A-Wish  and Hurricane Sandy relief fundraisers while helping out at the swimming pool for the Special Olympics. The senior is additionally active in the community, serving as a volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club's Teen Center while also participating in Relay for Life.

The award, given out six times during the academic year to UW-Parkside students who have proven themselves as a leader through involvement in a student organization, service to UW-Parkside, or service to the community at large. Award winners possess exceptional leadership skills, is well-rounded, and strives for excellence inside and outside of the classroom.

On the volleyball court, Curtis served as a co-captain in 2012, finishing second on the team in service aces (21) and helping the squad compile a 21-10 overall record, advancing to the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament while earning a spot in the NCAA Division II regional rankings for the first time in program history.

Curtis will graduate with honors this spring and is committed to teaching abroad next year in Spain.