GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College announces Anna Kavulla ’26, of Sharpsville, Pa., and Hayden Tucker ’26, of Wampum, Pa., as its Student of the Month honorees for February.
The Student of the Month is awarded to seniors and is among the College’s most prestigious student honors. Only six students receive the recognition each semester.
Kavulla is a 2023 Pennsylvania Homeschoolers Accreditation Agency accredited home-school graduate and is majoring in business management administration. She plans to graduate in December 2026 and attend law school with the goal of becoming a prosecuting attorney.
At Thiel, Kavulla is an active campus leader and scholar. She is a member of the Dietrich Honors Institute and the Haller Enterprise Institute and has been selected for induction into the academic honor society Alpha Chi and the business honor society Chi Eta Sigma. She serves as a lead tutor in the Learning Commons, assistant editor-in-chief of the campus literary publication, The Phoenix, a member of the Moot Court Team, a peer mentor for first-year seminar students, and a leader of the Thiel Bible Study.
Beyond campus, Kavulla is the co-owner of A Pastel Petal, a creative business she operates with her sister, Ava Kavulla ’25. Her entrepreneurial work has been featured in the Youngstown Business Journal, Valley Voices Magazine, and ATTN: Entrepreneurs by Penn-Northwest Development Corp. She is also active at Truth & Grace Fellowship in Hermitage, Pa., where she teaches Sunday school and sings in the choir.
“My time at Thiel has been a transformative experience and has allowed me to explore my interests, refine my skill sets, and become prepared for my future. Small schools really do have big opportunities, and my experience at Thiel has proven exactly that,” Kavulla said. “Above all, I give thanks to God for His constant provision, guidance, and faithfulness throughout the entirety of my life and college career. Every opportunity and accomplishment reflects His grace and strength at work in me.”
She expressed gratitude to her professors, including Gary Witosky ’79; Steve Kandray; Anthony Kos; Ph.D.; Melissa Oakes ’03; and Angelo Giannini and the mentorship and support of Learning Commons leaders Hannah Keeling ’08 and Robin Sakonyi.
Kavulla is the daughter of Deborah and Michael Kavulla.
Tucker is a 2022 graduate of Mohawk Jr./Sr. High School and is pursuing majors in neuroscience, biology, and philosophy at Thiel College. Following graduation, he plans to apply to medical school or graduate school.
Throughout his academic career, Tucker has demonstrated a strong commitment to scholarship and preparation for a future in medicine.
“My professors and advisors have been nothing but supportive and excited to push me to reach all that I can achieve. I am very lucky to have encountered such wonderful and kind people in my journey as a scholar,” Tucker said.
He recognizes Assistant Professor of Neuroscience and Chair of the Department of Neuroscience Neil Lax, Ph.D. for his mentorship and encouragement, crediting his enthusiasm with helping him gain confidence in pursuing his career goals.
Tucker is the son of Tara Tucker and Cameron Tucker.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.