The Tom Shick Award is given to undergraduate or graduate students who have maintained a high academic standing and who have demonstrated an intellectual vigor and concern for racial equality that epitomizes the life of Tom W. Shick. Shick came to UW–Madison as a graduate student in 1969 and became a lecturer in 1973. Shick earned tenure in 1981 before his death in 1987.
Heaven Williams — Class of 2026
As a Health Promotion and Health Equity major, Heaven Williams brings justice and care to all facets of her experience. This summer, she will serve in two roles at The Morgridge Center for Public Service, Lead Operations Intern and Faculty Director’s Intern, where she will perform administrative and outreach duties to amplify engagement with the Madison community. Heaven will also be interning for the Wisconsin Area Health Education Center (AHEC) as the Youth Health and Fitness Coordinator at the McFarland Youth Center, designing wellness programs for middle school students to address mental health, physical health, and social-emotional development.
Heaven is the Founder and President of Badgers Sign UW (BSUW), an American Sign Language organization. She is a Team Leader for Badgers Volunteer, where she teaches high school students ASL. A member of the Leadership for the Health Promotion and Health Equity Learning Community, she connects with peers and faculty around issues of public health and equity-driven leadership. Williams serves on the Center for Academic Excellence Advisory Board and is a mentor for the School of Education Buddy Program. In the years ahead, Williams hopes to launch multiple non-profits, shape health policy, and raise a family in faith. “I envision myself working at the intersection of public health, education, and policy,” she says, “I want to lead initiatives that advance health equity, particularly in Black, Deaf, and Hard-of-Hearing communities. In ten years, I hope to be shaping culturally responsive programs and advocating for policies that prioritize prevention and accessibility.”
Rayna Cunningham — Class of 2024
Rayna Cunningham graduated in December 2024 after spending her time at UW–Madison as both a scholar and an artist. In her last semester as an undergraduate student, Cunningham worked alongside Dr. Anthony Black to create a mixed media exhibition on Afro-surrealism and the tradition of feminine creation in a Directed Studies project; Dr. Black notes: “Rayna’s commitment to high academic standards, a diverse range of scholarly interests, an ability to connect her academic interests in meaningful ways, and a commitment to translating her academic interests into community service aligns with the Wisconsin Idea.”
As a freshman, she knew she wanted to study Biology but felt a new momentum and excitement when those classes began to focus on the brain. She soon changed her major to Neurobiology. When asked where she hopes to be in fifteen years, she says: “I want to serve patients, especially patients of color.” Rayna is hoping to specialize in dermatology to improve education on melanated skin and grow awareness around signs of skin disease. In February 2025, Rayna took the MCAT; she will be applying to medical school in June. Rayna currently works at the Madison Children’s Museum as an Outreach Coordinator where she plans their heritage and cultural celebrations, helps to expand community partnerships, and assists with museum programming and development. In her free time, Rayna volunteers with the American Family Children’s Hospital, and is an External Affairs Liaison for the Student National Medical Association Pre-Medical (MAPS) committee.
Micah Scarlett — Class of 2025
In 2024, Micah Scarlett spent a year on Capitol Hill working for Congresswoman Susan Wild (PA-07) and Bill Foster (IL-11) before working for Senator Tammy Baldwin in her Madison office. As a Legislative Intern, Micah managed legislative memos, constituent communications, and office logistics for the Congresspeople and Senator. After graduating in May, he plans to return to Washington D.C. to start his political career as a staff assistant or scheduler—roles that would allow him to work closely with congressional members and immerse himself in the world of policymaking. Micah shares that he hopes to work on Capitol Hill for five years before considering law school. He has a long-term goal of becoming an elected official to champion policies that address the United States’ wealth gap, education system, and climate change. Micah sees a potential future as a legislator or lawyer, but remains open to exactly which path he may take. “I would love to represent the folks in my state,” he shares, “I want to create policy that bridges the divide, especially in an America run by private equity and corporations.”
Micah has always had a deep sense of civic duty, his entire life driven by the belief in equitable policy and community representation. He shares that in middle school, he advocated and picketed for a peer who was subjected to the whim of poor school policy. His outspokenness resulted in his removal from class, but he notes that this cause was worth the temporary punishment he faced. He sees his future no differently.
Central to Micah’s citizenry is the belief that no group is a monolith. “I never want to assume what someone may say or think based on their background,” he shares. “I never want to come in with expectations and always want to assume good faith and positive intent.” Micah values listening across differing politics, believing that most people, regardless of their affiliation, are “working with what they think is right.” He reflects on his time at UW–Madison as a transformational period where he found purpose through student organizations like the Wisconsin Alumni Student Board and academic exploration, evolving from a STEM major to a student of political science, legal studies, and African American studies.
Congratulations Heaven, Rayna, and Micah!