KAYSVILLE—Davis Technical College (Davis Tech) announced last week that Jackson Hastings, a student in the Networking and Cybersecurity program, was chosen as the 2026 Student of the Year. Hastings was recognized at a luncheon held at the school’s Allied Health Building. In the coming year, Hastings will act as the voice representing nearly 8,000 students at Davis Tech.

Hastings was one of six finalists who were named 2026 Students of the Year in each of their own programs. Maria Medina Cilva, a student in the Automotive Technology program was selected as Runner-Up. 

“These awards are the absolute best among our students,” said Kelly Simerick, vice president of Instruction and Student Success. “These are individuals who exemplify excellence in grit and passion in their programs. While there are six here today we also run a very similar program for our students who attend at the Utah Department of Corrections. So we are doing a student of the year selection process for incarcerated students as well.”

Simerick shared this quote from soccer player Pelé: "Success is no accident. It’s hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all love of what you’re doing or learning to do. We’re here today to celebrate your determination, your effort, your passion that you’re putting into becoming who you are meant to be.”

“This is one of those days that reminds me how great this job is,” said Davis Tech President Darin Brush. “Thank you all for giving me and all of us this great day.”

This is a big deal, he said. “You are all students of the year and it’s a difficult decision to choose an overall student at the end of year. What you all have in common is you’re strong and you inspire and I’m glad to know you.”

Hastings was surprised to win the award. “I feel like I have maybe a little bit of imposter syndrome,” he said. “I wasn’t always a good student in the past when I was younger. It’s just something with me that actually changed over time, wanting to advance myself.”

It’s taken quite a bit of coursework, he said. “It’s been hard trying to fit that in with a full-time job and having my three kids with me as well. Monday through Thursday I was up at 6 a.m. and then not home until 9:30 p.m. That’s how it’s been for the last couple of years.” 

Hastings would like to go on and receive his bachelor’s degree in Cloud and Network Engineering. “It’s more where I want my career to go. Working for some corporations or within a data center is actually something that’s desirable for me.”

Maria Medina Cilva, Student of the Year Runner-Up, at work in the Automotive Technology program. Cilva always wanted to be a mechanic but didn’t have the opportunity in her home country of Venezuela. Courtesy photo

 “My experience has been amazing,” said Cilva, who is from Venezuela and fled what she called "tyranny and dictatorship.” 

“This is totally new for me,” she said. “In my country I was a lawyer. I always wanted to be a mechanic but my mother said no because it is only for men. But I arrived here and saw a new opportunity and I had the support of my family for us to be here.”

Cilva is now in the Automotive Technology program doing what she always wanted to do. “I want to get my engineering degree,” she said. “It’s my dream. I want a better life for my family and to be an example for my kids.”

The 2026 Students of the Year for each school are:

School of Business and Information Technology
Jackson Hastings, Networking and Cybersecurity program

School of Construction
Beckham Dickson, Plumbing Apprenticeship program

School of Health Professions
Melanie Morrison, Surgical Technology program

School of Manufacturing
Gabriel Peterson, Welding Technology and Machining Technology programs

School of Service Professions
Ellie Hill, Cosmetology program

School of Transportation
Maria Medina Cilva, Automotive Technology program