MISSOULA, MONTANA: The 2025 Montana Athletes in Service (MAIS) Award ceremony took center stage at the Brawl of the Wild football game last Saturday, celebrating the civic contributions of student-athletes across Montana.
Presented annually by the Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement, the MAIS Award highlights the impact of student-athletes who go beyond their commitments on the field to serve their communities.
Representing Miles Community College (MCC) on this year's list of recipients is MCC Pioneer Volleyball team member Cameron (Cami) Blevins.
The ceremony, held at The University of Montana’s Washington–Grizzly Stadium in Missoula, honored Montana college athletes who embody the values of community service, leadership, and athletic excellence.
“I really feel honored and grateful to receive this award,” stated Blevins. “I felt very proud to be able to represent MCC at the Cat/Griz game; it was such a cool experience! It makes me incredibly proud to be a Pioneer!”
Blevins, a sophomore student from Shelby, Montana, is majoring in science at MCC. Her community service includes coaching youth swim and volleyball, teaching religious education classes, assisting with summer programs, providing public assistance, and volunteering through the MCC Pioneer Food Pantry on campus.
“Cami has inspired us with her dedication, discipline, and teamwork,” said MCC Vice President of Student Engagement Richard DeShields, who nominated Blevins for the award earlier this fall.
“Throughout the community, she reminds us that one person can make a difference and that service is the highest form of learning. Her constant efforts to encourage health, happiness, and teamwork, especially among young people, reflect her deep commitment to student involvement, community connectedness, and the ideals of leadership and service.”
The Montana Athletes in Service recipients represent a diverse group of athletes from institutions across the state, each of whom has dedicated significant time and effort to volunteering and fostering positive change. These students demonstrate leadership that extends beyond the field by balancing the demands of athletic training, academic pursuits, and personal commitments. Their dedication to service inspires others to take action, reinforcing the connection between athletics, education, and community responsibility.
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton T. Christian, Montana State University President Waded Cruzado, Carroll College President John Cech, Miles Community College President Ron Slinger, MSU Northern Chancellor Greg Kegel, and Fort Peck Community College President Craig Smith presented this year's awards.
“Giving back to the communities who have helped raise and support me throughout life is so important to me,” Blevins continued. “I encourage everyone to do the same.”
About the Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement: The Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement brings together 18 higher education institutions from across our state, representing 2-year and 4-year colleges, Tribal colleges, and flagship universities. Together, they share the common purpose of inspiring civic engagement, community service, volunteerism, and educational excellence that benefit all Montanans.
For more information about the Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement, visitmtengage.org.
About Miles Community College: Founded in 1939, Miles Community College (MCC) in Miles City, Montana, offers affordable academic transfer, career, and workforce programs with a strong focus on student success. MCC provides small classes, dedicated faculty and staff, and a vibrant campus community serving students and employers across eastern Montana and beyond. Learn more at milescc.edu.
