PRINCE FREDERICK, Md., May 15, 2025 — Three College of Southern Maryland (CSM) students were recognized on May 6 at the Prince Frederick Campus for their winning proposals in the Hawk Pitch and Video Challenge, earning scholarships, cash prizes, and support to enhance campus life. Keziah MacKall, Diante Keita, and Israel Cheatham presented ideas to improve student support, expand academic programming, and upgrade digital media resources, respectively.
Keziah MacKall, a first-generation college student, took first place with her “Hawks First to Soar Peer Mentorship Program.” Her initiative pairs new students with mentors to navigate college life, from class registration to accessing campus resources. “Inspired by her own experiences as a first-generation college student, Keziah understands firsthand how overwhelming college can be without someone to help you find your footing,” said CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson during the ceremony. “Keziah noted in her pitch that her program can help remove barriers to success by helping them get on track early and stay on track throughout their journey.” MacKall received a $500 check from Educational Systems Federal Credit Union and a three-credit scholarship from the CSM Foundation. The College Innovation Alliance will fund her mentorship program.
Diante Keita earned second place for proposing an expansion of CSM’s “Night of” series. Building on the success of the Night of Engineering event, which connects students with career, internship, and transfer opportunities, Keita suggested hosting similar evening events for other majors. “In his pitch, Diante shared that the series will help students interested in a variety of majors come to CSM with greater confidence, more clarity about their educational journey, and a stronger sense of what’s possible for their future,” Wilson said. Keita was awarded a $300 check from Educational Systems Federal Credit Union and a Dell laptop.
Israel Cheatham secured third place with a proposal to strengthen CSM’s Digital Media program by investing in industry-standard equipment. His plan aims to better prepare students for the workforce by providing access to professional-grade tools for storytelling through digital media. Cheatham received a $200 check from Educational Systems Federal Credit Union and a CSM swag bag.
The Hawk Pitch and Video Challenge, an annual competition at CSM, encourages students to propose innovative ideas to enhance the college experience. This year, 11 students submitted entries, which were evaluated by a panel of three judges based on their impact on CSM and alignment with the college’s strategic goals of access, momentum, and mobility. The top three pitches advanced to a college-wide online vote, where the CSM community ranked MacKall, Keita, and Cheatham in first, second, and third place, respectively.
CSM, serving Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties since 1958, enrolls over 20,000 students annually across its four campuses. The Prince Frederick Campus, where the awards ceremony was held, is one of CSM’s key facilities, offering a range of academic and community programs. The Hawk Pitch initiative reflects CSM’s commitment to fostering student leadership and innovation, empowering students to shape their educational environment.
MacKall’s mentorship program addresses a critical need for first-generation students, who often face unique challenges navigating higher education. By pairing them with experienced peers, the program aims to boost retention and graduation rates, aligning with CSM’s momentum goal. The College Innovation Alliance’s funding will enable MacKall to pilot her program, potentially impacting hundreds of new students.
Keita’s proposal builds on the Night of Engineering’s success, which has connected students with industry professionals and transfer institutions. His vision for additional “Night of” events—potentially covering fields like business, health sciences, or the arts—would broaden access to career exploration, supporting CSM’s mobility goal. These events could attract prospective students and strengthen ties with local employers and four-year colleges.
Cheatham’s focus on digital media equipment underscores the growing demand for skilled media professionals. Upgrading CSM’s resources to include industry-standard cameras, editing software, and audio tools would enhance the Digital Media program’s reputation and prepare graduates for competitive job markets. This aligns with CSM’s access goal by ensuring students have the tools to succeed in high-demand fields.
The judging process ensured fairness and rigor. The panel, composed of faculty and administrators, scored submissions on their feasibility, scalability, and potential to advance CSM’s mission. The community vote, open to students, staff, and faculty, added a democratic element, reflecting broad support for the winning ideas. Educational Systems Federal Credit Union’s sponsorship of the cash prizes highlights its ongoing partnership with CSM to support student success.
The awards ceremony celebrated not only the winners but also the creativity of all 11 participants. CSM’s strategic goals—access, momentum, and mobility—guide its efforts to provide equitable education, support student progress, and facilitate transitions to careers or further studies. The Hawk Pitch challenge embodies these priorities, giving students a platform to propose solutions that benefit their peers and the broader college community.
As CSM continues to grow, initiatives like the Hawk Pitch reinforce its role as a hub for innovation in Southern Maryland. MacKall, Keita, and Cheatham’s proposals will leave a lasting impact, from mentoring future students to expanding career-focused events and equipping aspiring media professionals. Their recognition on May 6 underscores CSM’s commitment to empowering students to drive change.
