Four Schar School Student-Athletes Score Provost Awards—and Not for the First Time

Body

Four Schar School of Policy and Governmentstudent-athletes were among the 78 from George Mason University athletics who received the 2026 Peter N. Stearns Provost Scholar-Athlete Award in February. All four were awarded the distinction multiple times in their Schar School careers.

Two-Time Winners

• June Johnson, the coxswain on the women's rowing team, is a senior graduating after three years in the international security and lawprogram. She is from Warrenton, Virginia.

June Johnson, women's rowing, poses with her award with Interim Provost and Executive Vice President Ajay Vinzé, left, and Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics Marvin Lewis, right.

"For me, balancing my academic and athletic schedule comes down to intentional planning and centering in purpose," she said. "It's also about gravitating toward things you enjoy-take classes that genuinely interest you and try every new opportunity till you find something you can't imagine putting down.

"I love my school, my team, and what I do. Because of that, I'm always excited to work hard to elevate my community and go the extra step."

For new and prospective students weighing options, she said, "I like the saying 'If not now, then when? If not you, then who?' Every day is a new opportunity and it's always important to center in the value and reward of taking chances and putting in the effort to reach your goals."

Learn more about Johnson's journey in the story, "Balancing Oars and Advocacy."

• Carly Passaro, who plays defense on the women's soccer team, is a GVIP junior from Farmington, Connecticut.

Carly Passaro, women's soccer

"Managing an elite athletic career with successful academic performance requires discipline and consistent effort," she said. "Striving to perform at the highest level possible in every aspect of my life is what continually motivates me to push myself."

Three-Time Winners

• GVIP 2025 graduate Kaitlyn Bestick, a goalkeeper on the women's lacrosse team, is a current student in the Master of Political Scienceprogram from Fredericksburg, Virginia. She will finish her Bachelor's to Accelerated Master's(BAM) degree program in May.

Kaitlyn Bestick, women's lacrosse

"Managing an academic and athletic career as intense as this one, it has been a collection of leaning on the people around me," she said.

"The connection between the athletic and academic staff allows for a seamless transition from student-to-athlete and is without a doubt the reason I have been able to be successful.

"The lacrosse team specifically places a high emphasis on our academic success-the time set aside, and the consistent support, from our coaches makes managing this intensity much easier."

• Catilin Cardin is a team leader in co-ed cheerleading and a government and international politics(GVIP) senior from Tolland, Connecticut.

Caitlin Cardin, co-ed cheerleading

"I manage both cheerleading and academics by utilizing time-management skills and setting aside specific times throughout my day to complete my schoolwork," she said, offering good advice for any student. "I structure my days, assigning time for my schoolwork, my job, my personal life, and my sport. While it is not easy, it is certainly achievable if you stay focused and determined."

The Provost Scholar-Athlete Award was established in 2009 by then-Provost Peter N. Stearns to recognize student-athletes who have earned at least 38 credit hours at George Mason and achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher.

"This award represents the very best of what it means to be a George Mason student-athlete," said Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics Marvin Lewis at the award ceremony. "Tonight is not just about athletic talent-it's about discipline, curiosity, leadership, and the mindset required to bring your best in every arena.

"Keep working hard. Keep pushing forward. And keep inspiring the people around you-because you are the standard."