Worcester, MA --- Senior women's tennis player Albana Xhemollari (Worcester, MA/North) has been selected as this year's Ella May Whitney award for her dedication in the classroom and contributions to the campus community. Xhemollari recieved the award during the commencement activities during Sunday's graduation.

The award is given to a member of the graduating class who best exemplifies the ideals of Ella May Whitney, who graduated in 1891. These ideals include scholarship, social aptitude, personality, leadership, executive ability, growth, loyalty, integrity and above all else, participation in school activities.  

Xhemollari is a communications major who has been a four-year member of the MASCAC All-Academic Team for earning at least a 3.2 GPA in each year while she is also been on the deans list three times and on the Worcester State Student Athlete Honor Roll all eight semesters enrolled. Xhemollari was a dedicated work study student on the home events staff and she was the women's tennis team representative on the Student Athletics Advisory Committee. Xhemollari is a member of the yearbook staff and she recently won an academic community service award.

Xhemollari was a co-captain on this year's squad as the team finished the year 4-9 with an independent schedule. Primarily a third singles player, Xhemollari earned four wins in solo play. She also was on the second-doubles team and posted four wins in dual action.