He is the former West Virginia University Mountaineer mascot; she is a scholar dedicated to using her knowledge to benefit others– they are this year’s Mr. and Ms. Mountaineer.

Richard Michael Squires, a senior speech pathology and audiology major from Clarksburg, and Emily Calandrelli, a senior mechanical and aerospace engineering major from Morgantown, were recognized during halftime celebrations of the WVU-Louisville game on Saturday, Nov. 7.

The Mr. and Ms. Mountaineer award honors one male and one female student each year that has exemplary academic achievement and extracurricular involvement.

Squires served as the WVU Mountaineer mascot from 2008-09. He is a cheerleader on the Gold Team, and a member of the WVU National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association and Mortar Board senior honorary.

As a freshmen sitting among his peers, Squires made a promise to himself to stand out. “I was determined to be more than just another number,” he wrote in his application.

An active member of his church, Squires volunteered as a youth mentor, taught a youth confirmation class and annually participated in Hunters Helping the Hungry.

“It is important to me to portray our school and state with pride, dignity and enthusiasm, like a true Mountaineer,” Squires wrote in his Mr. Mountaineer application.

He was sponsored by the WVU National Student Speech Language and Hearing Association. He is the son of Richard and Jane Lynn Squires.

Calandrelli has been recognized as a Goldwater Scholar, Truman Scholar and is member of USA Today’s All-USA College Academic First Team. She was a former team leader on the WVU Microgravity Research Team and was a co-founder of the Student Partnership for the Advancement of Cosmic Exploration (SPACE).

Calandrelli spent four years volunteering at the Morgantown Boys and Girls Club. She was also a member of the “Habitat for Humanity” Mexico Project Team through WVU Engineers Without Borders.

“I have found the experiences of a lifetime because of my decision to attend my hometown university. My experience has been unique because I found a million ways to spread my wings right at home. I will forever be grateful for the memories WVU has provided and person it has allowed me to become,” she wrote in her Ms. Mountaineer application.

She was sponsored by SPACE. She is the daughter of Kimberly and Brad Calandrelli.

For more information on Mr. and Ms. Mountaineer and Mountaineer Week, visit http://mountaineerweek.wvu.edu/.

-WVU-

cd11/07/09

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