Colby-Sawyer Award

The Colby-Sawyer Award is given to the senior who, in the opinion of the faculty, best exemplifies the ideals of the college in personal dignity, intellectual growth, contribution to campus life and constructive influence on other students.

Isabelle Silva ’23

Isabelle Silva, a crime and legal studies major and psychology minor from Danvers, Mass., is a quick learner and critical thinker who serves as an impressive mentor for other students. A dean’s list student with an outstanding academic record, Bella was the recipient of the 2022 Crime and Legal Studies Capstone Award for her advanced multi-method project examining perspectives on police officers.

As with her Capstone project, Bella exceeded expectations with her internship experiences. Instead of completing just the required internship, Bella also sought out two additional internships. She interned first with a personal injury law firm and then with a real estate law firm. Last fall, she completed a third internship with the Concord district attorney’s office.

Bella is active in the Colby-Sawyer community. She has been a four-year starter for the field hockey team, serving as captain in her senior year, and was a member of the track and field and women’s ice hockey teams. She has been a student ambassador, senior student ambassador and tele-counselor for Admissions and has served on search committees and focus groups. She is a member of the Presidential Blue Key Society, Alpha Chi Honor Society and Student Athletic Advisory Committee.

“Bella’s confidence shines through as she consistently represents Colby-Sawyer in the best possible light,” said one faculty member. “She is, without a doubt, one of our best and brightest.”

Bella plans to pursue a career as a sports and entertainment attorney, protecting the rights of college athletes as they negotiate endorsement deals, sponsorships and contracts. She will start law school in the fall.