BINGHAMTON, NY – Paige Walker, graduate student and vice president for the masters of social work (MSW) Graduate Student Organization, has been awarded the 2012 Student of the Year Award from the National Association of Social Work of New York State (NASW-NYS). Walker is a resident of Binghamton, New York.

Each year, the NASW presents the “Student of the Year” award to one master’s or baccalaureate level social work scholar who has demonstrated academic excellence and who personifies the values of the social work profession.

Walker has worked with organizations such as the Rural Health Network of South Central New York and the SHARE Project in Whitney Point and was recognized as being a notable volunteer during the flood of 2011.  She was also instrumental in the planning of a Red Cross disaster mental health, training course which was developed to help flood volunteers.

Walker’s most distinguished leadership skills have been demonstrated through her work as student representatives for Binghamton University’s College of Community and Public Affairs Student Advisory Committee and social work department’s field instruction committee.

NASW is a membership organization of professional social workers and its New York Chapter is one of the largest in the United States. With over 10,000 members, NASW-NYS works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies.

Walker will receive her award in March 2012 at the NASW-NYS Spirit of Social Work Awards Luncheon – part of the Annual Power of Social Work Conference.