The Student Bar Association (SBA) serves as the official governing body for the entire student body of Drake Law School.
Each year, the SBA presents awards honoring individuals who have made an extraordinary contribution to the success of the SBA programs or to the life of the student body as a whole. The awards are presented at the SBA Luncheon and Awards Ceremony as well as the Supreme Court Celebration Banquet.
SBA President’s Student Service Award
2026 recipient: Ellen Phillips, Maci Kluesner
SBA Executive Board’s Outstanding Student Leader Award
2026 recipients: Isaac Stohman, Anna Olson
SBA Executive Board’s Faculty Service Award
2026 recipient: John Edwards
SBA Executive Board’s Staff Service Award
2026 recipient: Sara Hughes
Leland Forrest Outstanding Professor Award
The recipient of this award is selected each year by students of the graduating class. The award recognizes outstanding contribution to quality legal education both in and out of the classroom.
2026 recipient: Alexa Perez
SBA Shane Sweeney Supportive Spouse Award
This award is given annually by the Drake Law School Council of Leaders in memory of Shane Sweeney, the spouse of Meghann Sweeney, LW'09. It recognizes the spouse or partner of a law student who has shown outstanding support of his/her spouse and the Law School.
2026 recipient: Kelsey Strohman
Sinclair Award
The Drake Law Library established the Sinclair award in 2007 in memory of Cyrus Sinclair, a 2L desk supervisor who passed away after a long battle with sickle cell anemia. The award recognizes a student desk supervisor for commitment to the Law Library and student colleagues; courteous, friendly, and professional demeanor in dealings with colleagues and patrons; and effective communication with supervisors and colleagues. This year's award was presented at the SBA luncheon earlier this week.