UVA Batten 2026 Pilot Awards

2026 Pilot Awards

The Pilot Award is named for The Virginian-Pilot, the newspaper Frank Batten, Sr. helmed in his early career.  The Batten Graduate Council annually invites students, faculty, and staff to nominate graduating Master of Public Policy students for one of five Pilot Awards. The awards recognize the recipients’ leadership, impact, and service within the greater university and policy communities.

Congratulations to this year’s recipients! Below are descriptions of each award and excerpts from the winners’ nominations.

Policy Analysis Impact AWARD – RAFa DEL ROSARIO

This award recognizes a graduate student who has demonstrated exceptional analytical and research skills, producing insightful and data-driven policy analyses that have had a significant impact on public policy. They have utilized their expertise to provide insightful, nuanced, and evidence-based recommendations to policymakers, stakeholders, and the broader public. They have contributed to advancing public policy discussions in a meaningful way, shaping the direction of policy discussions and decisions.

“Rafa’s work at the National Security Policy Center has pushed conversation and provided policymakers relevant and data-based research to make informed decisions.”

INCLUSIVE ADVOCACY IMPACT Award – AUDREY SMITH

This award recognizes a graduate student who has shown exceptional leadership in advocating for the inclusion of underrepresented groups in policy discussions and decision-making processes. The student has worked tirelessly to promote the voices and perspectives of marginalized communities, in which the student’s advocacy has helped eliminate barriers in public policy. The student has collaborated with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure that the voices of all communities are heard, and their work has helped build more inclusive and representative policies.

“I’m nominating Audrey for her excellence in teaching and producing stellar work in every class she is in, and most importantly, working constantly to advance the interests of minorities, immigrants, and all disadvantaged people both in and outside the classroom. Her unwavering dedication to raising the voices of these populations is truly admirable.”

LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE IMPACT Award – emma flye

This award recognizes a graduate student who has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, displaying a commitment to excellence and a capacity for inspiring and motivating others. They have shown themselves to be a natural leader, able to inspire others to work towards a common goal and to achieve outstanding results. They have demonstrated strong communication skills, the ability to make tough decisions, and a commitment to ethical and transparent leadership. Their leadership has made a lasting impact on the Batten School community and beyond.

“Emma is the embodiment of inspiration and motivation in a leader. Emma’s dedication to her peers and students’ success is as integral to her as her own work. I had the privilege to work alongside Emma on the same TA team and her ability to work with students and help them grow and succeed was nothing short of inspiring. Emma has also served as BGC president, where she has worked to make the BGC more inclusive, facilitate community events, and advocate for the betterment of UVA and Batten.”

outreach & service impact award – abby anger

This award recognizes a graduate student who has shown exceptional dedication to community outreach and service, going above and beyond in their efforts to improve the lives of others. They have demonstrated a strong commitment to public service, volunteering their time and expertise to a wide range of organizations and causes. Their service has made a significant difference in the lives of those they have served, and they have inspired others to get involved and make a positive impact in their communities.

“Abby has the heart of a public servant. From my initial meeting with Abby as a prospective student, it was evident that she would make lasting contributions to wherever was lucky enough to have her as a student. After seeing her performance at the Batten School over the last two years, I can say she not only upheld this initial impression but exceeded it. Abby has been involved in Formative Change Group (FCG) for the duration of her time at Batten and has led the club to be one of the largest forces for community outreach and impact at the Batten School. Abby’s leadership, vision, and dedication not only sustained FCG, but helped grow it. Abby is also a Tadler Fellow, where she has helped advance priorities for rural education while simultaneously working to grow students in their leadership journey at the Batten School. Abby has undoubtedly left the Batten School better than she found it and has had countless positive impacts at UVA and in the greater Charlottesville region.”

TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT Award – SARAH KING

This award recognizes a graduate student who has made a transformative and tangible impact in the Batten School or the greater University of Virginia. This student was dedicated to challenging the community’s barriers with innovative solutions that engaged the community. The student drove lasting-change and inspired others to think about how they could exercise leadership at the Batten School. The student’s impact has been significant and enduring, leaving the Batten School better than when they started.

“I can say wholeheartedly that I believe I am a better policy analyst and individual for having known Sarah. Sarah is an inspiration and model for the benefits of inclusivity and compassion in policy. Sarah’s personal journey and tireless work to uplift underrepresented groups in her work, such as members of the LGBTQ+ community, people living with substance use disorders, and individuals in incarceration are inspirational. Sarah has also worked as a TA and as an editor for the Virginia Policy Review, two roles where she worked to include those who are often unheard and underrepresented.”