Four Schar School of Policy and Government student-athletes were among the 78 from George Mason University athletics who received the 2026 Peter N. Stearns Provost Scholar-Athlete Award in February. All four were awarded the distinction multiple times in their Schar School careers.
Two-Time Winners
- Catilin Cardin, a team leader in co-ed cheerleading, is a government and international politics (GVIP) senior from Tolland, Connecticut.
- June Johnson, the coxswain on the women’s rowing team, is a senior graduating after three years in the international security and law program. She is from Warrenton, Virginia.
“For me, balancing my academic and athletic schedule comes down to intentional planning and centering in purpose,” she said. “It’s also about gravitating toward things you enjoy—take classes that genuinely interest you and try every new opportunity till you find something you can’t imagine putting down.
“I love my school, my team, and what I do. Because of that, I’m always excited to work hard to elevate my community and go the extra step.”
For new and prospective students weighing options, she said, “I like the saying ‘If not now, then when? If not you, then who?’ Every day is a new opportunity and it’s always important to center in the value and reward of taking chances and putting in the effort to reach your goals.”
Learn more about Johnson’s journey in the story, ”Balancing Oars and Advocacy.”
- Carly Passaro, who plays defense on the women’s soccer team, is a GVIP junior from Farmington, Connecticut.
“Managing an elite athletic career with successful academic performance requires discipline and consistent effort,” she said. “Striving to perform at the highest level possible in every aspect of my life is what continually motivates me to push myself.”
Three-Time Winner
- GVIP 2025 graduate Kaitlyn Bestick, a goalkeeper on the women’s lacrosse team, is a current student in the Master of Political Science program from Fredericksburg, Virginia. She will finish her Bachelor’s to Accelerated Master’s (BAM) degree program in May.
“Managing an academic and athletic career as intense as this one, it has been a collection of leaning on the people around me,” she said.
“The connection between the athletic and academic staff allows for a seamless transition from student-to-athlete and is without a doubt the reason I have been able to be successful.
“The lacrosse team specifically places a high emphasis on our academic success—the time set aside, and the consistent support, from our coaches makes managing this intensity much easier.”
The Provost Scholar-Athlete Award was established in 2009 by then-Provost Peter N. Stearns to recognize student-athletes who have earned at least 38 credit hours at George Mason and achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher.
“This award represents the very best of what it means to be a George Mason student-athlete,” said Assistant Vice President and Director of Athletics Marvin Lewis at the award ceremony. “Tonight is not just about athletic talent—it's about discipline, curiosity, leadership, and the mindset required to bring your best in every arena.
“Keep working hard. Keep pushing forward. And keep inspiring the people around you—because you are the standard.”