The Sarah Ida Shaw Award is the highest individual collegiate award that is given in Tri Delta. Named to recognize and remember our beloved Founder, the award recognizes the most exceptionally brave, bold and kind woman who remains dedicated to Tri Delta’s Purpose and ideals and has shown significant unselfish leadership within her chapter, campus and community.
This year’s winner, Delilah Locke, from our newest chapter, Epsilon Omega at Kenyon College, embodies the spirit of Sarah Ida Shaw. Just as Sarah worked alongside three friends to found Tri Delta at Boston College, Delilah worked alongside three of her now-sisters to establish their chapter, which was officially installed during our Collegiate Leadership Conference in the spring of 2024.
A year later, during CLC 2025, Delilah took the stage to deliver a powerful message of perseverance, leadership and sisterhood to the collegiate leaders in attendance. But rather than celebrating herself, she turned the spotlight on her sisters, expressing gratitude and recognizing her part in something much bigger.
Delilah reflected on her chapter’s incredible journey from a hopeful idea to reality. Just two years ago, she and three fellow students—Joy Carstanjen, Madison Buckwalter and Sydney May—set out to bring Tri Delta to Kenyon College. Their shared hope sparked months of hard work, strategic meetings and endless determination. With support from Tri Delta’s Executive Office and encouragement from mentors and staff, their dream came true. Epsilon Omega was born.
Now one of the largest sororities on campus, Epsilon Omega is grounded in the values Delilah and her sisters held dear from the start: truth, self-sacrifice, friendship, kindness and inclusion. In her acceptance speech, she emphasized the importance of creating a chapter that feels like home—one where members celebrate each other’s wins and lift each other up.
Delilah demonstrates a selfless commitment to Tri Delta. When faced with a difficult decision about studying abroad, she chose to stay and support her new chapter, prioritizing its foundation and future success over her personal plans. Her reflection of our beloved Founder is evident as she lives being “kind alike to all,” building a chapter culture where women feel valued, supported and empowered to find belonging in Tri Delta.
“It all comes back to the fact that as members of Tri Delta, we are part of something much bigger than ourselves. We are part of a sisterhood that is life-changing.”
Congratulations, Delilah, and thank you for reminding us of what’s possible when we work with our friends!
2025 Sarah Ida Shaw Award
Winner: Delilah Locke, Kenyon
First Runner-up: Riley Dyke, Texas
Second Runner-up: Sierra Simon, Miami/Florida
High Honors: Sophia Hall, Tulane
High Honors: Ally Schwartz, Cornell