10/13/2026
Washington, Miller Named Peru State's 2025-26 Swenson Award Winners
Two outstanding Peru State College student-athletes have been recognized for their excellence in athletics, academics, and character as recipients of the College's prestigious Bert Swenson Award for the 2025-26 academic year.
Zahir "Ziggy" Washington, a member of the Bobcat football team, and Kennedy Miller, a standout on the volleyball team, were selected as this year's honorees. The awards recognize graduating student-athletes who exemplify not only athletic achievement but also outstanding character, personality, service, and loyalty to Peru State College.
Now in its 102nd year, the Swenson Award is one of Peru State's longest-standing traditions honoring student-athletes.
A Century-Old Tradition of Excellence
The award was established by Bert and Stella Swenson in memory of their son, Bert Jr., who passed away at just 13 months of age.
Bert Swenson Sr., a 1909 Peru State graduate, was a football team captain and class president during his time at the College. His legacy and contributions to Peru State were further recognized in 2009 when he was posthumously inducted into the Peru State College Athletic Hall of Fame.
Each year, coaches nominate senior student-athletes who demonstrate the qualities established for the honor. The College's athletic department staff then selects one male and one female recipient through a secret ballot.
The recipients receive a commemorative watch and medallion provided by the Swenson family through the Peru State College Foundation, continuing a tradition of recognizing excellence both on and off the playing field.
Washington Recognized for Football and Academic Success
A native of Pleasantville, New Jersey, Washington was a four-year member of the Bobcat football program and a key contributor on the defensive line.
Appearing in 25 games during his career, Washington became a full-time starter during his junior and senior seasons. He finished with 36 solo tackles and 20 assisted tackles, including 19.5 tackles for losses totaling 116 yards. He also recorded 7.5 quarterback sacks for losses of 91 yards, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries.
His outstanding play earned him all-conference honorable mention recognition as a sophomore, second-team All-Heart honors as a junior and first-team all-conference recognition following his senior campaign.
Washington also excelled academically. He earned Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete recognition and College Sports Communicators NAIA Academic All-District honors following his junior season.
As a senior, he again received academic recognition as a Daktronics-NAIA and Heart Scholar-Athlete.
A December 2025 magna cm laude graduate with a degree in educational studies, Washington has already embarked on a career of service as a firefighter and emergency medical technician with the Omaha Fire Department.
He is the son of Tiana Callaway and Kim Washington of Pleasantville.
Miller Honored for Volleyball Excellence and Academic Achievement
Miller, a Plattsmouth native and graduate of Plattsmouth High School, made a significant impact on the Peru State volleyball program after transferring from Wayne State College, where she initially participated in track and field.
A four-year member of the Bobcat volleyball team and two-year starter, Miller appeared in 109 matches as a middle blocker. She concluded her career with 391 kills, 33 assists and 49 service aces. Defensively, she accumulated 226 digs, 47 solo blocks and 218 block assists.
Her performance earned her third-team All-Heart recognition following both her junior and senior seasons. During her senior campaign, she was selected twice as the Heart of America Athletic Conference Defender of the Week. She also received honorable mention recognition on the Omaha World-Herald's All-Midlands NAIA team.
Miller's achievements extended well beyond the volleyball court. She was a three-time Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete, twice earned Heart Scholar-Athlete recognition and was selected for College Sports Communicators NAIA Academic All-District honors.
A 2026 magna cm laude graduate with a degree in K-12 physical education, Miller has begun her professional career teaching elementary physical education at Cornerstone in Bellevue.
She is the daughter of Lori and Andy Miller of Plattsmouth.
Continuing a Proud Peru State Legacy
The Swenson Award remains a meaningful part of Peru State College's athletic heritage, celebrating student-athletes whose dedication, leadership and accomplishments reflect the values of the institution.
Through the continued generosity of the Swenson family and the support of the Peru State College Foundation, the award has recognized generations of Bobcats who have distinguished themselves in competition, in the classroom and through their contributions to others.
Washington and Miller join more than a century of outstanding Peru State student-athletes who have received this distinguished honor.
