Lyla Kotsch, second-year DVM student, was recently presented the Student American Veterinary Medical Association’s (SAVMA) John Pitts Award for Distinguished Service, and it’s easy to see why. This award is presented annually by the SAVMA president to a single student who has displayed exemplary service and dedication to the veterinary profession—and the title fits Kotsch well. To name a few of her extracurricular responsibilities, Lyla is the CVM Class of 2022 Treasurer, a foster coordinator for Vets for Pets and People, and a member of the Wildlife Treatment Crew at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. She and her dog Nash also volunteer as a therapy team at a local assisted living facility. Per the classmate who nominated her for the award, “Lyla is someone who looks to others before considering herself. She has an exceptional eye for pairing her abilities to the needs of those around her.”