The football team may have been losing, but there was one reason to stick around for the half-time presentation during Saturday’s game.

Tonia Nicole Salas and Michael Wade Smith were honored as the 2010 recipients of the distinguished Ex.C.E.L. award, which stands for Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership. The two were chosen from among 10 finalists on the basis of their leadership, effective communication skills, involvement in the KU community, academic scholarship, and ability to work with a variety of students and organizations.

The selection committee included representatives from Student Union Activities, the Board of Class Officers and the Homecoming Steering Committee. Each finalist completed an application and participated in an interview. The two winners will receive a $500 scholarship for achievement and leadership.

Salas, who is majoring in human biology, is associate director for business operations for the KU Dance Marathon. She is also a peer leadership consultant for Ascend KU, undergraduate leadership coordinator for KU’s Student Involvement and Leadership Center and a member of KU’s chapter of the Mortar Board honor society.

Smith, who is majoring in American studies and English, is the current student body president. He is also on the senior advisory board for KU’s Board of Class Officers and the dean’s student advisory board for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.