On Friday, March 15th, the Welfare Council's Medal of Honor was awarded to Kenneth Stange.

The nominated candidate was a diligent student from the outset in Trondheim and highly active in his student association. He has served as treasurer, head of career day, and leader of the student association Volvox and Alkymisten before becoming involved in student politics. He carried his commitment to his fellow students further by becoming an institute representative before joining the Welfare Council.

In 2019, he stepped into the Welfare Council's Executive Board. He aimed to make a difference for other students, advocate for the Welfare Council's policies towards Sit, and fight for student mental health services. In 2019, he worked extensively to strengthen the frameworks of the student associations' basements at Moholt student village. As the political deputy leader, he gained good knowledge of Sit and the student city, as well as the broad student volunteerism. He wanted to carry this experience forward and do even more. Therefore, he ran for the position of Welfare Council leader in 2020 and was elected.

His second year full-time was marked by COVID-19, much remote work, and an extensive process to restructure the Executive Board. The candidate was also a crucial supporter of student sports when Sit changed its membership system and started monthly payments instead of annual payments. The candidate stood firmly on the students' side and ensured that their needs were met in this process.

After two years full-time, the candidate ran for a permanent representative position in the Welfare Council, once again standing up for student welfare. As a representative with experience from the Executive Board, he was important in ensuring a high level and good debates in the Welfare Council.

However, the candidate did not complete the year in the Welfare Council. In March, he ran for the board of Sit and was elected as a permanent representative for the period 2022-2024. As a board member of Sit, he has been a valuable addition to the board's work for two years. He has been a critical voice, asking the right questions, and contributing to making Sit's decisions and direction even better.

Throughout his terms in student politics, the candidate has always had the students' best interests at heart and stood up for his beliefs. He has been a steadfast advocate for affordable exercise and sports facilities and good mental health services. The candidate has shared his own experiences and challenges with mental health and how this has affected him. His personal experiences and sharing of his own story have given a face to the students' fight for good health services, lifting the demand even more.

The candidate has years of dedication to student service behind him and has contributed to creating meaningful student lives. Therefore, the Welfare Council has awarded the Welfare Council's Medal of Honor to Kenneth Stange.