APhA Good Government Student Pharmacist-Of-The-Year Award

Caitlyn Lucore

Caitlyn Lucore is a third-year student pharmacist at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) School of Pharmacy. As a student pharmacist, she has held leadership roles with the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA–ASP) and the Texas Pharmacy Association Academy of Student Pharmacists (TPA–ASP), prioritizing expanding access to advocacy opportunities and empowering student pharmacists to become informed and effective advocates for the profession.

As Policy Vice President for UTEP APhA–ASP, Caitlyn organized the university’s first-ever delegation to Texas Pharmacy Day at the Capitol, leading students over 500 miles to connect directly with their representatives and the legislative process. At the state level, she has served as TPA–ASP Policy Committee Vice Chair and Chair, where she led a coordinated statewide letter-writing campaign engaging all nine Texas pharmacy schools.

Caitlyn has partnered with local pharmacies to bring legislators into practice settings within the districts they represent. These pharmacy tours provide legislators with a firsthand perspective on how policy decisions directly affect patient care and access while giving student pharmacists the opportunity to advocate alongside practicing pharmacists.

In addition to organizing these initiatives, Caitlyn has prioritized empowering other students to confidently engage in advocacy themselves. She has organized in-person and virtual meetings with state and federal legislators, intentionally creating opportunities for students to practice developing their advocacy skills. She prepares students for these meetings by reviewing relevant legislation and developing tailored talking points, ensuring they feel confident and prepared. Caitlyn has not only expanded student participation in advocacy efforts but has motivated peers to lead advocacy initiatives and take on policy leadership positions of their own.

Caitlyn is grateful to APhA–ASP, TPA–ASP, and the El Paso, TX, community whose continued support and commitment to service have shaped her growth as both an advocate and a leader.

Nominees must be active members of APhA-ASP and their state pharmacy association. The nominees' activities must have raised student pharmacists' awareness of current state and federal issues and made a positive impact on the pharmacy profession. Conducting coordinated responses to local bills and APhA Calls to Action, while not required, are considered important criteria. Emphasis is to be placed on students who utilize a political information "network" that include but are not limited to students, practitioners, and state association members.

The nominator is responsible for submitting the award nomination packet online via Formsite. The award nomination packet includes:

• Nomination form
• A letter from the nominator describing the most important achievements of the nominee and explaining why the nominee meets the criteria for the award
• One letter of recommendation required; state association letter preferred
• Description of political activities and/or supporting documentation

Submit a Nomination

The selection is made by the APhA-PAC Board of Governors based upon careful review of complete nominations and with the assistance of the APhA-ASP Awards Standing Committee.

The award is presented during the APhA Political Leadership Reception held during the APhA Annual Meeting. The recipient will receive the following: (a) a $1,000 cash award, (b) an award plaque, (c) a U.S. flag previously flown over the U.S. Capitol, (d) a complimentary meeting registration, and (e) five (5) Political Leadership Reception tickets. The recipient will again be honored at the APhA-ASP House of Delegates.