Four Students Receive Golden Hammer Awards in Recognition of Field Geology Prowess

July 21, 2026

Each summer, a cohort of Jackson School students puts their geology skills and knowledge to the test during the school’s GEO 660 field camp, which takes them to outcrops across the western United States for three weeks of mapping, stratigraphy, and more.

This year four students — one for each GEO 660 field camp section — were recognized for their aptitude in the field with the school’s Golden Hammer award. The 2026 Golden Hammer winners are: Chase Hunter (GEO 660A1), Luciana Sanchez-Bustaman (GEO 660A2), Zephyr Yellman (GEO 660B1) and Abby McAlanis (GEO 660B2).

The awardees are not only excellent geologists, but team players who helped make their respective section a success, said field camp director Miriam Barquero-Molina.

“The recipients are not just the top performer, but a high performer who is also a really good egg,” Barquero-Molina said.

Each awardee received an Estwing rock pick hammer (in the usual steel) with a leather-wrapped handle in honor of their accomplishments.

Congratulations to all!