Danielle Francen, Eden Checkol and Brandon Miranda have been named finalists for the 2014 Tommie Award after one of the largest voter response rates from students, faculty and staff recorded since 2010.

Vern Klobassa, director of student engagement, said 2,153 votes were cast this year. Last year, 1,991 St. Thomas community members voted.

“I don’t have the data going all the way back to 1931, but this has been the highest (turnout) since I’ve been here,” Klobassa said. “This year we had digital posters advertising the nominees, but I wouldn’t say that had to do with the increase.”

Francen said she was excited to hear that more students, faculty and staff sent in their votes this year.

“I think this shows that people are genuinely interested in who represents the Tommie Award,” Francen said.

Checkol echoed Francen’s thoughts.

“I think this shows that St. Thomas is thoughtful about the Tommie Award and the person who is represented by it,” Checkol said.

Miranda said he is not at all surprised by the increasing numbers because he sees younger classes getting involved in St. Thomas activities earlier than his class did.

“The campus atmosphere has changed so much since I was a freshman. This year’s class— they’re unbelievable. They’re so active on campus,” Miranda said.

Each of the finalists were notified Thursday morning about the honor. Miranda said he was going about his regular morning routine and was shocked to receive the email.

“I am blessed to have made it to this round, and I’m really excited to see what happens in the final round,” Miranda said.

Francen said her impulse was to tell the people closest to her.

“The first thing I did was call my mom,” Francen said.

Checkol said being a finalist for the award surprised her, and anything else would be “icing on the cake.”

The final vote will occur Feb. 10-12, 2014. Until then, Checkol will study abroad in Bora Bora, Francen will volunteer in Chile and Miranda will spend time at home in California.

“(These finalists are) great group of students,” Klobassa said. “All 23 nominees were great, but I’ve read all of their stuff, and I think they’re a great representative of the award.”

Eden Checkol, a TommieMedia staff member, did not contribute to writing or editing this report.

Anastasia Straley can be reached at stra0669@stthomas.edu.