Candice Milan

Budget cuts had silenced major concert and comedy shows at Salem State College for the past six years . But then, one pioneering student -- Candice Milan of Lynn -- brought laughter and song back to campus in a big way.

Milan, a theater major who minored in business and led the student committee that organized campus activities, tapped nearly all the funds from the group's account to bring former `` Saturday Night Live " comedian Jim Breuer to campus last fall. The proceeds from that sold-out show -- combined with other savings strategies by Milan -- helped underwrite a blockbuster concert by the Dropkick Murphys in April.

``She created a new, self-perpetuating system," said Salem's Campus Center's director, Bruce Perry.

And she did it, Perry said, with her trademark high-voltage smile and nonstop energy. Yet, Milan, 22, is modest, often referring to ``we" when describing the sweeping changes that others say she inspired on the student program council.

After working her way up the council, from being a rank-and-file member to serving as its treasurer and ultimately its president, Milan proposed that individual council members -- and not the group's executive board -- be given responsibilities and their own budgets to plan various activities.

``Giving students more of a say in activities prepares them for leadership positions and to do great things," said Milan, who graduated from Salem State last month.

The college's leaders showed their appreciation by choosing Milan for this year's Silver Key Award, which is given to the senior who ``made a difference."

The Lynn English High School graduate, who was home-schooled by her mom in middle school, now is aiming for a film career. But she has a business plan, too. Milan will study cosmetology in California while auditioning for films, so if she doesn't make it in front of the camera, she will supply the makeup for those who do.

``I try," she said, ``to make the best of every situation."