The Layover Award, sponsored by The Mark G. Niness Foundation, was created to recognize one athlete and one theater student for their ability to pass the “Layover Test.” The Layover Test, part of the interview process at Google, allows the employer to seek certain qualities, such as personality and kindness, in an applicant. The goal is to assess if the employer would want to spend a 5-hour layover at an airport with the applicant. This person must have the ability to relate to people, tell stories, and make meaningful connections with others.

As a Conestoga parent, Mark Niness was a supporter of ‘Stoga athletics and theatre programs. In his memory, the foundation which bears his name honors one theatre student and one athlete. Like Mark, these students would receive a perfect score on such a test.