Sounds like it is sort of like the professional ice skating where the "senior" skaters get to "win" no matter how good the ones coming up after them are? If she's supposed to have graduated, it sounds like the first/last award she'll get.

When I get upset like that about others, I drop the whole thing and remind myself why I am working (for Me, not awards/politics I may/may not get) and what sort of woman I want to be, regardless of what the "world" says.

I am glad you learned you probably will get it next year (and hopefully this chick will be gone by then!). Something nice to look forward to.