Community college students honored statewide for academic excellence and exemplary leadership
Over 90 honorees received personalized award package with the help of Credit Union of Colorado.
2021 CCCS Student Excellence Award package.
Denver, April 14, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, more than 90 students from across the Colorado Community College System’s (CCCS) 13 colleges and two students from Aims Community College were honored for academic accomplishments, exemplary leadership, and commitment to inclusive excellence in CCCS’s Virtual 2021 Student Excellence Awards Ceremony.
Award categories included:
The Phi Theta Kappa All-Colorado Academic Team Award: Recognizes the academic accomplishments of high-achieving student members of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society.
The Rising Star Award: Sponsored by the State Student Advisory Council (SSAC), recognizes students who have increased the level and quality of student engagement on their college campus.
The Inclusive Excellence Champions Award: Also sponsored by SSAC, recognizes students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion on their college campus.
Honorees received personalized award packages which contained a medallion, certificate, and backpack made possible through sponsorship from the Credit Union of Colorado, and support from SSAC student leaders.
“The Student Excellence Awards is held to recognize and honor our talented students who have made significant contributions to their college and community,” said Dr. Ryan Ross, CCCS Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Equity, and Inclusion. “These brilliant students exhibit qualities that will help them in achieving their long term goals and will also inspire others to follow their path to success.”
Honorees reflect diverse backgrounds and experiences but share incredible perseverance, high academic achievement, and a strong passion for helping others. Student community service over the past year included a wide range of activities that showcased individual hobbies and passions. Some served their local church or performed in their town’s music ensemble, while others provided substitute teaching or tutoring, or took on student government roles at their college.
Through their respective campus and community engagement, students found purpose in supporting and advocating for others, leading many to pursue careers that align with helping individuals and communities thrive, such as health care, social services, criminal justice, and education.
“Aristotle once said, ‘Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives – choice, not chance, determines your destiny,” said Joe Garcia, chancellor of the Colorado Community College System. “The students we celebrate today truly embody the CCCS vision for success in action. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and contributions, and know they will continue to thrive and positively impact their communities as they move on in their academic and career journeys.”
Click here to view CCCS’s 2021 Virtual Student Excellence Awards presentation.
2021 CCCS Student Excellence Award honorees by college:
Arapahoe Community College
Joseph Rhodes
Jade Wilmer
Brandon Martinez
Ally Poland
Dayriana Sanders
Community College of Aurora
Celia Moneboulou
Jennifer Martinez Gomez
Ella Marshall
Yiyee Ooi
Eneida Solis
Gabriel Sanders
Community College of Denver
Andrew Moore
Savanna Poirier
Daysi Magana
Esther Pompee
Lorraine Seals-Williams
Colorado Northwestern Community College
Nathan Allred
Deana Armstrong
Lizabeth Schmedeke
Raeanna Scott
Mahad Haji
Preslee Bunch
Front Range Community College
Kelila Fitch-Cook
Leo Condon
Ella Baca
Chiraz Dor
Sara Maginot
Brain Goedde
Nevaeh Sirio
Astrid Villalobos
Lan Nguyen
Lyndon Saltz
Laci Knapp
Donald Strange
Herc Heurkens
Katie Rodriguez
Alyson Young
Rhiana Bilderaya
Zoe McNaught
Rachel Emory
Lamar Community College
Damon Elarton
Alisse Hall
Kendal Fletcher
Micah Middleton
Dakota Cook
Leah Rivera
Deon Williams
Morgan Community College
Reine Dayouh
Ashley Wilkins
Bruce Dietz
Bronwyn Kalcevic
Chase Bennett
Yadira Garcilazo
Anna Ruiz
Northeastern Junior College
Ashlee Napowsa
Kirsten Wood
Ethan Richmond
Sydney Crites
Ananisia Gallegos
Otero Junior College
Sara Noll
Johnny Orital
Gabriella Martinez Di Sabatino
Pueblo Community College
Patricia Almestica-Huelst
Kristy Rhodes
Frank Martellaro
Reanna Smith
LeRoy Brown
Nathan Fowler
Lisa Ward
Pikes Peak Community College
Daniel Rode
Daryna Yakovleva
Kristeen Murillo
Kalea Redabaugh
James Snyder
Kayla Nocon
Fran Velasquez
Red Rocks Community College
Alena Artemenko
Traci Thompson
Chelsea Sandoval
Tristan Strayer
Lisa Venette
Trinidad State Junior College
Sara Loggin
Cynthia Montez
Anna Novak-Palomar
Jamielynn Vallejos
Itzel Molina-Lopez
Natalia Willhelm-Heguaburu
Aims Community College
Conner Rowe
Sara Sharpe
###
About the Colorado Community College System
The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is the state’s largest system of higher education and workforce development, delivering thousands of programs to over 125,000 students annually through 13 colleges and 38 locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to high quality, affordable higher education opportunities. The System Office provides leadership, advocacy and support to the colleges under the direction of the State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE). Join us in changing the way Colorado goes to college www.cccs.edu.
About the Credit Union of Colorado
The Credit Union of Colorado has more than 85 years of experience serving members throughout Colorado. The Credit Union of Colorado supports local communities, creates Colorado jobs, and is an important source of financial stability in the state economy. Today, more than 140,000 people, from all walks of life, enjoy the benefits of membership in the credit union that is worth over $2 billion in assets.
About the State Student Advisory Council
The State Student Advisory Council (SSAC) is comprised of students elected by each of the established student governments from across the Colorado Community College System. SSAC is charged with advising the State Board of Community Colleges and Occupational Education on matters of interest and concern to all CCCS students. SSAC annually partners with CCCS to host and sponsor a student award and recognition event.
Attachment
CONTACT: Fiona Lytle Colorado Community College System (720) 393-9824 fiona.lytle@cccs.edu