On Friday, May 9, 2014 TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) held its annual “End of the Year Celebration” with the highest number of TRiO students recognized! A total of 87 TRiO students were acknowledged for their academic accomplishments. There were 4 students receiving a certificate, 75 students graduating with an associate degree, and 44 students transferring to an institution of higher education including SFSU, SJSU, CSUEB, SSU, UCB, UCD, UCSB, UCSC, UCLA, and the University of New Hampshire! Students, family members and Skyline College administrators, faculty, and staff enjoyed a wonderful dinner catered by La Tapatia. The event brought out more than 160 attendees.
The evening began with Jessica Lopez, TRiO Counselor, welcoming the TRiO SSS students, family members, friends, administrators, faculty and staff. Dr. Angelica Garcia, Dean of Counseling, Advising, and Matriculation addressed the audience with an inspirational welcome. Chanel Daniels, English Instructional Aide and Eugene Garcia, Math Instructional Aide also shared inspiring and motivational words with those present and encouraged TRiO students to work diligently toward their academic and career goals.
Lilly Ho and Daniel Erazo-Hernandez were recognized as “TRiO Students of the Year” for demonstrating academic excellence, perseverance in the face of emotional and financial challenges, strong participation in TRiO, and graduating with an Associate Degree as well as transferring to a four-year university. In the fall semester, Lilly will be attending USF to pursue her degree in Nursing and Daniel will be transferring to SFSU to pursue a B.S in Business Administration.
In addition, during the event, 20 TRiO students were recognized for receiving grant-in-aid financial support. TRiO student John Acosta received the “Leopoldo L. Rosales Excellence in the Pursuit of Higher Learning through Higher Education” Award.
TRiO Graduates and Transfers were recognized with a “Certificate of Completion” along with a TRiO stole and book bag. The celebration closed with photo opportunities for families to capture this wonderful moment of academic achievement— it truly was a time to celebrate!
Article written by Jessica Lopez and Virginia Rosales | Photos by Raul Guerra
