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Melissa Utsuki
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Student Success Celebrated by Citrus College During Annual Ceremony
Glendora, Calif. (May 31, 2019) – The academic, athletic and leadership contributions of more than 100 students were recently recognized during the 56th annual Achievement Awards ceremony at Citrus College.
Family and friends joined faculty and staff in celebrating the accomplishments of the college's top students during the event, which was held in the Haugh Performing Arts Center on May 30.
"Student success is Citrus College's highest priority, which makes events like the Achievement Awards especially meaningful," said Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College. "Whether they have excelled in the classroom, on the athletic field or in their communities, these outstanding students deserve to have their hard work applauded. Their successes affirm the college's commitment to excellence and inspire those around them to pursue their own goals."
Among the recognitions presented during the ceremony were the prestigious Key of Knowledge awards, which constitutes the highest honor granted by the college. Keys of Knowledge are given to the 10 students who have the best overall academic performances as determined by GPA.
This year's Key of Knowledge recipients were:
- Ibrahim Abboud of Glendora
- Jezreel Wooster Bodley of Claremont
- Darren M. Chang of Glendora
- Peter Francis Conley of Pasadena
- Eduardo Contreras Herrera of Ontario
- Rosanna Guarjardo of Los Angeles
- Elizabeth Amezquita Hartwell of Glendora
- Joshua Alexander Jones of Pomona
- Madeline Marie Lewis of Covina
- Julian Tobias Verdon of Chino Hills
"Throughout my schooling, I have always had to work twice as hard to be on the same level as everyone else. Citrus College provided me with a safe learning environment that enabled me to find myself," said Bodley, a business major. "During the past two years, I have grown as a person, and I was able to improve in areas where I was lacking. Earning the highest academic honor at Citrus College has helped me realize how far I have come as a student and as a person."
Also presented during the ceremony were the Service Leader of the Year awards, which are granted to graduating students based on their academic achievement and volunteer service to the college and community. Students are nominated by faculty, and a committee of college representatives screens and selects the recipients. This year's honorees were Kyshawna Denise Johnson of Azusa and Makayla Pedroza of Monrovia.
Volleyball star Gina Lipscomb of Yorba Linda and basketball standout Joshua Caston of Burbank were presented with this year's Athlete of the Year honors. Nominated and endorsed by coaches, the female and male recipients are selected for their overall performance as athletes, as well as their academic records.
"This honor shows what can happen when you consistently put in the required work," Caston said. "When I enrolled at Citrus College, I wanted to do something that would allow me to be part of something greater than myself. I believe this award is the culmination of the effort of those who came before me, and it reflects the work and support of my coaches and teammates."
Finally, Distinguished Student Awards were presented to 100 students during the ceremony. This special accolade is given to students whose high academic success in a given program place them at the top of their class.
"It is always a pleasure to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that has established these students as being among Citrus College's best and brightest," said Susan M. Keith, president of the Citrus Community College District Board of Trustees. "On behalf of the entire college community, I congratulate all of our honorees recognized at this year's Achievement Awards ceremony. We are proud of all they have accomplished and are confident that their achievements will only multiply in the years ahead."
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