CITRUS COLLEGE HOLDS 54TH ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS

Citrus College has a proud history of celebrating the successes of its exceptional student body.

On June 1, the college hosted its 54th annual Academic Achievement Awards ceremony in the Haugh Performing Arts Center. This event honors the academic, athletic and leadership contributions of more than 100 students.

"This distinct group of students embodies the hallmarks of exceptionalism," stated the college superintendent/president. "We are proud of their accomplishments, and know that they will make a difference in the world."

Among the recognitions presented were the prestigious Keys of Knowledge awards, which constitute the highest academic honor granted by the college. Keys of Knowledge are given to the 10 students who have the best overall academic performance as determined by GPA.

This year's recipients were:

  • Johnny Elie Baradii, mathematics
  • Eric Wayne Burgess, recording technology
  • Jeffry Humberto Lazo Casanave, mathematics
  • Samantha Lynn Clifton, business
  • Mark Foo Si Xiang, business
  • Ciaran Donagh Gray, physics
  • Sydney Marie Lujan, political science
  • Krista Michelle Myles, biology
  • Celine Nicole Spathias, computer science
  • Tony Mark Zarza, nursing

Additionally, Distinguished Student awards — also known as the Top 100 or Department Awards — were presented during the ceremony. This special recognition is given to students whose academic successes place them at the top of their classes.

Jade Nua (softball) and Kenneth Cyprian (men's basketball) received the Athletes of the Year award based on their academic records and all-around accomplishments as athletes. Most athletes who receive this award transfer to a four-year college or university to continue to pursue their educational and athletic goals.

Finally, Alex Bazaar and Adriana Mendez were granted the Service Leaders of the Year award. They were nominated for their academic achievement and volunteer service to the college and community.

"On behalf of the entire Citrus College community, I congratulate these remarkable students who have achieved such outstanding success both in and out of the classroom," said the college superintendent/president. "They have earned an important place in our college's legacy."

2017 service leaders of the year adriana mendez and alex bazaar pictured with their faculty mentors

Their impact reached well beyond the classroom. Adriana Mendez, left, and Alex Bazaar, right, were named Citrus College's 2017 Service Leaders of the Year for combining academic success with meaningful volunteer service to the college and community. Each student is pictured at left with the presenting faculty mentor.

2017 athletes of the year jade nua and kenneth cyprian pictured with their faculty mentors

Two standout Citrus College athletes earned top honors in 2017 for accomplishments that extended beyond competition. Female Athlete of the Year Jade Nua is pictured at left and Male Athlete of the Year Kenneth Cyprian at right, each alongside the faculty mentor who presented the award. The student recipient appears at left in each portrait.

This article by strategic communications, marketing and public affairs personnel appeared in Patch News (Glendora edition) on June 13, 2017.