Honors Program, Honor Society Student Success Stories
Achievement here extends well beyond the classroom. Through the Citrus College Honors Transfer Program and honor societies, these students and alumni challenged themselves academically, conducted research, served their communities and emerged as campus and statewide leaders. Their experiences led to scholarships, distinguished recognition and transfer to leading universities, where they continue pursuing ambitious educational and professional goals.
CELINE AMA
Computer science gives Celine Ama the tools to innovate, while architecture shows her how ideas become useful structures. Named a Cooke Scholarship semifinalist, she is preparing to transfer and pursue technology that improves lives.
CAROL CONTRERAS
Administration of justice gave Carol Contreras a clear academic direction, while the honors program gave her a community of equally driven scholars. At USC, she is continuing toward law school and a future in immigration advocacy.
LORENZO DESIDERIO-GIAMPICCOLO
A search for an on-campus job led Lorenzo Desiderio-Giampiccolo to become one of Citrus College's official hosts. Between tours and presentations, he continued studying theater and film and planning his transfer into the entertainment industry.
QUANGNHAN "Q" DUONG
Roblox proved Quangnhan "Q" Duong could build a successful digital world; NASA JPL showed him where those abilities could lead next. The Citrus College honors graduate now brings game development, engineering and bold business ambition to UC Berkeley.
HAMZA EL LAHIB
A dual enrollment rock history class led Hamza El Lahib to political science, campus leadership and UC Berkeley research. Now earning his transfer degree, he hopes to study international relations and become a teacher who opens doors for others.
ELINA HUGHES
At a prestigious student research conference, Elina Hughes used assistive technology to present an overlooked chapter of U.S. history. Her work on disabled non-combat soldiers earned an award and marked an important conference first for accessibility.
RICCARDO KESSESSHAK
Riccardo Kessesshak combined honors study, biology coursework and campus leadership to build a standout transfer record. After founding a STEM club and earning multiple scholarships, he began studying human biology at USC with plans to become a doctor.
EUIN LEE
A strong honors record and commitment to community service distinguished Euin "Kathy" Lee at Citrus College. Her Alpha Gamma Sigma leadership earned local recognition and one of only 26 UCLA TAP scholarships as she transferred into psychology at UCLA.
XINYUE "MARGARET" LIANG
A close-knit campus became the foundation for Xinyue "Margaret" Liang's next leap. Through mentorship, honors guidance and involvement in Phi Theta Kappa and Alpha Gamma Sigma, she prepared to transfer to Columbia University in New York City.
ISAAC LUM
Honors coursework, statewide distinction and service leadership defined Isaac Lum's Citrus College journey. After leading Beta Nu Eta and receiving the Service Leader Award, he prepared to transfer to UCLA and continue his academic growth there in the fall.
ANTHONY MARDOYAN
Two statewide awards affirmed Anthony Mardoyan's commitment to academics, service and leadership. After studying math and physics and leading Alpha Gamma Sigma, he is preparing for electrical engineering and advanced research in embedded systems technology.
OMAR MASRI
Omar Masri built his Citrus College journey around inquiry, mentorship and hands-on science. Research across three institutions led to publication, while honors and STEM programs prepared him for UCLA chemistry and a career connecting evidence with justice.
CELESTE MEDINA
From dual enrollment and graduating first in her high school class to statewide PTK recognition, Celeste Medina has built a remarkable academic record. Next, she plans to study psychology and work toward becoming an FBI criminal behavior analyst.
SERINA MUMMERT
Community college became far more than an affordable first step for Serina Mummert. At Citrus College, she discovered physics, found her voice through leadership and performance and transformed perseverance into a confident transfer path to UC Berkeley.
PAULINA PIMENTEL-MORA
An unexpected recommendation transformed Paulina Pimentel-Mora's academic horizon. Citrus College led to Yale, Oxford and now Cambridge, where she will connect political science with research on women's reproductive autonomy and cultural difference worldwide.
JAYDEN SALDANA
Years of study and service brought Jayden Saldana to Sacramento as a California Capital Fellow. Working inside the executive branch while completing graduate seminars, he is gaining the experience to decide where his future in government and policy belongs.
JESSIE SAN
Jessie San's Citrus College journey began at 13 and quickly moved beyond the classroom. Through student government, Phi Theta Kappa and the support of a trusted mentor, she found both her voice and a mission in mental health advocacy.
PHILIPPE SCHICKER
Academic achievement and far-reaching leadership brought Philippe Schicker national distinction. The Phi Theta Kappa international vice president earned a Hites Transfer Scholarship and joined the 20-member All-USA Academic Team in one remarkable month.
SABRINA SORIANO
Art, data, faith and service converge in Sabrina Soriano's Yale experience. The Citrus College alumna guides transfer students, studies art history and statistics, works in museum curation and looks toward Oxford and a career as an art history professor.
BRIAN TONG
Brian Tong paired chemical engineering goals with a commitment to student voice and public impact. After leading ASCC and completing the honors program, he heads to UC Berkeley to study nanotechnology and pursue climate, digital and educational equity.
MATTHEW VINCIGUERRA
One of six students chosen from nearly 500 applicants, Matthew Vinciguerra earned a Comevo scholarship for his academic promise. Biology, honors study, club leadership and clinical experience now guide him toward UC Irvine and a career in neurology ahead.