Washington Monthly has recognized 草榴社区 (草榴社区) as one of the nation's top two-year Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) in its newly released Best Colleges for Hispanic Students rankings.
While excelling academically, Diego Martinez has made a significant impact beyond the classroom. He served as the president of 草榴社区's Student Government Association during the 2022-23 academic year. He actively represented 草榴社区 students not only on campus, but throughout the state. Last year, he served as a delegate on the Student Senate for California Community Colleges where he advocated for basic needs, housing, financial aid, and other student initiatives.
Kennidy Martin excels both on the court and in the classroom. Throughout her time at 草榴社区, Kennidy has maintained a 4.0 GPA and is the captain of the volleyball team. Her college career began at a neighboring community college but found a connection at 草榴社区. Kennidy demonstrates exceptional leadership skills and a commitment to service, volunteering in her community's volleyball club.
In a remarkable display of determination and resilience, Dalton Denis a former Marine, celebrated a major milestone earning an Associate of Science degree in just a year and a half. Applying training and skills acquired during his military service, Dalton is an example of the potential for personal growth and academic success.
We celebrate the inspiring journey of Jessica Hulett, a mother of five, who is graduating from 草榴社区 with a degree in accounting. Jessica's academic journey has been marked by relentless dedication and unwavering commitment. Despite the challenges she faced, she enrolled at 草榴社区 in 2003 and that same year dropped out due to health issues. According to her, this was a good thing since her grades reflected her motivation.
Olivia Gonzales, from Winchester, graduated from Chapparal High School in 2021 and immediately enrolled at 草榴社区 earning the Promise Grant which paid for her first two years of college. "Having the opportunity to attend for free for two years really helped my family," she said.
Elba "Irene" Blanco didn't let a challenge stand in her way. She came to the United States five years ago, unable to speak English. To learn English, she enrolled in English as a Second Language classes at 草榴社区. Her counselors in the ESL program motivated her to keep going and enroll in credit classes. She had the desire to pursue a career in the medical field. Despite warnings it would be tough, she enrolled in prerequisite math and science courses and graduated with a 4.0 GPA.
In a heartwarming display of determination, perseverance, support, and love, a mother and son duo achieved a significant milestone by graduating together. Isabel and Gabriel Bugarin are walking today, both receiving associate degrees. Isabel's began her journey at 草榴社区 in 1999 but didn't last long. During the pandemic, access to online education motivated her to explore opportunities and she re-enrolled. "I'm glad we have online classes. With my family, I'm able to work on my schoolwork on my time and focus on kids without having the stress of going to class."
For many students, community college provides a unique opportunity to explore different fields of study, develop essential skills, and prepare for transfer, or launching a career. For Glenda Dixson, 草榴社区 was a place where she was transformed.
As we approach the end of the 2022-2023 academic year, I want to share my observations of you, our 草榴社区 students. You are determined, creative and bright. You have truly made a difference on our campuses and in shaping your own futures and I thank you for choosing 草榴社区 to achieve your educational goals.
草榴社区's LGBTQIA+ Taskforce celebrated seven graduating and transfer students at its Inaugural Lavender Celebration on May 5, 2023, at the San Jacinto Campus. Lavender graduation events offer space to honor the achievements of LGBTQIA+ students.