MOSES LAKE — The Big Bend Community College TRIO Student Support Services program celebrated its group of 2021 graduates during a virtual ceremony June 10. Forty students were recognized during the online event, which was held via Zoom.
Students heard from BBCC president Dr. Sara Thompson Tweedy and TRIO staff before sharing their educational and vocational plans with the group. Many graduates also took time to speak about their experience in the program.
TRIO SSS Director Veronica Guadarrama said she was proud of each of the 40 graduates for their strong finish to the academic year.
“The graduates of 2021 are warriors. They faced a global pandemic, over a year of online classes, and still made it to today – graduation.,” said Guadarrama. “TRIO Graduates, the TRIO team is so proud of you. You have shown adversity that it cannot stop you. Never forget how powerful and resilient you are. Thank you for letting us be a part of your academic journey.”
The TRIO SSS program at Big Bend has been on campus for more than 30 years. The goal of the program is to help motivate students to attain their educational goals, graduate and/or transfer to an institute of higher education.
TRIO advisors provide academic advising, transfer support and personal development for students who are from low-income backgrounds and who are often first-generation college students. The program also supports students with disabilities.
For more information, visit the TRIO SSS program webpage. Current students interested in applying to the program can use the TRIO SSS online application. Students will need to have their BBCC Student ID number to complete the application.
Full list of 2020 TRIO SSS graduates:
Alexis Moreno
Allyssa Martinez
Andrea Campos-Hernandez
Audra Pierce
Ayla Avalos
Aylin Duran-Torralba
Bryonna Gray
Daniel Guzman
Dora Mendez
Emily Pruneda
Fatima Sanchez
Frank Willis
Gardenia Muro-Zamora
Giovanni Partida
Jacqueline Banuelos-Fraire
Jared Perez
Jayward Tumacmol
Jesenia Valencia
Jonathan Avalos
Julissa Lerena Acosta
Kody Green
Lillie LaPlace
Mariana Hernandez-Brito
Mariana Lopez
Maribel Ruiz
Marisol Moran
Melissa Perez
Nancy Gutierrez-Morales
Nancy Perez-Monroy
Natasha Parsons
Nicki Spees
Oswaldo Perez
Pedro Castaneda
Ricky Ramirez
Riley Rich
Rosa Villa
Samantha Castro
Sonia Rebollo
Susanne White
Thalia Sparrell