On Tuesday, April 26 PACE Program hosted their annual PACE Awards and Alumni Success Panel night. Special guests for the alumni panel were Jonathan Aguilar, Jennifer Lilja, Karina Calderon, Genesis Garcia and Kiara Pichardo.
The PACE Program helps first generation students and also it helps students transfer to a four year college.
I interviewed award winner Kimberly Justo after the ceremony.
“I feel really proud about it. I think I kinda knew I was getting something out of it cause I worked really hard to get it… I was really excited I felt like everything that I did was worth it…” Justo said.
I had a chance to interview Garcia “…I haven’t been back in campus since 2012 so it’s really a nostalgic to kinda walk through the hallway like get to be back in the old stooping ground getting a lot of flashback and old memories of just being in class I just saw professor Mary Jo, I remember having class with her and I saw Kristen and I remember going to her office planing out my semester with her…” Garcia said.
Award recipent Iseline Rodriguez Mendoza said she had no idea that she won an award.
“I actually came here late because I didn’t even know that they were an award going on I missed the email… but Tony emailed hey where are you but I show up … they handle my award so I am really happy they got it and I was able to come here and pick it up,” Mendoza said.
The PACE awards winner are: Citizenship Award: Toni-Ann Pavoa, Yamilex Rodriguez, Darlyn Vasquez, Adelaida Vilorio and Isae Gruillon.
Learning Scholar Award: Rosa Arancena Polanco, Liset Gonzalez, Petagaye McLaughlin, Alina Concepcion, Jesus Guzman and Vyonna Mugo.
Outstanding New Participant Award: Scott Bixby, Karen Stokes, Luisa Rivera and Skylar Underwood.
Perseverance Award: Josh Fernandez, Maribel Sanchez, Marlin Polanco and Savy Yeth.
Futuristic Award: Elian Gonzalez, Kimberly Justo, Jennifer Matias, Savanna Greene, Jennifer Keen and Jose Rodriguez.
Most Inspirational Student Award: Maya Laliberte, Shauna McCord, Iseline Rodriguez Mendoza, Sofia Loughlam and Raquel Quezada.
Most Involved Participant Award: Juan Lozado
Academic Achievement Award: Maya Laliberte, Thelma Ortiz, Yomerly Rodriguez, Shauna McCord, Kanthi Patel and Ishmael Torres.
Partnership in Equality Award: Gabe Garcia and Sharon McManus.
Alumni Panelists: Jonathan Aguilar, Jennifer Lilja, Karina Calderon, Genesis Garcia and Kiara Pichardo.
