Subscribe to MWCC News Mount Wachusett Community College celebrated the achievements of 65 students during its annual Evening of Excellence awards event last night at Theatre at the Mount.
“Tonight is all about our students,” said Jason Zelesky, Interim Vice President of Student Affairs. “I am constantly reminded that Mount Wachusett is the college that changes lives,” said Zelesky.
The ceremony recognized student accomplishments both inside and outside of the classroom, as well as in the local community. As faculty members presented the stories of their high-performing students throughout the evening, it became clear that many honorees managed a family, full-time job, and even chronic illness even as they maintained a high or perfect GPA in college.
Speaking of the challenges borne by students at Mount Wachusett Community College, President James Vander Hooven called to mind the image of an ant capable of carrying 5,000 times its own body weight.
“That’s how it can feel sometimes for our students. They’re all working toward the same goal. But you never see an ant stop. You never see an ant take a break,” said Vander Hooven. “I would encourage you to stop and take in this moment. Know that you’re not alone. We’re here to support you forever.”
State Representative Susannah Whipps echoed Vander Hooven’s message.
“As a proud alumna of MWCC, I encourage you to keep in touch as you move forward in life and share your successes with your MWCC friends and faculty through the Alumni Network,” she said. In addition to college curriculum and outstanding achievement awards, the MWCC Foundation also presented a number of memorial awards and scholarships during the ceremony. The Foundation will award over $300,000 in student scholarships this year.
The following students were honored with awards:
Ashburnham, MA
Michele Walsky
Ashby, MA
Terrence Marks
Erin Pucko
Ayer, MA
Brittany Bechtel
Brenton Bourne
Barre, MA
Ann Giaquinto Scott
Sofia McDonald Games
Clinton, MA
Johnathan Lucht
Devens, MA
Kabilgangai Subramanian
Dunstable, MA
Alison Ralls
Jeremy Ralls
Fitchburg, MA
Kimberly Mertell
Brittany Velez
Melissa Williams
Gardner, MA
Cassparina Carlson
Ramsey Clayter
Kimberly Cook
Briana Cormier
Megan DiVito
Erin Jones
Alphoncina Lyamuya
Jonathan Marshall
Kevin Oxford
Mitchell Smith
Holden, MA
Camilo Almarales
Hubbardston, MA
Matthew Brooks
Cristen Comptois
Brianna Stevens
Leominster, MA
Suellen Alves
Kiana Delgado
Angela Douthwright
Jill Gordan
Hieu Huynh
Rebecca Tabales
Brittany Waseleski
David Yang
Lunenburg, MA
Oliver White
Orange, MA
Terri Alden
Elizabeth Cross
Jaclyn Esparza
Tammy Goodgion
Jennifer Lamontagne
Kiersten Samalis
Petersham, MA
Sage Floyd-Hathaway
Phillipston, MA
Sarah Christenson
Sterling, MA
Christopher Giard
Templeton, MA
Ashley Boudreau
Tara Dugan
Townsend, MA
Kaitlyn Fales
Peter Geanacopulos
Justin Girard
West Townsend
Elizabeth Fogle
Westford, MA
Cari Arnott
Westminster, MA
Jessica Decker
Lisa Ferrara-Caron
Gina Vilayphone
Winchendon, MA
Allyson Bois
Rachel Haley
Thomas Sutherland
Teresa Tambling
Holly Tata
Jacob VanHillo
North Grosvenordale, CT
Amanda King
Mason, NH
Samantha Landry
Pittsburg, PA
Louis Ayisi