Subscribe to MWCC News 
Mount Wachusett Community College held its annual awards ceremony on May 12th, recognizing the hard work and achievements of both graduating and continuing students in the TRIO Visions and Rx Programs.
Through personalized guidance, mentorship, and academic support, TRIO Programs play a vital role in empowering underrepresented students, fostering their academic achievement, and preparing them for future careers and leadership roles. The Rx Program supports students in healthcare related majors, while the Visions Program is tailored to support students in non-healthcare majors.
Guarav Khanna, Director of the TRIO/SSS Programs at MWCC, welcomed Jake Mastrandrea, Outreach Director for Congresswoman Lori Trahan with a message of congratulations from the Congresswoman.
“It is inspiring to see all of you and the hard work you put in to make it here today,” Mastrandrea stated. “The TRIO Program from the Department of Education is such a critical program because it ensures that everyone has access to the resources they need, not just to get into college, but to thrive there as you all have. This program is so critical, and the Congresswoman is committed to fighting for it. You are the living proof that this program needs to continue, not just at MWCC, but across the country. Your success stories are what inspires the work she does in Washington, where she is advocating for you. She is so proud that this federal funding and the incredible MWCC TRIO Program staff were able to support you in your journey to graduation.”
“It is a sign of strength to be able to ask for help, and your presence in this room is testament to your ability to advocate for yourself and work with the TRIO staff to get the assistance that you needed,” said MWCC President James Vander Hooven. “Congratulations to you all and thank you for what you do for us here at the Mount. You are the reason we are here doing this work, and events like this are a great reminder for us all.”
MWCC alumna and public health nurse Samantha Piragis joined the event as the guest speaker, sharing her story with the current students and graduates. “I carry MWCC and the supports I received here with me every step of the way. Because it was here that I learned how to keep moving forward, even when the path wasn’t clear. It was here that I learned that goals could change — and that’s not failure, that’s growth.”
“To every student here today: Be open to your path changing,” Piragis continued. “Lean into the resources around you. Use the support that’s built for you — like TRIO, Rx and Visions. And trust that even if your journey isn’t a straight line, it’s still heading somewhere meaningful.”
The President’s Award was presented to graduating students Lia Gomez, Noraida Morales Colon, and Francisco Montoya, while the Program Awards went to students Frederick Ashun, Leonardo Garay, and Shania Cassey.
President’s Award recipient Noraida Morales Colon is a mother of five and grandmother of a two-year old, who returned to school after a 15-year break to demonstrate to her children that they can overcome whatever obstacles they face. Colon lives with a rare kidney disease called FSGS. Two years ago, she had a kidney transplant during the semester but stayed in school and on track. This semester, she has struggled through the active rejection of that transplant. The treatments are incredibly difficult, draining physically and emotionally, but she has persevered and excelled. Colon earned her Human Services Degree and will continue her education in pursuit of a career as a social worker. Colon stated, “If I am going to die, I’m going to die, but I want to do it going after what matters to me.”
The TRIO Program, established in 1964 under the Higher Education Act, was designed to provide support and resources to low-income, first-generation, and disabled students to help them succeed in higher education. The TRIO network of programs supports nearly 875,000 students annually.