Hundreds of Chandler-Gilbert Community College students will don cap and gown on May 11, as they prepare to accept their diplomas at the college’s 21st Commencement Ceremony and stand as examples of the perseverance and dedication necessary to achieve a college education.

 

As most students prepare for one graduation, Zachary Johnson and Brandon Butterfield are preparing for two – one from high school and one from CGCC. These two students have participated in the college’s Hoop of Learning program since their freshman year of high school. The Hoop program is designed to provide the opportunity for Native American high school students to earn college credits. Students are awarded a scholarship for tuition and fees; as well as receive tutoring, student services support, and learning assistance.

 

Johnson, 17, will graduate from Chandler High School as well as receive an Associate in Arts degree from CGCC. He plans to transfer to ASU in the fall to study electrical engineering. “This was a great experience that more students should take advantage of,” Johnson said. “It was definitely a time investment attending high school and college at the same time, but Carriann Dehiya, the program coordinator, supported me and was always available to help, so that made a big difference.”

 

Butterfield, 17, will graduate from Mesquite High School as well as receive an Associate in Arts degree from CGCC. He plans on transferring to ASU in the fall to study aerospace engineering. “The support of the staff and my peers in the program helped me to persist, even when it was challenging,” Butterfield said. “This was a great way to get started in college.”

 

Avonlea Hope, 19, was originally on track to attend a state university upon graduation from high school, but the downturn in the economy and a shortage of scholarship funds set her on a different path.

“I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to attend CGCC,” Hope said. “The past two years have been amazing. The faculty, staff, advisors, and tutors have had an amazing impact on my life. My experiences at CGCC have opened up vast opportunities for my future.” 
In addition to receiving the Presidential Scholarship, the Chancellor’s Scholarship, and the Arnette S. Ward Scholarship, Hope was a member of the Black Student Union, the Pursuing All Cultures Knowledgably Club, the Asian Pacific Islander Club, and the Associated Students of Chandler-Gilbert Community College. While at CGCC, she also served as a Student Ambassador for the college. 
A biomedical research technology major who will transfer to Arizona State University, Hope was selected to address fellow graduates during the ceremony.

 

Hundreds of CGCC students with similar success stories will celebrate their academic achievements at the 2012 CGCC Commencement Ceremony, which will be held on the college’s Pecos campus. The formal commencement ceremony will begin at 8 p.m., followed by a 20th Anniversary reception with light refreshments in the college’s Student Center Pavilion. More than 1200 students will graduate with over 1260 certificates and degrees.
 CGCC is located at 2626 E. Pecos Rd. in Chandler.

For more information, contact (480) 732-7030.