Mia Cory and Kamani Morris were recognized as two of Lamar Community College’s best and brightest in the 2017 Colorado Community College System’s Rising Star Awards Ceremony and Honorary Luncheon held on April 11.
The annual Rising Star Awards Ceremony recognizes the outstanding contributions of students and staff across the Colorado Community College System to college activities and community service. Honorees must show a high level of involvement in campus leadership/activities, be enrolled in at least nine credit hours at the time of their nomination and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Each of the 13 CCCS community colleges selected two student recipients who exemplify the best in service and leadership to receive the Rising Star Award. Each honoree was presented with a commemorative plaque and posed for a photograph with their school president and CCCS President Dr. McCallin.
LCC President Dr. Linda Lujan introduced Morris and spoke on behalf of Cory who was unable to attend the event.
“Spring is an exciting time of year as we acknowledge and celebrate students. It is our reward for LCC’s dedication to students and we are fortunate to have so many outstanding ones,” said Dr. Lujan. “It was an honor to recognize Mia and Kamani and I know they will continue to make us proud.”
Mia Cory is a sophomore at Lamar Community College, exploring her interests in Agriculture Education and Horse Training and Management.
She is highly involved on campus, currently serving as the president of DECA, vice president of the LCC Student Government Association, and the SSAC primary representative. She is also a member of the LCC Aggie Club, assists with the Lopes Coffee Shop, is a student ambassador, and volunteers for numerous student life activities. On top of her heavy involvement at LCC, Cory works a full-time job and is enrolled in 20 credit hours all while maintaining a 3.5 GPA.
Cory comes to LCC from Penrose, Colorado, where she enjoys fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities. She also enjoys training horses or going on a long afternoon ride.
“Mia is very motivated, active and always willing to help,” said LCC Vice President Chad DeBono. “LCC is fortunate to have her as a student.”
Kamani Morris, a freshman from Aurora, Colorado, is pursuing his Associate of General Studies degree.
He is currently a Senator in the Student Government Association, a member of the LCC Men’s Basketball program, and a tutor in LCC’s Learning Support Services, all while maintaining a 3.45 GPA. He is also heavily involved in LCC’s Student Life program including organizing a 3-on-3 basketball tournament.
“Kamani is bright and original, a fount of curiosity in himself, but also a nurturer of curiosity in others,” said Dr. Frankel, English faculty at LCC. “Kamani makes class more interesting and humorous for his classmates. Everyone always wants to hear what he will say next.”
The annual Rising Star Awards Ceremony is commonly acknowledged by community college educators across Colorado as one of the best statewide awards events because it honors students and staff who have made key contributions to the overall success of their colleges and communities.
SSAC Chair Adonis Jaramillo and SSAC Secretary Alana Mitchell presided over the event. Colorado PERA Chief Communications Officer Tara May and Dr. McCallin both gave insightful speeches to the student-leader honorees about the keys to successful leadership
The ceremony was held at Arapahoe Community College’s Littleton Campus (ACC) and was produced by the Colorado Community College System, its State Student Advisory Council (SSAC) and ACC. The event was sponsored by the Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association (Colorado PERA).
About the Colorado Community College System
The Colorado Community College System (CCCS) is the state’s largest system of higher education, serving more than 138,000 students annually at 13 colleges and 39 locations across Colorado. Our open access mission ensures all Coloradans who aspire to enrich their lives have access to quality higher education opportunities. CCCS students save time and money with affordable tuition and fees, concurrent enrollment, and guaranteed transfer to any public university in Colorado. Online courses are available via Colorado Community Colleges Online. CCCS also oversees career and technical programs in our 13 colleges, more than 160 school districts, and six other post-secondary institutions. By partnering with business and industry, CCCS helps employers meet workforce needs and prepares students for direct entry to their chosen career pathway. The vast majority of our students are Colorado residents and, after graduation, 97% of our students stay in state, becoming the workforce that powers the Colorado economy and the heart of our neighborhoods, businesses, and communities.
About Colorado PERA
Colorado PERA provides retirement and other benefits to more than 550,000 current and former teachers, State Troopers, snowplow drivers, corrections officers, and other public employees who provide valuable service to all of Colorado. PERA is a vital and stable contributor to Colorado’s economy, distributing $3.8 billion in 2016 to retirees who live in Colorado. PERA manages more than $47 billion in defined benefit and defined contribution assets, and helps sustain 32,800 jobs, making it one of Colorado’s best investments.