Outstanding Students: dedicated students appreciated in an annual event
The Outstanding Student Award celebrates the progress of students who have dedicated themselves above and beyond their academic pursuits, helping contribute to UCC and the greater Umpqua community.
Students who have a concentrated focus on their goals or show interest that aligns with the award are on the first step to being potential candidates. The Outstanding Student Award goes above just the pursuits the student may have at UCC, with staff and faculty on the lookout for students that show a significant level of growth in their creativity, a high degree of participation in events or activities held by the college departments, and contributions to organizations outside of UCC.
Further criteria for the award are also based on additional points that staff configure by department for accomplishments such as high grades, good performance in labs, overall attitude in class, being a good member of a team, and helping students study or solve problems.
Britney Danson (right) presented by the award for Outstanding Student in Second Year Spanish by Nicholas Tratz (right). Melinda Benton (center) stands beside her colleague during the event. Mason Ramirez / The Mainstream 
Aaron Ivey (right) hugs his instructor after being presented the award for Outstanding Student in Outstanding Student in Civil Engineering and Surveying. Mason Ramirez / The Mainstream 
Brad Shinn (right) stands as he is award as Outstanding Student in Anatomy and Physiology by Shauna McNulty (left). Mason Ramirez / The Mainstream 
David Geyer, eSports stands proud with his award. Robin Bailey/ The Mainstream 
Mason Ramirez grins posing with his Outstanding Student award in Photography,Robin Bailey / The Mainstream 
Mia McCormack (right) chats with her coach Renate Richardson (left) after being presented the Outstanding Student award in Cross Country. Mason Ramirez / The Mainstream 
Tarleen Saroya smiles with pride at her award.Robin Bailey / The Mainstream 
Flower Behlke awarded Outstanding Student in Admission and Advising Support Services 2nd year student by Jessica Richardson. Robin Bailey / The Mainstream 
Anna Bozovich walks away from the stage after being presented the Outstanding Student award in Theater Arts. Mason Ramirez / The Mainstream 
Georgann Willis presented Ana Augusto’s award. Robin Bailey
75 students from different departments were nominated and received certificates and honor regalia at the Swanson Amphitheater event May 31, with the event having lasted from 3:30 to 5 pm as certificates and medals were given.
One of those awarded was Jacob Perry. Joining the college in 2008, Perry took a break from his academic pursuits in 2010 to focus on his mental health until returning to UCC in 2020. With a computer science career, Perry plans to transfer to OSU where he wishes to help and tutor. “[UCC] has provided me with opportunities to explore various fields of study, encouraged critical thinking, and fostered a sense of community,” Perry said.
Amaryah Vara, another student awarded, is pursuing a major in computer information Systems. Vera is an active member of campus life due to her participation in several clubs and within ASUCC. Enduring despite several obstacles in her way, earning her nomination through dedication to both her schoolwork and to the several communities she is a part of to make sure that all voices are heard. “I shared my challenges and helped other students persevere through their own obstacles.”
After the award ceremony several of the students were approached and questioned about how they felt about receiving this honor.
George Humphry (Outstanding Student in Human Services – 2nd Year) – “I feel proud. Alex Olsen and Alex Jardon took me under their wings and gave me the opportunity to give back to the community.”
Luis Flores (Outstanding Student in Principles of Biology) – “I feel good.”
Flance Gomez (Outstanding Student in 2nd year Welding) – “I feel proud about showing off my hard work.”
Anna Bozovich (Theatre Arts) – “I feel proud and fulfilled.”
Ana Carolina Augusto (Psychology) – “I feel honored and privileged, especially since I was given this award by my favorite teacher.”
Though the event has finished there is still the chance for students to show themselves as potential candidates through dedication and hard work in the coming semester, becoming outstanding students by actions taken on campus and in the community.
Contact me at:
umpquacollegemainstream@gmail.com
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