Three KCC Students honored by Gov. Brown
/
Klamath Falls, Ore. – Three Klamath Community College students were honored by Gov. Kate Brown at the Oregon capitol in April during an All-State Community College Academic Team ceremony.
Jazmin Hall, Adriana Perez, and Yan Li Wang were among the 49 students recognized for their achievements in community college.
49 Students were recognized by Oregon Governor Kate Brown in April for thier achievements in community college. Submitted photo.
“Our students have overcome significant obstacles to be a successful at KCC and should be proud of the work they have done personally and academically. They are an inspiration to the college and to the community,” said KCC President Dr. Roberto Gutierrez.
The All-State Community College Academic Team ceremony is an academic event sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), an international honor society of two-year colleges and academic programs. PTK sponsors All-State Community College Academic Team ceremonies in 37 states.
Three students were named to speak at the daylong ceremony: KCC student Jazmin Hall; Flor Islea Gaspar Marquez, from Oregon Coast Community College; and Hawkeye Morgan, who attends Chemeketa Community College.
Hall, 20, said cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and asthma have affected her school attendance, but are not stopping her from reaching her goals.
“I wanted to encourage everyone that they can’t be stopped or limited by whatever obstacles they are facing,” she said.
Hall is studying to be an accountant. She is currently working toward an Associate of Science in Accounting and will transfer this fall to Portland State University to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Adriana Perez, 33, is originally from Los Angeles, Calif. She has three children, ages 11, 13, and 15. Perez and her family were displaced by the 2015 Valley Fire in California and moved to Klamath Falls roughly two years ago. Perez is the first person in her family to attend college. She enrolled at KCC to build a better life for her family. Perez will transfer to Oregon State University this fall to pursue a bachelor’s in agricultural science.
“I would like to use my degree to help with preventive health care and help people find natural solutions to their medical issues,” she said.
Yan Li Wang, 32, moved from China to Klamath Falls three years ago. She was a registered nurse in Zhengzhou, China, and decided to become a nurse in the United States. Since enrolling at KCC, Wang has earned certificates in nursing assistant and pharmacy technician. She hopes to enroll in KCC’s nursing program fall 2019 and to one day be a pediatric nurse.
Wang said students, especially those new to higher education, should utilize any resource available to them.
“Find what you plan to do, meet with an adviser, and follow your goals,” she said.