Annual TRiO Celebration honors outstanding students and faculty

The TRiO-Student Support Services Program Spring Celebration held its annual special awards ceremony to recognize EvCC students and faculty of the year on Wednesday, May 23. The event took place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Parks Student Union building’s Multi-Purpose Room.

Debbie Gallego was named Outstanding Student of the Year 2007. Gallego will earn her Associate of Technical Arts in Business this spring. She has decided to continue in school and pursue a transfer degree.

Lurdes Hernandez also won Outstanding Student of the Year 2007. She is receiving her Associate of Arts and Science degree this August and will be transferring to Western Washington University as a Sociology major in the fall.

Sharon Martincak was named Inspirational Student of the Year 2007. Martincak came back to school at the age of 59 to complete a degree in Medical Assisting.

Elisabeth (Beth) Adolphsen was named Faculty of the Year. Adolphsen has been teaching in the Medical Assisting Program at EvCC since 1999. Students describe her as patient, understanding and encouraging.

Laura Hedges was named Staff of the Year. Hedges has been at EvCC for 28 years and has been the Women’s Center Program Manager for the past 17 years. Those who nominated her say that she has always been supportive, is a positive role model and a woman of great power, and is an amazing person who will help anyone in need.