TRiO celebrates end of the year

Photo by Elenna Koenig | The Doane Owl
ASC faculty and TRiO seniors pose for photo in front of newly planted tree.

Staff members of the Academic Success Center (ASC) held a TRiO end-of-the-year celebration on April 28 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

This was the second annual end of the year celebration that the ASC has hosted for TRiO students. TRiO offers specific student services to students who are from a disadvantaged background such as Pell Grant eligible students, first generation students or those with disabilities. During the ceremony, students were recognized for a wide range of academic and personal achievements with awards.

Photo by Elenna Koenig | The Doane Owl
From left to right: Freshmen Jerson Caderon, Lainey Madill and Maria Purizaca Soto accept their Mentee of Distinction awards.

Some of these awards included Outstanding Senior of the Year award given to senior Payton Detavernier, Persistence Award given to senior McKenna Revis, Student of the Year award given to senior Dani Avalos, Tutor of the Year award given to senior Haley Peek and more awards. The ceremony also recognized Writing Center Consultants of Distinction, Mentees of Distinction and various other distinguished students.

Seniors were also honored and received graduation cords for their hard work throughout college. “It felt wonderful to be recognized to know that people outside my family and closest friends notice the work I put in to keep going,” Revis said. “I also loved seeing other people who deserve recognition receive it for the work they put in.”

Detavernier echoed Revis in that the recognition felt good.

“It felt great to know that I have made an impact on campus not only with the staff in the office but the students I have had the opportunity to work with the past three years,” Detavernier said.

In addition, to honor the graduating class of 2024, a tree was planted and each member of the TRiO got to help plant the tree.

“So, the class of 2024 has a beautiful white pine tree to watch grow as they leave Doane to pursue their goals and dreams,” Executive Director of Academic Support Services Beth Jacobson said.

This ceremony provided a good way to celebrate the success of all students in the program as well as honor the graduating class. Students were invited to bring family, friends, professors, or anyone else who had helped them along the way. Overall, 60 people ended up attending.

Photo by Elenna Koenig | The Doane Owl
President Roger Hughes and faculty member Lorie Cook Benjamin are the first to plant the TRiO Class of 2024 tree.

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