Student of Distinction: Alex Rodgers
Music Industry Studies
School of Visual & Performing Arts
Nominated by Professor Brady Kerr 

'Alex Rodgers is an indispensable pillar of Music Industry Studies, embodying unwavering dedication and excellence in his pivotal role as recording studio and live sound engineer. As a recording engineer, Alex masterfully helps craft Norco Music albums and UMOJA podcasts, showcasing not only his unparalleled expertise but also his relentless attention to detail. Yet, his impact extends beyond the studio, as Alex seamlessly orchestrates captivating live sound experiences on and off campus. From the electric atmosphere of NOMU Fest to the prestigious CTE Expo and Advisory Breakfast and on-campus events to the opening of ECE’s Stokoe facility, Alex leaves an indelible mark on every occasion, additionally, as the live sound engineer for NC’s Studio Arts Ensemble, his talent and dedication shine brightly. Alex’s relentless pursuit of quality and innovation sets him apart, making him the epitome of MIS’s ethos of excellence. Undoubtedly, Alex Rodgers is the quintessential candidate for student of distinction, embodying the Norco Music program’s unwavering commitment to professionalism.' - Brady Kerr

Student of Distinction: Christian Reyes
Men of Color Scholars
Nominated by Professor Daniel Jesus Grajeda 

'Chris is the Peer Mentor Lead for the MoC Scholars program and the MoC Community Club President. He exemplifies the servant leadership style that is essential for building a learning community through a seeking-to-understand approach toward the students he serves.  Every month, he organizes events that promote healthier habits among students, and coordinates community-based socials, which include Norco College's Read to Succeed.  When I first met Chris- he was working two jobs while successfully being a full-time student. Today, Chris is a Mustang; at the end of Spring 2024, Chris will be a Bronco.

Chris has accepted his admission to Cal Poly Pomona for Fall 2024.  He will continue his education studying Gender, Ethnicity, and Multicultural Studies with an emphasis on Native American studies.  One of his career goals is to coordinate equity programs.' - Daniel Jesus Grajeda

Student of Distinction: Devin Dadah
Humanities
School of Communication, Humanities & Languages
Nominated by Professor Michael Bobo 

'Devin Dadah has been an active member in Norco College Honors Program as a student leader and participant in Research Conferences hosted by RCCD and Honors Transfer Council of California. His passion for history and humanities is inspiring to me as his professor and mentor. In many conversations during office hours, we've explored the gamut of world cultures and issues facing our shared humanity. Mr. Dadah represents the interdisciplinary focus of Humanities research with his exploration of history, literature, media, and politics in his Honors essays. Topics like Utopianism during the Renaissance, Voodoo and Marxist impacts upon the Haitian Revolution, and Star Wars as a critique of Iraq War demonstrate his ability to critique contexts over the past 500 years. Mr. Dadah's research is the mark of a Humanities Student of Distinction.' - Michael Bobo

Student of Distinction: Ileana Banuelos
English
School of Communication, Humanities & Languages
Nominated by Professor Cameron Young

'Ileana Banuelos showed incredible perseverance in pursuing her academics while she confronted numerous adversities and challenges.  She never lost sight of what she was pursuing, she never let these adversities overtake her, and throughout her struggles, she always took the lead in class, was the first to ask questions (and not be bothered on how those questions "sound"), and always gave everything her all.  She is an excellent example of a Norco College student and even more so of an intelligent, strong, and willful human being.' - Cameron Young

Student of Distinction: Jenny Pham
Art / Studio Art
School of Visual & Performing Arts
Nominated by Professors Michelle Ramin & Megan Lindeman

'For the past 2 years, Jenny has exhibited exceptional dedication to art, in and out of the classroom. Beyond Jenny's exciting, creative, and thoughtful compositions, she is an active member of the Norco College Art Club, attending all meetings and inspiring community within the Norco College Art Discipline through their leadership. Jenny is a pleasure to work with and devoted to their career in the arts, with plans to attend a 4-year BFA program in animation/illustration. We are so excited to see where Jenny goes in Art, and all the incredible things we know is in their future! Thanks for being a rockstar, Jenny! We will miss you next year! Jenny Pham has demonstrated huge growth as an artist and as person since she first enrolled in my ART-17, Beginning Drawing class Fall 2022. Since then she has taken nearly every studio art course available to her, and she has received straight A's. She is a Studio Arts major and will transfer to Cal State Fullerton or Long Beach next semester. She is interested in both of the animation and fine art programs at these universities.' - Jenny Pham 

Jenny is very active in Art Club and has served as the Club's secretary. She sets a great example for other students in terms of work ethic and reaming authentically herself. She is inclusive, adventurous, enthusiastic, devoted to art, and a reliable hard worker. Her work as an artist is great and contains imaginative and inspiring aspects of her unique identity and vision of the world. She is a wonderful student and has great professional promise.' - Megan Lindeman

Student of Distinction: Lisseth Olmos
Drafting
School of Applied Technologies & Apprenticeships
Nominated by Professor Farshid Mirzaei

'Lisseth (Liz) Olmos is a stay-at-home mom and home school her 9-year-old son. She is motivated to complete her Architectural certificate to start a job. 
Liz Is very responsible in her TeamWorks and helping other students with their study. She inspires the students in class to go beyond their limits and barrier. 

Though Liz had no background in drafting and design, she works very hard to achieve her goal. She is always volunteering to support the learning of her classmates and very brave to be first in doing any new activities in and out of the classroom. 

Liz brings great questions to class, which shows her dedication to her study as well as her son. She never misses any appointment and has a high integrity in keeping her word.

Liz is one of the good examples of students who want to start college after parenting and break the fear of starting a new challenge.' - Farshid Mirzaei

Student of Distinction: Parisa Tajoddini
English as a Second Language (ESL)
School of Communication, Humanities & Languages
Nominated by Professor Margarita Shirinian

'Parisa Tajoddini has been in my classes for several semesters now. Parisa is an outstanding student.  She comes from Iran, and she has a law degree from her country.  Being extremely intelligent and hardworking, she focuses now on what is the most important for her - improving her English language skills so that she can one day teach in college herself.  Parisa's dedication to her goal, motivation, study skills, optimism, and an inquisitive mind make her a wonderful student.  Parisa is also a mother of three young active boys whom I met on Zoom. Parisa definitely deserves praise and recognition.' - Margarita Shirinian

Student of Distinction: Bobby Rigo
Music
Nominated by Professor Kim Kamerin 

'Bobby is a multi-talented musician. He is earning degrees in Music Industry Studies and Music and has distinguished himself in Chamber Singers, Music Theory, Piano, and MIS-1. Bobby is energetic, dependable, well-liked, and respected by his peers and instructors. He has remained steadfast in his goals through the pandemic and continues to be an asset to the Music and MIS programs at Norco College.'-Kim Kamerin

Norco College student Bobby Rigo was selected as the 2023 Student of Distinction in the discipline of Music. He was nominated by Professor Kim Kamerin. Hear from Bobby on why he chose Music as his major and his experience about becoming a better musician.

Student of Distinction: Brittney Sanchez
Kinesiology
Nominated by Professor Ruben Aguilar 

'Brittney embodies the definition of being a servant leader. Through her empathetic leadership as Vice President of the Kinesiology Student Association (2022.) Brittney is a natural leader, and it showed last semester when she planned and organized a two-day conference at Cal State Long Beach with the NSCA (National Strength and Conditioning Association.) With her leadership, 11 of our KSA students received a Foundations of Coaching Lifts certificate. Brittney is now our club President this semester and has grown our Kinesiology club from 23 members to over 40 new members. Brittney is a woman of honesty and integrity whose depth of character is a model for others to emulate: she is a success-driven, results-oriented, committed, hard-working individual who possesses determination when faced with adversity and reflects caring and empathy in her interactions with others. With all these leadership qualities, Brittney Sanchez is our 2023 Student of Distinction in the Kinesiology Department.'-Ruben Aguilar

Norco College student Brittany Sanchez was selected as the 2023 Student of Distinction in the discipline of Kinesiology. She was nominated by Professor Ruben Aguilar. Hear from Brittany on why she chose Kinesiology as her major and her experience at Norco College.

Student of Distinction: Clarissa O'Malley
Chemistry
Nominated by Professor Jody Tyler 

'Clarissa decided to come back to school after staying at home to help raise her children. I had her in my Che-1B class in Spring 2022 and was excited to find out that she was a Chemistry major. She is a hard working student but she also has a delightful personality. She always has a smile on her face and enjoys interacting with others.  Clarissa really enjoyed lab and she was always thorough in her work. After watching her positive interactions with others and seeing how she excelled in chemistry (she received an "A" in the class), I asked her to be my embedded Tutor for Fall 2022. In addition, I was able to obtain funds for her to also be a TA in my Che-1B lab. Students really loved her and felt comfortable asking her for help. Clarissa was such a huge support for me and students in the lab as it is very difficult for one instructor to be available for 32 students in a lab when the experiments are complex and students need extra support. Clarissa is a very intelligent individual, has an infectious personality and is a joy to be around. I hope you will support her in recognizing her as a Norco College Student of Distinction for 2022.'-Jody Tyler

Norco College student Clarissa O'Malley was selected as the 2023 Student of Distinction in the discipline of Chemistry. She was nominated by Professor Jody Tyler. Hear from Clarissa on why she chose Chemistry as her major and her experience at Norco College.

Student of Distinction: Gerardo Devara

COMING SOON

Norco College student Gerardo Devara was selected as the 2023 Student of Distinction in the discipline of Computer Science. He was nominated by Professor Daniel Grejeda. Hear from Gerardo on why he chose Computer Science as his major and his experience at Norco College.

Student of Distinction: Marty Sanchez
Music Industry Studies
Nominated by Professor Brady Kerr 

'Christopher “Marty” Sanchez is an exceptional example of what it means to be driven and dedicated. He currently holds down four jobs and a full academic schedule. He is the president of Battery, Norco College’s Drumline club, which he launched this semester. Not only did he spearhead the club’s creation, but he has also been dedicated to recruiting and building a community of inclusiveness, just like in his everyday life. His peers admire Marty for his artistic prowess, drum skills, positive energy, knowledge, and self-motivation. As his instructor, supervisor, and club advisor, I think Marty is, without question, a student of distinction with superpowers. Music Industry Studies is blessed to have him as an integral part of our program and a core member of the Studio Arts Ensemble.'-Brady Kerr

Norco College student Marty Sanchez was selected as the 2023 Student of Distinction in the discipline of Music Industry Studies. He was nominated by Professor Brady Kerr. Hear from Marty on why he chose Music Industry Studies as his major and his experience at Norco College.

Student of Distinction: Mesbah Dawar
Architecture
Nominated by Professor Farshid Mirzaei 

'Though Mesbah is the first time taking course with me, her great team playing, hard work and dedication to her study can be recognized easily. She is working part time also supporting her classmates when they need help. She is very active and aware of her class as whole. Always prepare herself before the class and goes beyond expectations. She should be recognized for all her hard work to be a light for her life and others.'-Farshid Mirzaei

Norco College student Mesbah Dawar was selected as the 2023 Student of Distinction in the discipline of Architecture. She was nominated by Professor Farshid Mirzaei. Hear from Mesbah on why she chose Architecture as her major and her experience at Norco College.

Student of Distinction: Teresa Guerrero
English as a Second Language
Nominated by Professor Margarita Shirinian 

'I met Teresa in class in Fall 2022.  She enrolled in my advanced Grammar/Writing class. It was her first class at Norco College; actually, it was her first college class ever, and it was rather challenging for her.  However, Teresa did her best every single day.  She never missed any classes and was always ready in the morning with her completed assignments, questions, and a big smile on her face. She was always positive, motivated, and determined to listen and understand complex language phenomena. The most important was her realization that she didn't imagine her life without school any longer even though she was very busy with her family responsibilities, kids' activities, and a job as a cafeteria worker at the CNUSD. This semester, Teresa is in my class again. She exhibits the same great attitude and work ethics, and she is a pleasure to have in class.  Teresa definitely deserves to be recognized.'-Margarita Shirinian

Norco College student Teresa Guerrero was selected as the 2023 Student of Distinction in the discipline of English as a Second Language. She was nominated by Professor Margarita Shirinian. Hear from Teresa in her native Spanish on why she chose to take English as a Second Language classes and her experience at Norco College.