Student of Distinction: Alex Rodgers
Music Industry Studies
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
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
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
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
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)
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