Student of Distinction: Ashlyn Jorgenson
Physics
School of Natural Sciences, Health & Kinesiology
Nominated by Professor Lindsay Owens 

'Ashlyn Jorgenson is deserving of the distinction award because of her commitment to both her academic education and her demonstrated outstanding leadership and participation in campus activities. Ashlyn is a dual-enrolled student at both JFK Middle College High School and Norco College. Despite having just turned 18 this year, she will be graduating with both her high school diploma and her AOE in Math and Science in June 2025 and is hoping to transfer to UC Berkeley to continue her studies. Ashlyn takes her schoolwork very seriously and manages to balance both her classes with being a lead of this year’s NC Rocketry Team. Beginning in the 2023-2024 academic year, Ashlyn began participating in NC Rocketry and worked on the recovery system (parachutes) of last year’s rocket, which won in their height category at the 2024 national FAR OUT competition.'

'This year, Ashlyn stepped up as the leader of this year’s project team and set a very ambitious project for the year – a full liquid propellant rocket. In addition to overseeing the competition rocket, Ashlyn has demonstrated true leadership in her managing of the team, mediating conflicts between teammates, and being proactive in communication with students, faculty advisors, and ASNC. In addition, in true leadership form, she will never ask a teammate to do a task that she herself is not willing to do.'

'Finally, Ashlyn is a resilient problem solver; when an issue arises in rocketry, such as a design did not work or a test failed (and with a project of this scale, issues arise frequently), she will quickly step in to assess the situation and work with her teammates to determine the best course of action to keep the team on track with the project timeline. The ability to not let these small failures derail either herself or the competition project shows a real maturity beyond her years. I have every confidence that Ashlyn will not only succeed but excel at anything she puts her mind to.' - Lindsay Owens

Student of Distinction: Benjamin Nava
Architecture
School of Applied Technologies & Apprenticeships
Nominated by Professor Farshid Mirzaei 

'Benjamin has a high grit and dedication on his study. A great role model for students. Great achievements despite his barriers in language, hearing, age and background.'

'Benjamin shows up every session on time, prepared with a lot if dedication to his study. He respects everyone in class. He helps his classmates, too.' - Farshid Mirzaei

Student of Distinction: Daniel Stefan
Accounting
School of Business & Management
Nominated by Professor Patty Worsham 

'I am honored to nominate Dan Stefan for the Student of Distinction award. Dan is a standout student who demonstrates an unwavering passion for learning and consistently sets high expectations for himself. His curiosity and dedication make him a true lifelong learner, always striving to understand subjects deeply rather than just completing assignments.'

'Beyond his own academic success, Dan is a natural mentor, always willing to help his classmates grasp difficult concepts and achieve their best. His kindness, patience, and leadership create a positive learning environment that benefits everyone around him. Dan is not only an exceptional student but also an outstanding individual, making him truly deserving of this recognition. ' - Patty Worsham

Student of Distinction: Deborah Flores
Humanities
School of Communication, Humanities & Languages
Nominated by Professor Michael Bobo

'Debbie is a widow whose husband passed of cancer. As a single mother of two children, she works to support her daughter (a RCCD student as well) and younger son with special needs. She has taken three Humanities classes in the past year with me as her professor. I can testify of her passion to educate herself and her children. She is well deserving of this honor. This semester, her computer had been hacked and she was targeted by cyber criminals. She had to purchase a new laptop after hers was compromised and the hardware failed. It would really lift her spirits to have this honor. She is terrific and I would love to see her feel recognized for her persistence and determination to finish her Area of Emphasis degree in Arts, Humanities, and Philosophy.'

'Debbie is actively involved in her classes. Every time I encounter her, she is engaging others and making them feel welcome. As a non traditional student, working mother, and caregiver to her own mother, she is not on campus as much as the younger students, but she is caring and generous to everyone in our class whenever she comes into contact with our younger, traditional students. She is an excellent choice for this award as a "mother" to so many Norco students in her classes.' - Michael Bobo

Student of Distinction: Juliett Santana Ruelas
Political Science
School of Social & Behavioral Sciences
Nominated by Professor Sandra Popiden

'POLS would like to nominate Juliett Santana Ruelas. I had the pleasure of having Juliett in my POLS 4 (World Politics) class last year, where she earned an A grade and exhibited strong leadership qualities and academic capabilities. Dr. Yañez-Ruiz similarly seeks to recognize Juliett for work and contributions in his POL 11 (Political Theory) and POL 23 (Race & Ethnic Politics) courses, and she has excelled throughout her POLS course work.'

'Juliett is a POLS major who is preparing to transfer. After finishing her BA, she wants to pursue a law degree and continue and earn a PhD and become a college professor.'

'In addition to her strong academic achievements, Juliett is also emblematic of the Norco College mission and motto, "Today's students, tomorrow's leaders." She is already currently engaged in numerous types of public service, including as the current ASNC Senator of Campus Organizations, the President of the Pre-Law and Politics Club, and leader of the Mustangs Vote - Voter Registration Initiative.'

'In fall of 2024, Juliett worked diligently to lead and promote the Mustangs Vote, voter education and turnout campaign. She also led our NC Pre-Law and POLS Club and is active as a leader of the Fashion for Change Club. Last semester, Juliett helped to organize and run our Pre-Law & POLS distinguished guest speaker series. This included 7 speakers, such as - CA Rep. Jose Medina, CA Assembly Rep. Sabrina Cervantes, Jurupa Valley Mayor Guillermo Silva, Corona Mayor Tom Richins, CNUSD Board Member and VP Stacy Nicola. As well as our very own Associate Professor of Philosophy, Jose Sentmanat, who shared information about careers in law and his experiences working in the legal field as an Assistant Public Defender and his service on the Madison, WI City Council.'

'Moreover, Juliett has been also integrally involved in the planning and hosting of two extensive voter information sessions on campus. These have helped to better inform our NC student population about the importance of voting, the CA propositions, and down ballot measures. She has also organized numerous additional voter registration opportunities (such as at our Pre-Law and POLS Club events) and other events on campus. She also serves as the ASNC representative on the NC Distance Education Committee.'

'POLS offers our highest recommendation for Juliett. She is already exhibiting exemplary scholarship and dedication to public service, leadership, and civic engagement. We would love for Juliett to receive well deserved recognition for her many contributions to the college and community.' - Sandra Popiden

Student of Distinction: Victoria Henry
Art
School of Visual & Performing Arts
Nominated by Professor Michelle Ramin

'I have worked with Victoria for the past 2 years, in the art classroom as well as through Art Club and now as a Gallery Assistant in the Norco College Art Gallery. Victoria is a quiet, but powerful and brilliant presence in every capacity I've worked with her. Kind and considerate, always a focused and thoughtful student with exceptional artistic talent and work ethic, Victoria is a gem of a person and a dream student. Every project, every drawing, everything she puts her mind to, she gives it her all. I don't think she's always aware of how intelligent and creative she truly is, and I believe this award could give deserved validation that she is, indeed, an outstanding student as well as an incredible artist. I look forward to seeing her in the front row of my classroom every day I have the privilege of working with her!'

'An active member of Art Club for the past 2 years, Victoria has been to and actively participated in numerous Art Club events including field trips, Harvest Fest, and others. She attends our weekly meetings in the Gallery and participates in all projects, sharing her ideas and leading her way through painting days, prep for events, scheduling trips, off-campus activities, and more. In the classroom, Victoria guides group projects and often leads presentations, often without being asked. She is a role model for many other students and consistently stands out as one of the most devoted and hardworking students in the classroom as well as in the Gallery and Art Club. .' - Michelle Ramin