August 13, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jennifer McDonald
Communications Manager
Central New Mexico Community College
(505) 224-4673
CNM Students Push Through Adversity to Gain Education
Several Central New Mexico Community College students will be recognized for their persistence in overcoming diversity to gain an education at the CNM Foundation Donor Appreciation Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 14 at the Embassy Suites at 1000 Woodward Place N.E.
Trevor Jones, a recent La Cueva High School graduate, began taking classes at CNM when his high school temporarily suspended advanced art classes. Although he knew it would be a challenge, he rearranged his schedule, took summer school classes and applied for Dual Enrollment at CNM. In his junior year, he successfully completed four animation classes and two drawing classes. This fall he will study character animation at Cal Arts and have 18 college credits completed prior to his arrival.
Five years ago Eric Arellano was living a much different life. A former gang member and drug dealer, Eric realized that he needed to make a positive change in his life for his children. He earned a 4.0 GPA in his first term enrolled in CNM’s electrical program. Eric competed in the national SkillsUSA competition in June and took home the silver medal in the Prepared Speech category.
Other students to be honored are:
Karen Romero returned to the classroom after almost twenty years. She scored perfectly on the Test of Adult Basic Education in language arts and has completed her classes in preparation for the GED.
Tracy McDonald came to CNM through the Breaking Through program and is attending classes in Construction Technologies with an emphasis on Electrical Trades. He is working toward his State of New Mexico Journeyman Electrical Certificate and Associate Degree.
Alyssa Rose came to CNM with a group of homeschooled high school students and she realized classes are small and not intimidating. She completed her GED and will begin college at New Mexico Tech with 31 college credit courses completed in chemistry and calculus. She hopes to become a chemical engineer.
Darrold Morris knew that he wanted to set a good example for his children and his love for cooking helped him realize on much food can bring people together. He’s enrolled in the Culinary Arts program at CNM with plans to complete his Certificate and Associate Degree.
Casey Curtiss, a senior at CATA Charter High School, began taking Dual Credit classes his sophomore year and now has more than 21 college credit hours. He aspires to become a graphic designer and animator.
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