Commencement Highlights

Damon Rapada Earns the 2019 President's Award

Mr. Rapada is a first generation Latinx college student. He is an amazing student who has done so much for the college. He served as the Associate Student Government (ASG) Student Representative to the Board of Trustees and later as ASG President. Damon is also part of the prestigious Leon S. Peters Honors program.

He worked as a student assistant and played a major role in helping open the Valley Community Small Business Development Center (SBDC).Mr. Rapada delivered a wonderful speech at the inaugural president’s breakfast last September. He is always willing to help, volunteer, and serves as a great role model for students.

Last fall, he endured a challenge when his mother, a single parent, lost her job. He made a very mature decision and resigned as ASG president to get a job to financially help his family. During this time, he always stayed positive and knew the right thing to do was to support his family.

Damon earned an associate degree for transfer in political science and will transfer to University of California, Davis this fall. Eventually, he plans to attend law school and become an attorney. We know Damon will represent the “Crush” well in his future endeavors.

Damon was recently interviewed about his experience at Clovis Community College.

Mr. Damon Rapada

Ms. Anna-Marie Miller

Student Services

Anna-Marie Miller has overcome many challenges including raising a child as a single parent while studying and working her way through college. Since the CalWORKs program gave her the opportunity to go to school, she has worked extremely hard and will graduate with honors. She will transfer to Fresno State University to study history, after which she plans to become a history professor and a writer. 

Mr. Arturo Sanchez

Humanities, Social Sciences, and Athletics

Arturo Sanchez is a first-generation Latinx returning student who, despite overcoming many adversities, including homelessness, has earned three associate degrees in art 2-dimensional, AAT studio arts, and liberal studies; all while maintaining a 3.95 GPA and managing a local pizza restaurant. He plans to transfer to Fresno State or Fresno Pacific University to pursue Art. 

Ms. Jaqueline Janay Sanders

Student Services

Jaqueline Janay Sanders has been a student assistant in the Career Resource Center for the past year, quickly becoming a lead student assistant while providing valuable support to students and staff.  She is graduating with an associate degree in sociology for transfer and plans to pursue a bachelor’s in social work at Fresno Pacific University. She plans to work as a social worker with a focus on public policy. 

Mr. Reno Seckinger

Career Technical Education

Reno Seckinger, a first-generation college student and father of three, earned his associate degree in child development with a 4.0 GPA while managing his own tattoo business. He plans to transfer to Fresno State in fall 2019 and is contemplating either a path in education and/or construction management and architecture. The Child Development Center has greatly benefited from Reno’s contribution and willingness to share his love of art.