Out of 17,000 students at Bakersfield College, only 23 were chosen to be part of the eighth annual Celebration of Student Success in Career Technical Education.
On April 10, about 150 students, professors, counselors, administration and guests attended a formal dinner held at the BC cafeteria.
“Here at BC, we support students in what they do best,” announced William Andrews, BC president. “We have chosen the best and brightest of 2008. This is not an easy place to get to.”
The CTE is made out of programs offered at BC, such as animal science, child development, digital arts, engineering, nursing, woodworking and many more. There are 23 CTE programs that choose one student and recognize his or her achievements within that field. The student then chooses two faculty members also to be recognized at the dinner.
Evelyn Feltus was one of the recognized students in the event. “I am proud and honored,” said Feltus, “to be chosen out of so many students who put such great effort.”
According to Feltus, she may have been chosen because of her volunteer work, her positive attitude, her contribution to the culinary program and her coaching of students. “I would have voted for them [students] before I voted for myself,” said Feltus.
Each student received a certificate, a $200 scholarship, and various comments written by the administration.
“We need more young people like you,” announced Ed Knudson, vice president of Academic Affairs, to Eric Garcia who was recognized by his efforts in agriculture business management.
Comments varied from the personal life of students to accomplishments in BC.
“Students, you are becoming what we always love: taxpayers,” Knudson said. The crowd laughed.