Nominated by Tara Jones, Suzanne Djariri, and Tom Peebles

Joe has served as an Embedded Tutor in our College Algebra with Support classes for two semesters at MCC-Red Mountain. Joe has a genuine desire to help students be successful in math and our students are grateful for his support during their academic journey. He provides students with alternative methods of solving problems as well as encourages students to think mathematically. Outside of class, Joe is available to students in the tutoring center and also conducts review sessions before exams. Joe collaborates with math instructors to share problem-solving strategies that may help students connect with the content they are studying.

In addition, Joe has shown many outstanding attributes of a student. He asks meaningful and insightful questions which show a command of the material he is learning. He encourages and helps students around him during class and shows a strong sense of perseverance and determination when studying a complicated topic. Joe’s enthusiasm for learning mathematics is recognized by both students and instructors.

Nominated by Graham Boorse

Sally is an amazing student, who continually strives to better understand the material discussed in both the Microbiology lecture as well as lab. This drive consistently earns Sally top marks on both lecture and lab exams. She also demonstrates excellence within the laboratory, where competency in various microbiological skills is a necessity.

But where Sally truly shines is in her insightful questions. She constantly seeks to make connections between our course content and what she experiences in her job. Sally completed her paramedic training at MCC and now uses that knowledge and skills in an emergency room. There have been multiple instances where we discuss a topic in class, and either during class or after, she will approach me with a question like, "Why are these two antibiotics used to treat this condition?" Questions like this, where students are thinking about how this course material relates to their experiences are music to my ears.

Sally hopes to further her medical expertise by attending the nursing program. I do not doubt that she will continue to excel in nursing or any other medical endeavor she chooses to pursue. 

Nominated Puvana Ganesan/Precious

Dedication, helpfulness, & a willingness to go above and beyond--these are some of the words that come to mind when I think of Blaine Anderson. With his calm demeanor, inclusive attitude, and excellent communication skills, Blaine has co-led the RM Game Club to be one of the most successful student organizations on the Red Mountain campus. His wonderful efforts are greatly appreciated. Onwards and conquer, Blaine aka Mordred.

Cassie's initiative and dedication are noteworthy. She puts in positive efforts to ensure that her class work is excellent, and she possesses wonderful communication skills. She exhibits Red Mountain spirit by being courteous, hardworking, and a go-getter! Cassie's love for singer/songwriter, Taylor Swift, means that she emulates social activism such as spreading awareness for LGBT as well as women's rights. Cassie, in T-Swift's words, “We DO deserve what we want — we deserve the best....surround yourself with people who believe in you, who inspire you, and who love you just as you are and are yet to be." I am so honored to cross paths with you. 

Nominated Erica Horihan and Michaela Cullipher

Micayla was elected to serve in the role of Student Body President for ASMCC (Student Government) at Red Mountain throughout the 2022-23 academic year. She has the distinction of being the first-ever student president of the Red Mountain campus, as this was the first year that we designated separate branches of ASMCC for each campus. Micayla has gone above and beyond in her role, dedicating many hours to improving the experience for her fellow students at MCC Red Mountain. From pizza parties and breakfasts to fun kits for students to start and end the semester, attending meetings representing students, and advocating for student needs--Micayla has done it all! She also organized and participated in a unique event this year with her fellow ASMCC officer, Blaine Anderson. They debated good vs. evil in the Marvel Universe when they discussed whether Thanos was the hero or villain. Micayla takes it upon herself to do what needs to get done, both in her role as ASMCC Red Mountain President and in her position as a Student Ambassador in Student Life. She takes initiative and gets the work done. We have appreciated Micayla's leadership and look forward to seeing where the future takes her. Thanks for all you do, Mickey B!

Nominated Elizabeth Simpson

Daniel Gomez has been in my ENG 102 class this spring semester, and he is a remarkable, hard-working student. Daniel comes to class every class meeting and is always prepared for the day’s activities and writing. Writing takes practice and time—and many students get discouraged when their writing is not “perfect” on the first try. Daniel takes all advice and recommendations to improve his writing, and while he might get discouraged sometimes, he makes every effort to revise and improve his work—even when it means taking the time to schedule an appointment at the writing center. Daniel’s writing has improved throughout the semester, and I am very proud of the time and effort he puts into his work. He is the kind of student we all want in our classes! I am very proud of Daniel, and I am happy to nominate him for a Red Mountain Summit Award. 

Nominated Elizabeth Simpson

The best college students embody the “Habits of Mind” like persistence, creativity, imagination, and innovation. Rorie Boren is one of these students! Rorie has been a student in my ENG 101 and 102 classes this academic year. She is an amazing student and writer who is always engaged and ready for class. She has had nearly perfect (if not perfect) attendance for two semesters and never fails to show up with her assignments completed to the best of her ability. She is always striving to earn good grades as a matter of personal pride and is never shy about asking questions. She is considerate and mindful of her classmates and generous to offer help to fellow students when they need it. Rorie is goal-oriented and knows that hard work and good grades will help her reach her goal of entering the nursing program at MCC. I feel so fortunate to have known Rorie over the last two semesters, and I am impressed by her growth as a writer and college student. I am very proud to nominate her for a Red Mountain Summit Award. 

Nominated Elizabeth Simpson

I am excited to nominate Kayli Young as an exceptional student and member of the honors program here at the Red Mountain Campus. Kayli has been in my class for two semesters, for both ENG 101 and ENG 102, and she stands out as a student who both takes her education seriously and enjoys her time in college! Kayli never fails to say “Good Morning! How are you today?” when she comes into class—greeting both me and her classmates with her cheerful attitude. Kayli perseveres through challenges with dignity, poise, humbleness, and always, always a smile. ENG 102 is one of those classes that can be daunting because of the writing and research assignments, but Kayli approached each assignment with what psychologist Carol Dweck calls a “Growth Mindset” and allowed each assignment to be a learning experience. Kayli motivated her classmates and inspired them to look out for one another. I feel very lucky to have had Kayli in my class for this academic year, and I am proud to nominate her for a Red Mountain Summit Award. She is very deserving of this recognition. 

Nominated Cara Webb

Drew has displayed excellent leadership skills through his role as Adventure Association club president. Drew is always excited and ready to participate in every adventure we have! He is always looking out for fellow club members when we are out hiking. He ensures that everyone feels comfortable and is having a good time. He always brings positive energy to the club! Thank you Drew for being a great club president! 

Nominated Daniel Labadie

Since joining us as an intern in the past Fall semester, Andrew has greatly evolved in his role at the Red Mountain Fitness Center. From solo-instructing his classes to personal training and representing the fitness center at multiple events, Andrew has made an incredibly positive impact on all the participants he's worked with. Hear what some recent members have said about him:

"I was so impressed with how caring and helpful Andrew was towards someone with less mobility/injuries. His expertise was reflected in every class that he conducted."

"Andrew is very encouraging and motivating whenever I work with him! He makes sure to explain things thoroughly, so I am doing each exercise safely. He always brings positive energy!!" 

Nominated Cheryl Price-McKell

Avery is a dedicated learner and supportive peer. He comes to class looking to gain new experiences, new information, new connections, and new ways of interpreting the world. He is quick to collaborate, inspire, and motivate those around him. Classmates strive to do more and better work when Avery is on their team. Avery’s attentive and curious nature has led to remarkable developments and improvements in his critical thinking skills and his writing. With all that I’ve seen him accomplish in just two semesters of college, I’m excited to consider all he’ll accomplish in the years to come. 

Nominated Alex Cheroske

Michelle has been a joy to have in my human anatomy and physiology courses and exemplifies the success of our Red Mountain students in many ways. To be sure Michelle is a dedicated student but she goes above and beyond in her learning which benefits herself as well as other students. She not only spends many hours ensuring her success but is always looks for innovative ways of learning. For instance, she uses her iPad to create poster-like visuals which include labeled figures, detailed notes and other external graphics that enhance her learning.  They are exemplary tools that she has also has been willing to share with her colleagues. In addition, she actively contributes to study groups where she works with diverse students of many different ages and perspectives.  Michelle also has fantastic questions related to our content that she  regularly shares with the class, again to her and the class's benefit. She does all of this during her academic pursuits while balancing many other aspects of her life.  This semester has had a number of life events that have required resourcefulness and resilience, of which she consistently demonstrates. In addition, she does all of this with a smile and a sunny disposition that is appreciated by all of us.  Red Mountain will miss her as she successfully moves forward in her academic and career pursuits!