Montgomery County Community College To Provide Student Housing – At Gwynedd Mercy University

Dormitory at Gwynedd Mercy University

Blue Bell/Pottstown, PA —Montgomery County Community College recently signed an agreement with Gwynedd Mercy University to provide housing for MCCC students.

Through the agreement, which was signed in December, MCCC students can select to live on campus at Gwynedd Mercy for the same room and board rates that University students pay. MCCC, which is on Route 202 in Blue Bell, Pa., is less than four miles from the University, located on Sumneytown Pike in Gwynedd Valley, Pa.

According to Philip Needles, vice president for student services at MCCC, the College receives inquiries each year, especially from international students and culinary arts students, about the availability of student housing.

“I think this a winning partnership for both MCCC and Gwynedd Mercy University, and a great example of how local institutions can work together to address students’ needs,” Needles said.

Danielle Gross, director of public affairs for the Pennsylvania Commission for Community College, said she believes the agreement is unique in the Commonwealth. “Articulation agreements between community colleges and four-year institutions are common, but we don’t know of any other such agreement related to student housing,” Gross said.

Currently, the College serves 178 international students from 51 different countries, especially in programs such as culinary arts and business. International students who have enrolled at MCCC in the past have had to seek off-campus housing in the area which can be cost prohibitive.

The College hopes to increase enrollment by providing student housing at Gwynedd Mercy University, but the housing option will be open to all students who choose to experience that aspect of college life.

Gwynedd Mercy University sees the agreement as an opportunity to further strengthen its relationship with MCCC and attract more transfer students from the local two-year college with which it has an articulation agreement. The housing agreement will also provide an additional revenue stream for the University. The cost of room and board at Gwynedd Mercy ranges from $5,570 per semester for housing and a 10-meal plan to $6,270 per semester for a 19-meal plan for the 2017-18 academic year.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to offer Montgomery County Community College students an affordable and convenient way to experience all the benefits of living on a college campus,” said Cheryl Lynn Horsey, Ph.D., vice president for enrollment and student services at Gwynedd Mercy University. “Students who choose to take advantage of this option will have access to all the co-curricular programming offered to GMercyU students, including on-campus events, service opportunities, and our very popular and growing intramural sports and recreation program.”

The agreement also provides MCCC students with an excellent path forward to any number of baccalaureate degrees offered at Gwynedd Mercy University, Horsey added. “Essentially, students can live on campus all four years, spending their first two years taking classes at MCCC and the next two years taking classes at GMercyU.”

About Montgomery County Community College
For more than 50 years, Montgomery County Community College has grown with the community to meet the evolving educational needs of Montgomery County. The College’s comprehensive curriculum includes nearly 100 associate degree and certificate programs, as well as customized workforce training and certifications. Students enjoy the flexibility of learning at the College’s thriving campuses in Blue Bell and Pottstown, at the Culinary Arts Institute in Lansdale, and online through a robust Virtual Campus.

As an Achieving the Dream Leader College, the institution is positioned at the vanguard of national efforts to increase completion, improve learning outcomes, and remove barriers to access for students. The College is also recognized regionally and nationally for its sustainability leadership, work with military veterans, community service and service learning opportunities, and use of classroom technology. For more information, visit http://www.mc3.edu.

About Gwynedd Mercy University
Gwynedd Mercy University prepares students to become top professionals in the fields of business and education, nursing and other health professions, and the arts and sciences. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1948, Gwynedd Mercy University is a Catholic, co-educational institution offering more than 40 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The University’s Main Campus is situated on 160 beautiful private acres in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania, just 30 minutes from Philadelphia. The University also offers online/accelerated degree programs for working adults with campuses conveniently located in East Norriton, Philadelphia and Bensalem. Learn more at gmercyu.edu, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Montgomery County Community College High School Completion Program Earns National Honor

Blue Bell/Pottstown, PA — A Montgomery County Community College program designed to make sure struggling high school students do not slip through the cracks of the education system has earned a national honor.

The Gateway to College program at MCCC is one of only eight programs nationwide to receive the Excellence Award from the Gateway to College National Network. The Network includes more than 40 programs at community colleges throughout the country.

Through Gateway to College, students who have dropped out of high school or are significantly off track complete their high school diplomas at college-based programs such as the one at MCCC while simultaneously earning college credits toward a post-secondary degree or certificate.

Currently, the Gateway to College Program at MCCC serves 45 students from 18 school districts in Montgomery and surrounding counties. Established at MCCC in 2013, the program has help 83 students earn their high school diplomas and matriculate at MCCC.

To achieve the award, the MCCC program surpassed established benchmarks in all four categories including first-term grades, one-year persistence, two-year persistence and graduation rate, according to Gateway to College National Network President Emily Froimson.

“Your program is an exemplar for all of our partners and high school reengagement programs across the country,” Froimson wrote. “We are encouraged by your success and look to your program to be a model and a leader within our network.”

Keima Sheriff, director of the MCCC Gateway to College program, said the staff and students in the program were excited to receive the award.

“This award is a tribute to the caring, hard-working staff of the Montgomery County Community College Gateway to College Program, and the students who have worked so hard toward completing their high school diplomas,” Sheriff said. “Many of these students, for one reason or another, had nearly given up on completing high school, but through this program, they find an inner strength and confidence that they need to achieve their educational goals.”

About Montgomery County Community College
For more than 50 years, Montgomery County Community College has grown with the community to meet the evolving educational needs of Montgomery County. The College’s comprehensive curriculum includes more than 100 associate degree and certificate programs, as well as customized workforce training and certifications. Students enjoy the flexibility of learning at the College’s thriving campuses in Blue Bell and Pottstown, at the Culinary Arts Institute in Lansdale, and online through a robust Virtual Campus.

As an Achieving the Dream Leader College, the institution is positioned at the vanguard of national efforts to increase completion, improve learning outcomes, and remove barriers to access for students. The College is also recognized regionally and nationally for its sustainability leadership, work with military veterans, community service and service learning opportunities, and use of classroom technology. For more information, visit http://www.mc3.edu.

Montgomery County Community College Offering Three Open Houses This Spring

Blue Bell/Pottstown, PA — Montgomery County Community College will hold three open houses this spring, and students who attend will be eligible to win a scholarship for a three-credit course. 

To register, visit http://www.mc3.edu/springopenhouse or call 215-628-2969 for Central Campus, 610-427-4984 for West Campus, or 267-646-5970 for The Culinary Arts Institute. 

The West Campus in Pottstown, Pa. will host an open house on Saturday, April 1, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The West Campus is located at 101 College Drive. 

The Culinary Arts Institute of Montgomery County Community College in Lansdale, Pa. will host an open house on Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Culinary Arts Institute is located at 1400 Forty Foot Road.  

The Central Campus in Blue Bell, Pa. will host an open house on Saturday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Central Campus is located at 340 DeKalb Pike.  

Both the Central and West Campus open houses will provide information about the College’s associate degree and certificate programs, an opportunity to meet our award winning faculty, as well as information about the admissions process, paying for college, student success programs, academic support, transfer opportunities, the University Center, and student organizations and clubs, among other topics.  

At The Culinary Arts Institute’s open house, attendees will watch two CAI students battle to win a one thousand dollar prize in The Clemens Food Group Bacon Breakfast Recipe Contest, and will have the opportunity to tour the kitchens and classrooms while learning about Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry Arts and Hospitality associate degree programs, as well as Culinary Enthusiast classes and other non-credit offerings. Representatives will be on hand to answer questions about the admissions process, financial aid, scholarships and the transfer partnership with Johnson & Wales University, among other topics. 

Five three-credit course scholarships will be raffled at the Central Campus open house, and three three-credit scholarships will be raffled at both the West Campus and Culinary Arts Institute open houses. Students must be present to win, and fees are not included. 

About Montgomery County Community College  
For more than 50 years, Montgomery County Community College has grown with the community to meet the evolving educational needs of Montgomery County. The College’s comprehensive curriculum includes more than 100 associate degree and certificate programs, as well as customized workforce training and certifications. Students enjoy the flexibility of learning at the College’s thriving campuses in Blue Bell and Pottstown, at the Culinary Arts Institute in Lansdale, and online through a robust Virtual Campus.   

As an Achieving the Dream Leader College, the institution is positioned at the vanguard of national efforts to increase completion, improve learning outcomes, and remove barriers to access for students. The College is also recognized regionally and nationally for its sustainability leadership, work with military veterans, community service and service learning opportunities, and use of classroom technology. For more information, visit http://www.mc3.edu.   

MCCC Center For Workforce Development Offers Professional Development Series For Business Owners, Entrepreneurs And Managers

Blue Bell/Pottstown, Pa.—Area business owners, managers and entrepreneurs can prepare to take their businesses to the next level with a series of non-credit professional development courses taught by industry experts being offered by the Montgomery County Community College Center for Workforce Development.

The Center for Workforce Development will offer five seminars on timely, relevant topics including social media marketing, ESOPs and profitability, succession planning, employment law and strategic negotiation on Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. from April 6 to May 4 on the College’s Central Campus at 340 DeKalb Pike in Blue Bell, Pa.

Social Media Marketing (April 4, Parkhouse Hall Room 309): Tap into the power of social media marketing through exploration of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and others. Learn how to establish a social presence that fits your brand, organic posting and scheduling techniques, and targeting paid social advertising. Taught by Devin Concannon, who has managed search engine optimization, conversion rate optimization, paid search, and social media across a digital agency, a Fortune 500, a late stage, and early stage startup. (Course Code: BICBC 1041).

ESOPs and Profitability (April 13, Parkhouse Hall Room 101):  As the Baby-Boomers age, tens of thousands of businesses will be sold over the next decade. Forward-thinking owners are looking for ways to grow their enterprises, take care of their families, and reward the employees integral to their success. This course, led by the Kevin McPhillips, CEO of the non-profit Pennsylvania Center for Employee Ownership, provides an overview of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan basics. Participants will learn how they can be paid handsomely for some or all of their business, while dramatically improving productivity, and rewarding and engaging employees. (Course Code: BICBC 1042).

Succession Planning (April 20, Parkhouse Hall Room 101):  Banks usually require key man life insurance on closely held corporations. Good companies always coach future leaders for success. Learn how to develop a succession plan within your organization and why it is important. Taught by Eapen Johnson, a senior level human resources executive with more than 20 years of experience. (Course Code: BICBC 1043).

Employment Law (April 27, Parkhouse Hall Room 101):  Stay abreast of recent changes in employment law that can affect your business. Taught by Meloney Sallie-Dosunmu, a national and international speaker, trainer, consultant and recognized expert on human resources, leadership and management.  (Course Code: BICBC 1044)

Strategic Negotiation (May 4, Parkhouse Hall Room 101):  Provides individuals at all career stages, including rising managers, with skills to improve negotiation and performance. Learn to approach transactions strategically, think critically, and motivate behavior. Taught by Jeffrey T. Tucker, chair of the Employment Law Practice Group and a member of the Education, Business, and Municipal Law Practice Groups of the Bethlehem, Pa. based law firm of King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul. (Course Code: BICBC 1045)

Each session is $125, or you can register for all five sessions for $500 – a $125 savings. To register, call 215-641-6397, and provide the Course Code associated with each session for which you would like to register. If registering for all five sessions, use the Course Code BICBC 1040.

About Montgomery County Community College

For more than 50 years, Montgomery County Community College has grown with the community to meet the evolving educational needs of Montgomery County. The College’s comprehensive curriculum includes more than 100 associate degree and certificate programs, as well as customized workforce training and certifications. Students enjoy the flexibility of learning at the College’s thriving campuses in Blue Bell and Pottstown, at the Culinary Arts Institute in Lansdale, and online through a robust Virtual Campus.

As an Achieving the Dream Leader College, the institution is positioned at the vanguard of national efforts to increase completion, improve learning outcomes, and remove barriers to access for students. The College is also recognized regionally and nationally for its sustainability leadership, work with military veterans, community service and service learning opportunities, and use of classroom technology. For more information, visit http://www.mc3.edu.

MCCC’s Sustainability And Innovation Hub In Pottstown Earns Montgomery Award For Excellent Planning And Design

Montgomery County Community College received one of the Montgomery County Planning Commission’s Montgomery 2016 award for the planning and design of its Sustainability and Innovation Hub. From left: Jill Blumhardt, Montgomery County Planning Commission board member; Dulcie F. Flaharty, Vice Chair, Montgomery County Planning Commission, Dr. David DiMattio, Vice President of West Campus; Dr. Kevin Pollock, MCCC President; and Jaime Garrido, Associate Vice President for Facililties and Construction at MCCC.

Blue Bell/Pottstown, PA— The Montgomery County Planning Commission recently  presented Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) with a 2016 Montgomery Award for the planning and design of its Sustainability and Innovation Hub at 140 College Drive, Pottstown.

MCCC was one of five award recipients to receive this honor during a recent awards ceremony held at Theatre Horizon in Norristown. The other recipients are The Courts of Spring Mill Station, Whitemarsh Township; Narberth Place, Narberth Borough; Einstein Medical Center Montgomery, East Norriton Township; and Reliance Crossing, Souderton Borough. Additionally, Paul W. Meyer, the F. Otto Haas Executive of the Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania, received the 2016 Planning Advocate Award.

MCCC’s Hub not only has programs in sustainability and innovation, but the building and property are themselves models of these principles. During the course of six years, MCCC transformed the building, a former energy substation, and three-acre brownfield site into a state-of-the-art center for education, innovation and conservation.

“The building is a sustainable energy hub outside–with the wind turbines, green roof and impervious parking lot—and inside—with programs in aquaponics, hydroponics, robotics, engineering and software development,” said Vice President of West Campus Dr. David DiMattio. “The Hub also represents collaboration with the community, through partnerships with the Schuylkill River National and State Heritage area, Riverfront Park, Schuylkill River Trail and Pottstown Borough.”

The architect for the project was Murray Associates Architects of Harrisburg, and the engineering company was Bruce Brooks and Associates of Philadelphia.

Pottstown Borough transferred the property to MCCC in 2007. The rehabilitation was both part of Pottstown’s Redevelopment Plan, as outlined in its 2003 “Riverfront & Memorial Parks Master Plan,” and a way for MCCC to expand its West Campus.

Starting in 2010, MCCC developed the site in three extensive phases, concluding in 2016 with the opening of the Hub on April 18.

Phase I started with the installation of a 202-space parking lot. The innovative design uses bioretention and includes the planting of more than 130 native plants and trees. Through an EPA grant, MCCC installed energy-saving LED lighting.

Phase II included abatement and cleaning of mold, lead and asbestos from the building and involved preparing the building’s south side infrastructure for demolition and remediation. MCCC replaced the leaking roof with an eco-friendly green roof; added a new entrance, handicap-accessible ramp and energy efficient windows; and updated water and sewer services.

Between Phases II and III, MCCC installed four wind turbines on the property. The turbines produce a collective 4,000 watts of energy–enough to power the LED parking lot lighting. The turbines were designed as a demonstration project to teach students and the community about alternative energy production.

Phase III involved the construction of the Hub’s classrooms and innovation spaces in the building’s south side. The Schuylkill River National and State Heritage Area (SRHA) has its headquarters in the north side of the building since 2002, which also includes the River of Revolutions Interpretative Center for visitors.

The Hub’s first floor features an aquaponics and hydroponics teaching laboratory, which supports MCCC’s interdisciplinary Environmental Studies degree program, as well as future programs in the areas such as greenhouse technology, food production, horticulture and landscape design. Aquaponics and hydroponics involve growing fish and soil-less plants in a symbiotic system.

The Hub’s second floor features an Engineering Design Center, which supports MCCC’s Engineering Technology program and prepares graduates for careers in the advanced technology fields of instrumentation, communications and mechanical structures and systems. In this space, MCCC students, faculty and community businesses are working with robotics and 3D printing.

The Hub’s mezzanine floor is a flexible innovation space that can be used by the community, as well as for classes. MCCC holds its new Software Developer Academy in this area.

For more information about MCCC’s Sustainability and Innovation Hub, contact Dr. David DiMattio at ddmatti@mc3.edu or 610-819-2070.

MCCC Medical Assisting Graduates Earn 100 Percent Pass Rate On National Certification Examination

Blue Bell/Pottstown, PA —One-hundred percent of Montgomery County Community College’s (MCCC) 2016 Medical Assisting Certificate Program graduates who participated in the American Medical Technologist’s certification examination for Registered Medical Assistants passed the examination and attained their national certification credential.

The 27 students are: Gabrielle Altomare, North Wales; Joyce Birmingham, Pottstown; Michelle Bruce, Telford; Olivia Buszta, Pottstown; Anna Chandler, Boyertown; Courtney Cravero, Blue Bell; Allyson Forbes, Douglassville; Vanessa Fosco, Norristown; Lakshmiee Gosine, Telford; Rebecca Hanson, Hatfield; Ashley Heffner, Gilbertsville; Rockeisha Kelsey, Norristown; Rachel Krantz, Collegeville; Allison Lackovich, Willow Grove; Nicole Lentz, Pottstown; Maria Martinez; Jaclyn Murphy, Pottstown; Kaitlyn Murphy, Schwenksville; Carmen Orellana, Elkins Park; Elizabeth Raihl, Pottstown; Bridget Rapp, Gilbertsville; Isabella Rotta, Royersford; Jessica Ruben, King of Prussia; Toni Sacerdote, Pottstown; Natasha Scott, Lansdale; Gina Stella, Lansdale; and Vania Trujillo, Souderton.

Since its inception in 2001, the Medical Assisting Program has achieved a cumulative pass rate of 99.5 percent on the RMA national credentialing exam. The program is offered at both West Campus in Pottstown and Central Campus in Blue Bell.

Medical assistants serve a vital role in healthcare delivery, particularly in the care management of a growing aging population. Employers, including hospitals and larger medical practices, are more likely to hire a medical assistant who has demonstrated professionalism through the attainment of the RMA occupational credential.

MCCC’s Medical Assisting Certificate Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs on recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board.

For additional information, contact Medical Assisting Program Director Kathleen Schreiner at 610-718-1812 or email kschreiner@mc3.edu.

Learn More About MCCC At Fall Open Houses

Blue Bell/Pottstown/Lansdale, PA—Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) will hold three open houses this fall to provide prospective students and their families with information about the College’s programs, campuses and activities. To register, visithttp://www.mc3.edu/fallopenhouse or call 215-628-2969 for Central Campus, 610-427-4984 for West Campus or 267-646-5970 for The Culinary Arts Institute.

The College’s Central Campus, located at 340 DeKalb Pike in Blue Bell, will host an open house on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 9 to 11 a.m.

The College’s West Campus, located at 101 College Drive in Pottstown, will host an open house on Saturday, Nov. 5, from 9 to 11 a.m.

The Culinary Arts Institute of Montgomery County Community College, located at 1400 Forty Foot Road in Lansdale, will host an open house on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 10 a.m.-noon.

Both the Central and West Campus open houses will provide information about the College’s 100+ associate degree and certificate programs, as well as information about the admissions process, paying for college, academic support, transfer opportunities, the Virtual Campus, the University Center, intercollegiate athletics and student organizations and clubs, among other topics. Tours will be given and alumni will be on hand to speak with students and families.

At The Culinary Arts Institute’s open house in the Towamencin Town Square complex, attendees will have the opportunity to tour the kitchens and classrooms while learning about Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry Arts and Hospitality associate degree programs, as well as Culinary Enthusiast classes and other non-credit offerings. Representatives will be on hand to answer questions about the admissions process, financial aid, scholarships, and the transfer partnership with Johnson & Wales University, among other topics.

To learn more about all that Montgomery County Community College has to offer, visit http://www.mc3.edu.

‘In The Heights’ Brings Latin Rhythms, Stories To Muhlenberg Summer Stage

Allentown, PA — Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical “In the Heights” — the precursor to his blockbuster Broadway hit “Hamilton” — runs July 13-31 as the second production of the Muhlenberg Summer Music Theatre season.  The show tells a story that many of its cast hold close to their hearts: the story of families and cultures that have been transplanted from far away.

Many of the show’s 20 actors and dancers can tell you a story about their families coming to the mainland United States from Puerto Rico, or Cuba, or the Dominican Republic. For some, that story is not so long in the past. Wilma Rivera, for example, is a professional actress, a Muhlenberg College alumna, and a first-generation American. She says “In the Heights” is the story of her family.

“When I saw ‘In the Heights’ on Broadway, there was this moment when the music of the first number started, and it captured so beautifully the experience of what it’s like to be a Latino,” says Rivera, who plays Camila. “It’s that struggle to maintain an identity and also to assimilate — especially in New York City.”

“In the Heights” was a hit when it opened in 2008, running more than a thousand performances and bringing its composer, Lin-Manuel Miranda, to the attention of theatergoers. Miranda’s innovative score melded the rhymes and rhythms of hip-hop with the Latin-style music of salsa and merengue, and, together with Quiara Alegría Hudes’ book, captured the sights, sounds and stories of the Washington Heights neighborhood of New York City.

The show won the Tony Award for Best Musical and was short-listed for a Pulitzer Prize the following year. Miranda also won the Tony for Best Score. Choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler and musical director Alex Lacamoire also won Tony Awards for their Latin- and hip-hop-inflected choreography and orchestrations. The three would reunite with director Thomas Kail to create “Hamilton.”

“Miranda is deeply versed in ’90s hip-hop,” says James Peck, who directs the production for Muhlenberg Summer Music Theatre. “He picks up beats and rhythm structures and song structures from hip-hop, and he incorporates salsa, merengue, and other Latin styles — but he’s also a musical theatre fanboy from the age of five. The results are really a musical tour-de-force.”

MSMT’s production features choreography by Samuel Antonio Reyes and musical direction by Ed Bara. John Raley designed the set, Lex Gurst designed costumes, John McKernon designed lights, and Patrick Moren designed sound.

Peck credits choreographer Reyes as a driving force behind bringing the show to the MSMT stage.

“Sammy is a hip-hop dancer, a theater artist, and a Puerto Rican. He has a deep understanding of the cultural dynamics at work in this piece,” Peck says. “I wouldn’t have had the temerity to the play without him. It was Sammy saying, ‘I’ve got to do “In the Heights”‘ that made it come together.”

 “In the Heights” tells the universal story of a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood — a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind.

Miranda himself was born in Washington Heights, and grew up in Linwood, one neighborhood over. His parents had moved to New York from Puerto Rico, and every summer, he visited his grandparents back on the island.

Wilma Rivera’s classmate at Muhlenberg, Gabe Martínez, also remembers feeling like he was watching his own family’s history on stage when he first saw “In the Heights.” Martínez saw the show for the first time a year to the day after his grandmother passed away.

“The actress who played Abuela Claudia was the spitting image of my abuela,” says Martínez, who stars as Usnavi, the role that Miranda played on Broadway. “As soon as she walked out on stage, my father and I started weeping. We were at the matinee; I bought the cast recording on the way home and had it memorized by the time I went to bed.”

Martínez’s grandparents moved from Puerto Rico to New York in the 1940s, shortly after his grandfather returned from service in World War II.

“They wrote to each other every day, planning their move to New York, the American dream,” Martínez says. “When the war was over, he hadn’t been home a week when they bought a plane ticket and headed to the Bronx.”

Rivera has a similar connection to the material. Her father immigrated to the United States from Cuba in the early 1970s. Her mother was born in East Harlem, but moved to Puerto Rico as a small child. Both came from poverty, she says. Her mother was the only one in her family to go to college. When Rivera went off to Muhlenberg to study acting, she was the first in her family to attend college on the mainland — and, like Nina in “In the Heights,” she almost gave it up after her freshman year. Department chair Charles Richter talked her into staying.

“‘We need you here,’ he told me.”

Rivera and Martínez were the only two Latino students in the theater program at the time. Neither of them ever had the chance before now to play a Latino character on the Muhlenberg stage — and the opportunity is what drew them back. Both of them have worked steadily as actors since graduating — Rivera in 2009, and Martínez in 2010 — but they have had to be flexible in order to do it.

“I’ve spent my entire professional career praying to see a casting call saying ‘ethnically ambiguous — slash — Latino,'” Martínez says. “We were the only two Latino kids in our class, and now there are lots of kids, and this is their first professional gig, and we’re just so happy for them to start out this way, that these kids are having this opportunity.”

Rivera echoes his enthusiasm.

“This department has really embraced students of color and encouraged their talents, and really raised them up,” she says. “I’m very proud of this college and to be an alumna of this college, and I just hope it continues to grow.”

Martínez and Rivera’s deep connection to “In the Heights” is a common thread through the entire cast, Peck says.

“When people have a chance to be part of a show that speaks to their own experience, they make a significant personal investment in that show,” he says. “It’s rare that these stories get told, and when people have the chance to be a part of these stories, they grab onto that chance.”

In fact, Rivera’s connection to the show runs so deep that she got a tattoo of one of its lyrics, “Paciencia y fe,” a song sung by Abuela Claudia. The lyric reminds her of her own abuela, who died in January.

“It’s heartbreaking to lose that matriarch of a Latin family,” Rivera says. “She’s the stone and we’re all the ripples of what she leaves behind. It holds weight, I think, in this world, that we remember who we are and where we’re from. Gabe and I are very lucky that we have that image of our parents and remember the struggle.”

The actor who plays Abuela Claudia in the production — jazz vocalist, scholar and activist Roberta Meek — agrees. Meek had only one grandparent growing up, and ike Abuela Claudia — and like Rivera and Martínez’s abuelas — she was the keeper of the family’s stories.

“My grandmother was literally the historian of the family,” Meek says. “Her father was born into slavery, and he had been searching for his mother ever since. My grandmother was the griot,” the person who maintains the oral history tradition in many West African cultures. “You came to her for school.”

“In the Heights” is Meek’s first musical theater performance, although she has been performing as a jazz vocalist in the Lehigh Valley for more than 20 years. She also contributed stories and songs to the Touchstone Theatre project “Another River Flows: a Celebration of the Lehigh Valley Black Experience.”

One of the things that “In the Heights” gets right, Rivera says, is the sabor — the flavor of Latin culture and of the Washington Heights community.

“This show is packed full of sabor,” she says.

Some of that flavor is visual; much of it comes from the rhythm and choreographic energy that choreographer Samuel Reyes has brought to the project.

“The blend of salsa, hip-hop and contemporary movement is very exciting for me as a choreographer — and we have found such a dynamic, crazy talented cast,” Reyes says. “This show is going to punch a hole in the wall, both visually and emotionally. I’m just so damn proud to be part of it.”

“In the Heights” plays July 13-31 at Muhlenberg Summer Music Theatre. Performances take place in the Dorothy Hess Baker Theatre, in the Trexler Pavilion for Theatre & Dance. Showtimes are Wednesday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Ticket prices for the first four performances are $33 regular admission; seniors, $29; students and children, $18. Prices for the rest of the run are $39 regular admission; seniors, $36; students and children, $20.

Tickets and information are available at http://www.muhlenberg.edu/smt or 484-664-3333.

MCCC GED Program Reaches Milestone Of 1,000 Graduates

GED 2016 Group: Sixty-one students graduated from Montgomery County Community College’s GED program on June 15, 2016. Included in this class is the program’s 1,000th graduate. Photo by Sandi Yanisko

Pottstown, PA — Montgomery County Community College’s (MCCC) General Education Diploma (GED) program reached a milestone during its annual graduation ceremony on June 15. Among the 61 individuals who earned their diplomas was the program’s 1,000th graduate.

Introduced in 2006, MCCC’s six-week GED program is among the most accelerated in the state. Students spend one week of intensive study in each GED subject—reading and language arts, science, social studies and math—then they take the respective test. The program alternates between day and evening classes every six weeks to accommodate as many students as possible.

The GED program and tests are free to Montgomery County residents, thanks to generous sponsorship from Montco Works, Montgomery County’s Workforce Investment Board. The program costs $100 for out-of-county students.

At least 20 of this year’s graduates are already enrolled in credit courses at MCCC. Graduate speaker Timothy Ream, of Schwenksville, is one of them.

“In the last nine months, I have accomplished more than I did in nine years,” Ream told the audience of graduates, family and friends during his remarks. “I’m currently taking summer classes at Montco, and I have a 3.5 GPA. I know it’s not a 4.0, but it’s better than the 0.6 GPA I left high school with.”

Following his emotion-filled speech, Ream surprised GED Program Coordinator Ed Sasek by presenting him with a plaque on behalf of the graduates.

“This man has dedicated his whole life to adult education,” shared Ream.

MCCC Assistant Professor of Geography Samuel Wallace provided the keynote address, during which he shared the story of his father, who earned his GED after surviving polio.

“My father never attended a year of school, not uncommon in a 1940s Kansas dustbowl,” he said. “After surviving polio, he realized he would never again make money with his legs and back. He got a GED and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in science and engineering.”

Wallace shared that his father wrote the first set of guidelines for federal highway maintenance.

“Your career is not the one you thought you would have when you were 16. A GED is one way to get a second strike at the ball. It’s your jumpstart,” he said.

Janet Rojas, youth research and performance coordinator for Montco Works, presented the graduates with their diplomas. She was joined by Dr. David DiMattio, vice president of the West Campus; Nicole Henderson, dean of student affairs; and Peggy Schmidt, chair of the Workforce Investment Board Youth Council.

In her closing remarks, Schmidt drew applause with a reference to ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” television show.

“You, tonight, have in your hands your own Mirrorball Trophy,” said Schmidt. “You are on the steps of an exciting future. So get out and DANCE!”

To learn more about the GED program or GED testing services, visit http://www.mc3.edu/adm-fin-aid/ged.

Learn About MCCC Nursing Program During Summer Info Sessions

Students work with a simulated patient in Montgomery County Community College’s Nursing Laboratory.

Blue Bell, PA — The community is invited to explore nursing career opportunities at Montgomery County Community College’s (MCCC) Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell, during information sessions this summer.

Sessions will be offered on June 15 and June 21 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and on July 27, Aug. 4 and Aug. 10 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. All sessions will be held in room 218 of MCCC’s Advanced Technology Center, except for the July 27 session, which will be held in room 212. Sessions are free of charge and are open to the public. Pre-registration is not required.

During the information sessions, participants will learn about MCCC’s Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Nursing degree program, which prepares graduates for careers as caring, professional nurses who employ critical thinking skills to the nursing process in order to care for clients in a variety of health care settings. Participants will learn about the program’s admissions requirements, competitive application process, laboratory and clinical experiences, and transfer opportunities.

The U.S. Department of Labor projects a higher-than-average 16 percent job growth rate for Registered Nurses (RN) through 2024, due, in part, to increased demand for health care services by an aging population and greater access to health care as result of health care insurance reform.

To learn more about MCCC’s Nursing program, visit http://www.mc3.edu/academics/areas-of-study/health-sciences/nursing.

Physical Therapist Assistant Program Coming To MCCC In Summer 2017‏

Blue Bell, PA — Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) will introduce a new Physical Therapist Assistant program starting summer 2017. The 70-credit Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) program will prepare graduates for employment as entry-level physical therapist assistants.

The program will integrate classroom and laboratory instruction with full-time practical clinical experiences. Graduates will be prepared to take the Physical Therapist Assistant National Physical Therapy Examination for state certification and licensure.

According to Robert Cullen, Physical Therapist Assistant program director, the program is composed of two distinct phases. During the Pre-Technical Phase, students complete their general education and foundational requirements at their own pace. Students who successfully complete the first phase may then apply for admission into the highly specialized and competitive full-time Technical/Clinical Phase.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists physical therapist assistant third among the 20 fastest growing occupations nationwide, and employment of physical therapist assistants is projected to grow 41 percent through 2024. Locally, physical therapist assistant is identified as a High Priority Occupation for Montgomery County and the surrounding four-county region.

Physical therapist assistants work under the direction and supervision of licensed physical therapists in a variety of settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, rehabilitation centers, school systems, sports medicine facilities and private practice.

The Physical Therapist Assistant degree program will be offered at MCCC’s Central Campus in Blue Bell in the new Health Sciences Center, an integrated and active learning environment. Slated for completion in January 2017, the expansion will add 91,000 square feet to the existing 69,000 square-foot Physical Education Center.

The mission of the Health Sciences Center is to position MCCC as the regional leader in health and wellness education to be the catalyst that transforms lives. The center will house MCCC’s athletics programs and wellness center, as well as its existing Health Sciences programs—Nursing, Dental Hygiene, Medical Laboratory Technician, Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy, Radiography, Surgical Technology, Exercise Science and Wellness, Health and Fitness Professional, and Personal Training, among others. A certificate program in Massage Therapy is also being developed.

To learn more about MCCC’s Health Sciences programing, visit http://www.mc3.edu/academics/areas-of-study/health-sciences.

Accreditation Information

Graduation from a physical therapist assistant education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; phone; 703-706-3245; accredition@apta.org, is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states.

Montgomery County Community College is seeking accreditation of the new physical therapist assistant education program from CAPTE. The College will submit an Application for Candidacy, which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage, on March 1, 2017. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted Candidate for Accreditation status. Achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status is required prior to implementation of the Technical Phase of the program; therefore, no students may be enrolled in PTA courses until Candidate for Accreditation status has been achieved. Further, though achievement of Candidate for Accreditation status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation, it does not assure that the program will be granted CAPTE accreditation.

Donors Recognized For Generosity And Impact On MCCC Students‏

PHOTO: A new plaque outside of the Presidential Reading Room in the Brendlinger Library at Montgomery County Community College’s Central Campus recognizes Richard Montalbano and Deborah Cross for their contributions to the Foundation’s Futures Rising campaign. Photo by Sandi Yanisko

Blue Bell, PA —Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) celebrated the naming of its Presidential Reading Room on June 13 in Blue Bell, thanks to the generosity of Richard Montalbano and Deborah Cross, of Dresher. Their generous pledge to the Student Success Endowed Scholarship as part of the MCCC Foundation’s Futures Rising campaign was commemorated with a plaque.

“The College wholeheartedly thanks Rich and Deb for their generous contribution to the Futures Rising campaign and for their commitment to the success of our students,” shared MCCC President Dr. Kevin Pollock. “For many of our students, a Foundation scholarship is the reason they are able to stay in school and complete their education. By supporting scholarships, Rich and Deb are making a significant and positive impact on the lives of our students.”

Montalbano is a member of MCCC’s Board of Trustees, for which he chairs the Personnel Committee. He also chaired the College’s recent Presidential search.

“I have been involved with MCCC for about a dozen years now, and I am captivated by the unique needs of the student body and the non-traditional students we serve,” said Montalbano. “We are thrilled to provide resources for the students of MCCC to bootstrap themselves into a better future.”

Montalbano has been a hospital administrator for over 40 years, most recently serving as the vice president and project executive for Einstein Healthcare Network. In that capacity, he was part of the leadership team that helped build the new Einstein greenfield hospital and campus in East Norriton.

Cross is an Adult Certified Nurse Practitioner who currently works for Abington Medical Plaza. She previously taught at University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing for 17 years.

Montalbano and Cross have been involved in multiple charitable endeavors, including Impact 100, Habitat for Humanity and healthcare mission trips to Haiti.

Futures Rising, the MCCC Foundation’s first-ever comprehensive campaign, exceeded its $9 million goal to raise a total of $10,526,000 over two years. In addition to establishing 82 new student scholarships, the campaign provided support for key student success initiatives and arts programming, among other areas of need.

To learn more giving opportunities at MCCC, visit http://www.mc3.edu/giving.

Leading Women Event Raises $25,000 For Scholarships, Empowers Women Through Golf

BETH HOLLEGER: Beth Holleger is a 2014 graduate of Montgomery County Community College and is entering her senior year at East Stroudsburg University, where she is an early childhood education major. She was a recipient of the Leading Women Scholarship during her time at MCCC. Beth shared her story during the brunch symposium portion of the event on June 6. Photo by Sandi Yanisko

DR. KAREN STOUT: Dr. Karen A. Stout is the President and CEO of Achieving the Dream and is President Emerita of Montgomery County Community College. She provided the keynote address during the brunch symposium portion of the event. Last year, the event was renamed the Karen A. Stout Leading Women Symposium and Golf Experience, which she founded 12 years ago. Photo by Sandi Yanisko

TAMARA ALI: Tamara Ali shared her story with Leading Women participants during the brunch symposium portion of the event on June 6. Ali is a single mother of four who graduated from Montgomery County Community College in May with an associate’s degree in human services. She is a 2015 recipient of the KEYS Scholarship funded by the event. Photo by Sandi Yanisko

LEARNING WOMEN: The Montgomery County Community College Foundation’s Leading Women Symposium and Gold Experience provides women the opportunity to learn golf in a friendly and fun setting. Here, Leading Women Learners are pictured with PGA Professional Instructor Lou Guzzi. Photo by Sandi Yanisko

Ambler, PA —Women helping women—that’s the idea behind the Annual Karen A. Stout Leading Women Symposium and Golf Experience, a marquee fundraising event for the Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) Foundation.

More than 140 female role models came out to support scholarships and programming for MCCC’s female students at the 12th annual event, named in honor of MCCC President Emerita Dr. Karen A. Stout, on June 6 at Talamore Country Club in Ambler.  The event raised more than $25,000.

“Since the Leading Women Symposium and Golf Experience started, we have raised more than $300,000!” shared Delores Lare, chair of the Foundation Board of Directors. “In 2015, the event provided $14,000 for seven KEYS Scholarship recipients and $23,000 for 15 Leading Women Scholarship recipients.”

Two of those recipients—Beth Holleger and Tamara Ali—were invited to share their stories during the brunch symposium portion of the event.

Holleger, who graduated from MCCC in 2014 and is entering her senior year at East Stroudsburg University, shared the impact scholarships had on her education.

“It was so incredibly humbling and inspiring to know that people I had never even met were investing in me,” shared the early childhood education major. “When you invest in scholarships, you invest in people. You enrich their lives by giving them a chance at a quality education, and this, in turn, enriches the community.”

Ali, who is a KEYS Scholarship recipient, graduated in May 2016 with an associate’s degree in human services.

“I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for women such as yourselves,” she told the attendees. “At the very end of my program, my financial aid ran out. If it wasn’t for the Leading Women Scholarship funds, I would still be struggling to pay for my education. The scholarship allowed me to pay for my education, eliminate stress, bury the burden of unpaid tuition and focus on completing my goals!”

Leading Women arose from conversations between Dr. Stout and Deb Takes, who, with a dynamic group of female leaders affectionately referred to as the “founding mothers,” started a Woman-Owned Business Network and a course, “Starting a Successful Woman-Owned Business,” to support female entrepreneurs.

The motivation behind the golf portion of the event is the need to break down gender barriers that may exist for women in business. As such, Leading Women is not your typical golf fundraiser. Because business deals and networking often occur on the golf course, the event has a unique learner portion, during which participants learn the fundamentals of the game.  As learners get taught how to chip, putt and drive, foursomes of more experienced golfers—many of whom started as learners—play in a scramble format.

Dr. Stout, who now serves as president and CEO of Achieving the Dream, a national student success reform network, delivered a keynote address that focused on ways in which organizations and individuals can move out of their comfort zones and move into learning zones.

“As philanthropists, we need to think not in terms of empowering female students, but in how we can break down barriers that prevent them from succeeding,” she said. “We need to unlock the transformative power of education for those who need it most and can contribute back in meaningful ways in their community.”

The organizing committee for 2016 Leading Women Golf Symposium was led by two MCCC alumna and Alumni Hall of Fame inductees, Cindi Diccianni and Pat Nunan, both of whom are business owners.

This year’s event was made possible by the following sponsors: ADT, Baker Tilly, Diccianni Financial Group, Fox Rothschild, Alma Jacobs, Ambler Savings Bank, Apollo Granite & Marble, Chartwell Law Offices, State Representative Madeleine Dean, Nance Dicciani, Saul Ewing, Joe and Kathy Gallagher, State Representative Kate Harper, J.O.B. Design & Construction, Keiffer’s Appliances, Lakeview Dental, Lifestyles Design, Motz Wealth Management, Universal Credit Services, Wilmington Trust and UNIVEST-Banking, Insurance, Investments.

In-kind sponsors included 4 Seasons Tanning, Act II Playhouse, Alma Jacobs, Ambler Theater, Blue Bell Country Club, Body Serene Day Spa, Center Square Golf Club, Cindy Diccianni, Comcast, Costco Wholesale, Crown Plaza Philadelphia West, The Culinary Arts Institute of Montgomery County Community College, Dolores Lare, Fireman’s Hall Museum, Gallagher Fluid Seals, Inc., Gerhard’s Appliances, Glasses by Amanda, GolfSmith, HCAM, Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing, Maureen Thompson, Motivs Cosmetics, Norristown Bell Credit Union, A&C Kitchens, Nu Waves Salon, Pat Nunan, Penn Museum, Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Pinecrest Country Club, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Sovereign Security, Stark & Stark, Target, Tattoo Alley, TransAmerica Life, Uncorked Artist and the Leading Women Committee.

For more information, email foundation@mc3.edu or call 215-461-1139.

Montgomery County Community College Announces Spring 2016 Dean¹s List‏

Blue Bell/Pottstown, PA —Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Victoria Bastecki-Perez is pleased to announce the spring 2016 Dean’s List at Montgomery County Community College. The Dean’s List recognizes full-time students who have earned at least 12 cumulative credits at the College and who have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher.

Dean’s List honorees are listed by area of residence.

Abington: Dustyn Collins, Kevin Cruz, Piero Dattoli, Kelly Durphy, Joseph Ganiszewski, Eugene Hong, Justyna Kowalczuk, Adam Lin, Hudson Marsh, Kelly McCoog, Bonnie McDevitt, Gretchen Sinclair, Victoria Steets, Claire Tinsman

Alburtis: Rachel Delp

Ambler: Daniel Asper, Michael Chrzanowski, Julia Ciliberto, Bradley Collings, Caroline Coloracci, Gianna D’Ambruoso, Brian Dukart, Allison Fitzpatrick, Matthew Halligan, Evelyn Hammond, Gabriella Hartzell, Kurt Herbine, Erica Hutchinson, Shannon Imhof-Clark, Evelin James, Akhil Kulkarni, Richard Lavrence-Mrvar, Collin Maurtua, Patrick Mergenthaler, Sarah Milstein, Megan Moyer, Melody Rolon, Eric Rubenstein, Keith Sims, Thomas Stewart, Elisabeth Tumolo, David Vigano, Sarah Wade, Brianna Zera, Amanda Zhou

Ardmore: Richard Gallagher

Audubon: Robert Betton, Erin Emery, Jenny Firn

Bala Cynwyd: Tzivya Green

Barto: Jennifer Long, Kristin Springman

Bechtelsville: Joseph Hartline, Corey Pettine, Shelby Rubright

Birchrunville: Keenan McCormick

Birdsboro: Kaitlin Eichenberg

Blue Bell: Jenna Brownlowe, Sarah Carminati, Alexander Cheikin, Emily Didomenico, Katelynn Gold, Stefanie Herbert, Joseph Moreira, Robert Nolan, Hollie Roberts, Xandria Schaeffer, Aram Vartanian, Susan Yim

Boyertown: Paris Herbst, Jonathan Johnson, Morgan Lepre, Kendal Moyer, Andrew Parsons, David Rohrbach, Lauren Specht, Katelyn Wentzel

Bridgeport: Olivia Lewiski

Bryn Mawr: Robert Klein

Chalfont: Alexandra Capocasale, Eun Choi, Dahyeon Jeong, Laura Lutsenko, Thomas Noonan, Grant Smith

Cheltenham: Maliyah Howell, Timothy Wylesol

Chester Springs: Qianyan Wu

Collegeville: Laura Adams, Rebekah Bondi, Nicole Bradbury, Sean Brady, Brett Capobianco, Laura Catanese, Emily Cosmi, Nicole Dalasio, Madison Devlin, Anna Di Giovanni, Thomas Drakeford, Nicholas Duffy, Mark Dylinski, Brian Furman, April Galie, Jordan Higley, Stefani Jones, Evan Kahn, Rachel Krantz, Madison Leopold, Eric Lesinski, Geoffrey Melle, Guisette Ortega-Crespo, Ashley Parker, Brianna Patterson, Michael Reiner, Allyson Roach, Lindsay Siron, Jacqueline Smith, Gisselle Tirado, Michael Topham, Catherine Urbanski, Nicole Viola, Amanda Watson, Alexandra Whitman, Stephanie Yovish

Colmar: Jacob Weltman

Conshohocken: Michael Bokoski, Kathleen Costello, Rachel Dibenedetto, Kacie Gallagher

Douglassville: Anna Chandler, Lorenzo Giotti, Bryn Hunsberger, Alexandra Leblanc, Brooks Wisniewski

Dresher: Savannah Lambert, Dana Tascarella, Adam Wasserman

Eagleville: Daniel Buttorff, Kayla Doran, Julie Primavera, Moin Rana, Tiffany Zerbe

East Greenville: Stephen Andress, Brendan Diehl, Deanna Frederick, Heather Haby, Benjamin Hammill, Shelby Reger

East Norriton: Katherine Bampfield, Daniella Barletta, Kathleen Diferdinando, Emily King, Edward Lohmeyer, Jason Milito, Raj Rawal, Nichole Romano

Elkins Park: Danny Asmaro, Cecilia Dang, Caitlyn Deviney, Marin Harwood, Kayla Henschel, Thomas Huang, Asad Malik, Amy Malloy, Justin Morton, Katelyn Tausendfreundt, Angelo Torrecampo

Elverson: Donald Gaudi, Samantha Hyder

Erdenheim: Madeleine Birdlebough, Andrew Pultorak, Mark Vido

Flourtown: Julianna Cardamone, Michael Heffernan, Sarah Kelly, Vincent Madle

Fort Washington: Patti Dolaway, Dukki Kim, Basanti Tamang

Gilbertsville: Blanca Anoushian, Oluwatosin Bankole, Brian Bibby, Addee Grabowski, Ronald Holtz, Paul Jaworski, Kathleen McCartney, Pamela Miller, Paula Miller, Bridget Rapp, Claudia Savory, Alex Siwik, Marlee Snyder, Mikayla Sobjak, Taylor Stubblebine, Joshua Urbach, Charles Vitabile

Gladwyne: Holly Horton

Glenside: Alyssa Bauer, Stacey Bryan, Caroline Ciocca, Elisabeth Cripps, Anita Gallagher, Marc Grandinetti, Karis Herzer, Harry Kim, Devon Kluver, Brooks Mormando, Regina Newlin, Jacob Ross

Green Lane: Joshua Beck, Marlene Cooper, Zach Diehl, Emalene Sylvester

Harleysville: Katalin Abraham, Lane Alderfer, Christine Campbell, Alexa Capeci, Dimitri Coachi, Matthew Covel, Jocelyn Cribbs, Michael Fewer, Emily Gordon, Grace Guntz, Faith Guntz, Lauren Hinkle, Madison Messina, Chris Murphy, Eric Reed, Madalyn Reed, Edbert Ruliff, Brianna Vandegrift, Lee Wilcox, Kevin Wood, Michael Zawacki

Hatboro: Natalie Camacho, Joseph Cannella, Paul Conover, Kelsey Holm, Jennifer Jacker, Prerna Pathak, Sean Plizak, Adam Resnick, William Roeger, Louis Sgro

Hatfield: Eric Albaugh, Colleen Andris, Sandra Beitler, Heather Buchhalter, Megan Fricker, Brandon Gilrain, Rebecca Hanson, Daniel Hedge, Allison Himes, Scott Keffer, Sarah Kling, Lauren Lee, Denise Lied, Nicole Miles, Lyn-Lynh Nguyen, Goralben Patel, Victoria Reeser, Emily Seiler, Janeel Solanki, Metal Solanki, Kelly Tran, Connor Wallis

Horsham: Stefanie Barszowski, Julia Besu-Mcleish, Christopher Bowie, Sarah Hucaluk, Casey Johnston, Kristal Jusino, Sieun Lee, Danielle Lybrand, Kristen Mayo, Bernadette McGirr, Aaron Murphy, Heather Pringle, Victoria Rivers, Nicholas Robinson, Avery Romanoli, Woo Young Song, Daniel Yeager

Huntingdon Valley: Sean Burke, Sarah Ciambrano, Deena Derenzis, Shelby Odhner, Adam Peled, Julie Schilling,Timothy Terrizzi

Jeffersonville: Nicolas Soldano

Jenkintown: David Castner, Min Chang, Courtney Colkett-Harvey, Eleni Driza, Madeline Firth, Moeunsaem Jung, Mabinty Kamara, Casey Kasitz, Jinman Li

King of Prussia: Adejoke Agboola, Shaya Edelman, Spencer Edelman, Stephen Ferguson, Abigail Green, Kyle Gutkowski, Angelika Mari Morelos, Angelika Mae Morelos, Bao Nguyen, Louise Norman, Fiona Palladino, Courtney Rehm, Linda Sobeck, Cameron Speak, Alex Wise

Lafayette Hill: Michael Fitzpatrick, Chad Stante

Landsdale: Fatemah Najafali

Lansdale: Philip Ahn, Anthony Buonpastore, Lisa Cahill, Hannah Campbell, Rebecca Carpenter, Perez Cho, Meet Chovatia, Marisa Christensen, Alanis Ciccitto, Elaine Daubney, Alison Deitsch, Grace Detweiler, Joseph Difeo, Jonathan Dimascio, Alexander Durso, Jessica Evans, Kelly Franklin, Kevin Franklin, Alex Gabriel, Rachael Grallnick, Regina Guzman, Arjina Islam, Jae Jang, Brendan Jaquay, Zainab Joda, Yoon Kang, Daniel Kappler, Kathleen Kearns, Jaron Kicinski, Chang Yong Kim, Mason Koch, Aaron Laroche, Alex Larosa, Amanda Lashkevich, Jacqueline Lepre, Xinjian Li, Jessika Loburak, Brooke MacKey, Courtney Mangano, Michael McLaughlin, Konstantina Merianou, Aviera Mitchell, John Ockershausen, Alyssa Okarski, Greg Olsen, Stephen Pacello, Elizabeth Patchell, Mudra Patel, Micah Phillips, Ariane Poulin, Valerie Pry, Lauren Quigley, Dylan Rainone, Philip Rakszawski, Tara Reinmiller, Mikaela Rottina, Kristen Saul, Natasha Scott, Jeet Shah, Devanshi Shah, Kevin Shin, Gina Stella, Adam Thacker, Julianna Tresca, Joshua Varga, Suna Won, Liting Zou

Laverock: Richard Peyton

Lederach: Megan Kirby

Limerick: Kyle Allebach

Lower Gwynedd: Samantha Schafer

Maple Glen: Kevin Nesbitt

Merion Station: Catherine Schaper

Montgomeryville: Elizabeth Flagler

Norristown: Nicodemus Andanje, Susan Anderson, Korinne Bryan, Jessica Christman, Caitlin Collis, Jaquelin Cruz-Jordan, Megan Dempsey, Chante Forde, Vanessa Fosco, Emma Hagel, Ryan Hamilton, Alison Henning, Dana Hume, Michael John Jazul, Gilbert Martinelli, Jacori McEachnie, Felicia Milano, Wilfredo Montijo, Daija Moore-Evans, Elizabeth Palesano, Tara Rivers, Alondra Santos-Castillo, Ryan Sene, Gabrielle Smith, Joanna Thompson, Cristobal Vega, Caitlyn Verdin Soriano, Dmitry Vereykin, Christopher Waters, Laurie Whiteley, Jessica Whittle

North Wales: Gabrielle Altomare, Krupa Bhatt, Marissa Boorse, Chialing Chang, Michael Checkowski, Timothy Cooper, Cole Davis, Derrick Dell, Himani Devabhaktuni, Jenna Dickinson, Alicia Eglin, Jessica Fulford, Brianna Gaul, Michael Godown, Kyle Greenwood, Harry Lee, Keyur Patel, Dhavalkumar Patel, Brooke Pulli, Yoomin Sun, Fiamma Tulli, Can Uslu

Oley: Aidan Meacham

Oreland: Cassandra Davis, Nina Grimes, Alexander McDermott, Ryan Meinke, Sara Violi, Tenzin Wangyal

Palm: Chad Butler

Penn Valley: Erica Santos, Alexander Shetzen

Pennsburg: Chad Petipren, Elizabeth Rinehart, Katarzyna Sitko, Olivia Spilman, Tyler Whittaker, Andrew Zambanini

Perkasie: Crystal Serrano

Perkiomenville: Chelsea Faulkner, Leigha Hughes, Charlotte Moore, Julianne Nacarelli, Christie Schwengler, Brandon Taylor, Elizabeth Tcheiguine, Travis Wetzel

Philadelphia: Valeriya Achkin, Stephanie Collazo, Amber Dolison, Carly Handley, Tonetta Henry, Dina Jean, Crystal Joung, Kelsey Marshall, Maria Martinez, Jacqulyn Newlin, Ngan Phan, Chayse Rosciolo, James Shattuck, Quinten Staton, Phallon Summerville

Phoenixville: Daniel Berger, Kevin Colbert, Shannon Horgan, Monica Hritz, Victoria Jennings, Michael Jones, Arsh Patel, Tyler Snowden, Sarah Wochele

Plymouth Meeting: Kyle Bone, Michael Cairns, Rebecca Carbo, Victor Cardone, Ashlie Conboy, Nicholas DiSanto, Patriot Fazliu, Casey Gleba, Jovita Lopez, Kayla Magliocco, Olivia Mailey, Jonathan Marinelli, Timothy McClure, Autumn McClure, Cristian Neagoe, Caroline Rogers, Juman Safi, Rachel Viola, Sarah Viola, Emily Witek

Pottstown: Elaine Allen, Cloe Barbish, Emily Bohn, Thomas Braun, Colleen Canfield, John Chrin, Seth Conbeer, Zachary Davis, Emily Davis, Anastasia Davis, Martin Dobbs, Samantha Faust, Marita Franz, Grant Gaugler, Angelica Glaeser, Tommee Gordon, Casey Hand, Elizabeth Harley, Indya Harris, Evan Hillen, Kirill Hofer, Mekhi Jackson, William Kabrich, Angela Kenney, Hans Konarkowski, Dung Le, Tyesha Lewis, Brian Lightcap, Jasmine Maldonado, Jordan Markoski, Deanna Miller, Andrea Moses, Jaclyn Murphy, Anthony Oglesby, Houda Ozdemir, Paul Parrish, Jonathan Pavlick, Colleen Phillips, Shelby Poston, Kaylyn Richards, Brandon Ruppe-Schlau, Hattie Sandberg, Jonece Sergent, Samantha Shovelton, Alexis Showers, Sara Shultz, Jeffrey Smith, Charlotte Stone, Angelica Stone, Anna Taylor, Allysha Towson, Jeffrey Vontor, James Walmsley, Daniel Walters, Kari Yaculak, Ronni Yerk

Red Hill: Justine Gavis, Mary Heebner, Joseph Hinz

Rehrersburg: Terrence Glenn

Roslyn: Michael Ferry, Daniel Fisher, Joseph Flint, Ruth Myers, Ke’ana Robinson

Royersford: Antoinette Breccia, Lori Buuck, Daniel Dougherty, Sophie Garro, Jennifer Grablewski, Steven Landis, Emily Maxwell, Frank McGuigan, Kyle Richter, Olivia Rodenbaugh, Isabella Rotta, Kyle Surbrook, Kayla Velasquez, Jordan Wheaton

Rydal: Sunisa Naksiri

Salford: John-Curtis Quattrini

Sanatoga: Devon Kling, Ariana Niemann

Schwenksville: Erin Bullock, Daniela Casalinuovo, Alyson Consalvo, Jacob Hennessey, Joseph Homan, Kara Hoover, Christian Houser, Ryan Kasiarz, Kevin Keohane, Blaine Kleiner, Heidi Liebenberg, Conrad Maffin, Colin Murphy, Jessica Pupillo, Rachel Robinson, Corey Stenger, Kathryn Warren

Sinking Spring: Katherine Soto

Souderton: Diana Brunk, Alison Giles, Brett Hale, Catharine Hay, Hyeonjoo Min, Kyle Mondesir, Daulton Rittenhouse, Ruth Rowland, Karissa Shisler, Josiah Souder, Wai Tang, Frank VanDerBogart-Maiorana, Benjamin Walmsley, Nathaniel Walmsley

Southampton: Francis Ludovici

Spring City: Erik Aschendorf, Christopher Parker-Bednarczyk

Stowe: Gabrielle Davidheiser, Abagail Hudock, Troy Lutcavage

Telford: Carina Brown, Jimmy Bui, Samuel Crino, Katherine Derstine, Kara Gaburon, Lakshmiee Gosine, Melanie Hagen, Danielle Halteman, Jillian Hartman, Stefan Hofmeister, David Hollinger, Claire Horrocks, Emily Kuykendall, Lawrence Loughery, Marissa Medycki, Colin Moyer, Preston Moyer

Trappe: Jose Catalan

Trooper: Dominic Coppa

Upper Darby: Ariel Dayan

Upper Gwynedd: Nancy Henggeler

Villanova: James Mearns

Warminster: Margaret West

Warrington: Ngan Do

Wayne: Kira Miller

West Norriton: Madelynn Lund

West Point: Andrew McNaney, Amber Shank

Willow Grove: Natalie Berger, Jessica Delucca, Tamyia Edmonds, Benjamin Fox, Rachel Goldenberg, Elizabeth Laemmle, Ji Soo Lee, Melissa McCann, Michelle Paripsky, Samantha Smith, Kaitlin Taylor, Jingxu Zhu

Wyncote: Ronald Kreines, Marielle Silberman

Wyndmoor: Christine Fariss

Wynnewood: Rivka Gross

Wyomissing: Steven Moya

Yardley: Ramon Peart

MCCC Celebrates Student Success At 2016 Commencement Ceremony

PROCESSION: Associate Professor of Sociology Lee Wood leads to the procession of graduates at Montgomery County Community College’s 49th Commencement ceremony. Photo by John Welsh

Blue Bell, PA —Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) celebrated the success of 1,555 graduates during its 2016 Commencement ceremony on May 19 in Blue Bell.

Ranging in age from 18-70, from 11 countries throughout the world, graduating with 1,597 degrees and certificates in more than 30 areas of study—the class of 2016 reflects the diversity of MCCC’s student body.

Among the members of the class of 2016 are 34 military veterans, 17 international students, 32 student athletes, 294 members of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, 30 graduates from MCCC’s Culinary Arts Institute, 62 graduates from the MCCC Municipal Police Academy, and 45 Virtual Campus students who completed their degrees entirely online. In addition, 133 graduates started their education as dual enrollment students from 30 different high schools.

“You are a remarkably diverse, committed group of students. All of you share an unquenchable determination and hunger for learning,” MCCC President Dr. Kevin Pollock told the graduates during his welcome.

Dr. Pollock also shared a statistic of which he is particularly proud.

“This year, our student body, including many graduates here tonight, logged over 20,000 hours of community service, making a difference on our campuses and in the community,” he said. “Don’t ever lose your drive to improve the world. You will make a difference.”

The theme of opening doors and seizing opportunities carried throughout the evening’s speeches.

“Tonight, I will share three important lessons with you: look for opportunity in every situation; don’t give up; and make a difference,” said PECO President and CEO Craig L. Adams, who provided the keynote address. “There is always a way.”

Adams shared his own educational journey, which, like MCCC’s graduates, started at a community college.

“When I was young, I didn’t think I’d have the change to go to college—but there was a way,” he said. “You will encounter many barriers. Don’t let then stop you from doing what you want to do.”

JACQUELINE RAMOS: Jacqueline Ramos, Hatfield, provided the student address at Montgomery County Community College’s 49th Commencement ceremony on May 19, 2016. She graduated with an A.A.S. in Baking and Pastry Arts and a Certificate in Culinary Arts. Photo by John Welsh

A highlight of the evening was the student address, given by 2016 MCCC Culinary Arts Institute graduate Jacqueline Ramos, of Hatfield.

Ramos passionately shared her experiences as a student, drawing laughter when she recalled Lecturer and Chef Julia Quay creating a ServSafe version of Justin Timberlake’s song “Suit and Tie” to teach the students about foodborne illnesses.

“Never did I feel such a part of my school as I do here. Thanks to Montco and the Culinary Arts Institute, I became part of a family,” she said.

Ramos, who graduated with an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S) in Baking and Pastry Arts and a Certificate in Culinary Arts, also encouraged graduates to be open to new opportunities.

“Regardless of why we enrolled in that first class at Montgomery County Community College, we opened a door! I encourage you to walk through [that door] ready to conquer the world!” she said. “Be open to opportunities and take advantage of them when they come to you. They will open even more doors and new adventures.”

In addition to serving as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost Dr. Victoria Bastecki-Perez presented several awards for teaching excellence to MCCC faculty based on nominations by their colleagues and students.

The late Dr. Lee Bender, who passed away recently after serving MCCC for 48 years as a Professor of Economics and Dean of Business and Computer Science, was posthumously honored with the Pearlstine Award for Teaching Excellence, presented bi-annually to a full-time faculty member.

“Dr. Bender’s unparalleled 48-year tenure at the College, coupled with his commitment to lifelong learning, academic excellence and student success, were cited as clear reasons for his nomination for this award—or as one nominator called it, ‘the College’s first lifetime achievement award for excellence in teaching and excellence in administration.”

Bender’s wife, Carol Shilling, accepted the award on his behalf.

Part-Time Faculty Teaching Excellence Awards, sponsored by Barnes & Noble and presented for only the second time, were awarded to Senior Psychology Lecturer Mary Brenna Burch and Senior Biology Lecturer Ricardo Lopez.

Following the conferring of degrees, Dr. Bastecki-Perez ended the evening with words of inspiration to the class of 2016.

“Ghandhi is famously quote as saying, ‘You must be the change you want to see in the world.’ Graduates, each one of you has taken a step toward being that change by investing in your education and in your future. Your vision, hard work, and perseverance will serve as an example for generations to come. I wish each and every one of you a bright future filled with happiness and success. Congratulations to the class of 2016!”

2016 Montgomery County Community College Graduates

Blue Bell/Pottstown, PA — A total of 1,555 students graduated from Montgomery County Community College with 1,597 associate’s degrees and certificates during the 49th Commencement ceremony on May 19 at the Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell.

The 2016 graduates are listed by area of residence.

Abington: Janet Askin, Cody Bane, Cory Bane, Kyle Becker, Dustyn Collins, Kevin Cruz, Samantha Dowdy, Leslie Foster, Taylor Gordon, Tyler Hasse, Monica Keister, Brian Kelly, Andrew Leeds, Katrina Lundy, Kelly McCoog, Linh Nguyen, Abriana Outen, Gene Ruzzi, Rebecca Sargent, Gretchen Sinclair, April Steed, Benjamin Swanger

Ambler: Lois Ajiboye, Ori Ajiboye, Joanna Bak, Kristine Baldwin, Gina Beasley, Doris Brooke, Latisha Burnett, Christopher Calvano, Bradley Collings, Anna Collins, Stephanie Craveiro, Sylvia Donnelly, Ashley Harris, Kristen Holzherr, Jessica Hoyt, Lisa Leadbeater, Brian Maggio, Zarina Makhatdinova, Frank Mansfield, Sarah Milstein, Keith Muli, Patrick Murphy, Martina Oborna, Andrew Phelan, Carlo Pipitone, Raedeia Roberts, Robert Roche, Nicholas Tylawsky, Eileen Williams, Emily Zalitchi, Amanda Zhou

Ardmore: Quinlyn Campbell, Souleymane Kantako, Gabriel Pressman, John Timmons

Ardsley: Samantha Goerlich, Amanda Kida, Emma Morris, Sarah Wilson

Audubon: Nicole Betton, Robert Bradley, Matthew Civitello, Melissa Cougle, Jessica Culligan, Maanjot Gill, Andrew Heck, Justin Mingle

Bala Cynwyd: Mary Jessica Bloguszewski, Chuny Gyaltsen, Angelica Hunter, Noah Kosherick, Catherine Morroney, Denise Parker, Daniel Real, Nahid Rooshenas, Tiffany Weeks

Ballwin, Missouri: Yanhui Li

Bally: Brittany Dechert

Barto: Matthew Coldsmith, Zachary Kabinoff, Nicole Moyer, Samantha Springman

Bechtelsville: Amber Engle, Joseph Hartline, Corey Pettine, Ashley Rutter

Bensalem: Alexandria French, Rochel Simon

Berwyn: Eva Hozinez

Birchrunville: Keenan McCormick

Birdsboro: Samantha Bergeman, Erika Blaszczyk, Yeukai Everingham, Judy Hoffmeister, Stephen Scholes

Blandon: Daniel Minto

Blue Bell: Lauren Basile, Hannah Bogedain, Timothy Brown, Leland Brown, Ashley Connison, Brianna Cravero, Quinn Demarco, Emily Didomenico, Herbert Edgerson, Katelynn Gold, Eun Kyoung Han, Joseph Hanlon, Andrew Herbert, Shana Hill, Jill Hoffman, John Hong, Joshua Julien, Nicholas Lantonio, Victoria Martorana, Andrew Min, Roman Montijo, Samantha Payne, Hailey Reinbold, Hollie Roberts, Kevin Taylor, Troy Thurston, Karen Williams

Boyertown: Matthew Ayoub, Devon Beck, Bridget Brady, Erica Churchill, Terri Coleman, Bernadette Duckwall, Grace Fennimore, Vincent Giangiulio, James Griffin, Tiffany Kreamer, Amanda Kulp, Andrew Parsons, Jessica Persons, James Raby, Sarah Royer, Megan Sassaman, Lauren Specht, Douglas Stemple, Alyssa Weil, Nicole Weising

Bridgeport: Samuel Boccella, Deanna Cantello, Olga Fazlyeva, Diane Mason, Zachary McCorkell, Mamdouh Mikhail, Nikki Ross

Brooklyn: Peter Makina

Bryn Mawr: Ekta Daswani, Ryan Richards

California: Lisa Aurelia

Chalfont: Paul Choi, Brianna Hampson, Janet Jordan, Peter Ladman, Denean Lear, Patrick Rajavong, Stephen Scafidi, Rebecca Shigo

Cheltenham: Melanie Arroyo, Dillon Campbell, Tara Cherwony, Tyler Dooley, Lindsey Fiegel, Taylor Geigert, Andrew Harcum, Briana Jackson, Timothy Judge, Cody Kauffman, Steven Kiska, Daniel Moser, Stephen Pierce, Laurell Sample, Arnette Smith, Paul Teitman, Joshua Vargha, Chenyang Zhang

Chester Springs: Karen Gratton

Chesterbrook: Joseph Haas

Clifton Heights: Shaniceka Guerra

Clifton: Edwin Betances

Coatesville: Judith McCole

Collegeville: Samuel Ahola, Joshua Alderfer, Ivan Bernabe, William Bianco, Kelly Brennan, Katelyn Brower, Max Bugay, Julie Clark, Elizabeth Cusmina, John Dang, Sean Dean, Amanda Demarco, Dustin Dimarcello, Erin Donovan, Mark Dylinski, Brian Furman, Christine Gambeski, Danieska Giron, Michele Gloser, Amanda Gorski, Lauren Grevera, Audrey Guarnaccia, Jena Hanebury, Lauren Hannon, Brandon Hoy, Jared Keisling, Melissa Kohl, Rachel Krantz, Jenna Kratz, Thomas Leahan, Eric Lesinski, Robert Lorinc, Regina MacMurtrie, Christine Majewski, George McCallion, Geoffrey Melle, Ashley Muhlenberg, Salvatore Natale, Erin Ondrejka, Brigitte Ortega, Guisette Ortega-Crespo, Ashley Parker, Shreya Patel, Ryan Pishock, Nicholas Potter, Patrick Prante, Matthew Pullett, Michael Reiner, Evan Sarvey, Kirsten Smith, Kristie Tang, Kiersten Tasker, Nicholas Vergara, Nicole Viola, Amanda Watson, Tessa Wlodarczyk

Colmar: James Karcher

Colorado Springs, Colorado: Robert Watson

Conshohocken: Joseph Albanese, Jonathan Angelilli, Victoria Barattucci, Seth Barton-Roberts, Michael Bokoski, Kelby Chen, Rachel Dibenedetto, Hannah Drennen, Kacie Gallagher, Allison Giannone, Michele Hagopian, Raina Hansen, Renee Haubert, Audrey Hogan, Andrew Hohorst, Ashley Jackson, Thomas Jones, Kyeong Kim, Caroline Lopez, Joshua Malkasian, Gregory Moore, Tracey Palummo, Leigh Ronnan, Sheila Salcedo, Angela Tammaro, Rachel Tether, Tara Travaline, Richard Vose

Coopersburg: Ann Forrestal

Croydon: Jennifer Leah-Rosa

Douglassville: Bobbianne Babb, Becki Boyer, Emily Cavanaugh, Amber Cooper, Adriana Giotti, Charles Hennessey, Donna Maden, Logan McCoy, Charles Mearhoff, Christopher Roncase, Lisa Schnovel, Nicollette Smith, Lauren Tomlinson, Richard Whitcombe, Christopher Whitney

Dover: Jeromy Pruden

Downingtown: Katherine McQuoid

Doylestown: David Anderson, Dori Brienza, Louis Isernia, Melissa Jackson, Robin Weader

Dresher: William Brown, Ryan Carr, Lindsey Glassberg, John Monaghan, Andrew Wirstiuk

Eagleville: Perla Alarcon, Thomas Bednar, Daniel Buttorff, Amanda Cooney, Joseph Dellangelo, Kayla Doran, Howard Fulmer, April Gamber, Andrew Laroche, Louis Primavera, Julie Primavera, Moin Rana, Dana Roberts, Nicholas Rosato, Devin Schlack, Bethany Smith, Tiffany Zerbe

East Greenville: Aimee Augustine, Danielle Barbacow, Cody Finn, Heather Haby, Joseph Holtje, Colin Hurrey, Brandon Levengood, Rebecca Levengood, Jasmine Martinez, Kassie Remick, Michelle Rose, Emily Theis, Michelle Williams

East Norriton: Viral Amin, Brian Condran, Kathleen Diferdinando, Angelina Diferdinando, Kristy Druding, Kathryn Hall, Edward Lohmeyer, Carolyn Malervy, Danielle Pfender, Jacqulyn Puccio, Kyle Sapovits, Joshua Taylor

East Stroudsburg: Rebecca Contino

Elkins Park: Aliyah Abraham, Erica Bennicoff, Anna Chrzanowski, Sarah Daniels, Caitlyn Deviney, Emily Grubb, Mitchell Hartman, Jesse Heath, Diane Heydt, Adam Hightower, Baofeng Huang, Sally Jimenez, Megan Ladd, Celeste Lauderdale-Smith, Ayanna Miller, Igli Nako, Dat Nguyen, Carmen Orellana, Rolene Perumal, Cynthia Rivera, Tameka Robinson, Daniel Santos, William Schwarz, Jane Shapiro, Ashley Smith, Joseph Walsh, Amy Williams, Troy Wynn

Erdenheim: Christian Morrison, Jessi Shaffer

Fleetwood: Kial Maynard

Flourtown: Jake Frye, Sarah Kelly, Kiera Mazur

Fort Washington: Jonathan Basta, Susan James

Frederick: Breanna Bolton

Fort Polk, Louisiania: Caitlin Sweeney

Galloway, New Jersey: Kyle Rokoskie

Gilbertsville: John Paul Alamares, Brian Bibby, Brenna Bobbin, Gerald Bonmer, Christopher Bradley, Donna Braner, Elizabeth Bringhurst, Alexandra Bringhurst, Kathryn Brown, Marion Bucci, Sharon Delporte, Joseph Dick, Marc Easi, Tyler Emel, Crystle Eselby, Taralee Fox, Brian Guzman, Eric Harrington, Paul Jaworski, Daniel Johnson, Zachary Long, Kristy Mahoney, Myesha McClam, Jarrod McIlvee, Lori McIlvee, Kyle Miller, Daryl Mindler, Melissa Missimer, Katlyn Mutone, Brianne Northrop, Dana Nothstein, Ricky Panicker, Zakery Russell, Jacob Salkovitz, Allison Saulinas, Kristin Sechrist, Silvia Shambo, Alex Siwik, Patience Soli-Ansu, Megan Strickland, Paige Stubblebine, Carly Watson, Joseph Williams

Glenside: Crystal Abel, Nancy Allerton, Abby Aversa, Ruth Barnard, Shania Bebee, Megan Bilbee, Leor Capunitan, Samuel Cline, Christian Coley, Simone Davis, Sebastian Derosa, Zachary Downs, Richard Eisenhauer, Jennifer Erickson, Jacqueline Evans, Timothy Frain, Victoria Fulforth, Theresa Gallagher, Grace Herzer, Michael Jamison, Kevin Junod, Katelyn Kacprowicz, Brendan Kirk, Kathleen Lordi, Samantha Lowe, Danielle Manzinger, Katie McKeegan, Monica Mohammed, Lisa Nguyen, Crystal Nieman, Stefano Notarianni, Eric Orliner, Timothy Parisi, Dianna Pax, Danielle Pearson, Kristie Pileggi, Cheri Plante, Crystal Podrost, Peter Pritz, Matthew Reilly, Jason Rodriguez, Kathryn Rohrback, Amanda Settembrino, Gabriel Shoemaker, Larissa Silva, Andrew Simko, Nathan Sims, Tammi Watson, Talia Williams

Green Lane: April Alarcon, Mark Berkenstock, Zach Diehl, Maria Drescher-Lehman, Olivetta Laporta, Emily Moyer, Robert Ziegler

Greenbelt, Maryland: Robert Ellis

Gwynedd Valley: Maureen Azeff

Harleysville: Katalin Abraham, Angie Argueta, Doug Barber, Michael Bieber, Zachary Boccella, Elizabeth Bones, Kerriann Bongard, Drew Cameron, Megan Cammarota, Christopher Chihlas, Laura Coutts, Erin Cribbs, Miranda Dorsey, Lauren Dunlap, Rachel Frick, Brianna Gerhart, Marissa Gleason, Andrew Goetz, Rida Haque, Sarah Hufnagle, Andrew Kramer, Andrew Kriebel, David Maga, Renee Marshall, Alexander McConnell, James Mohr, Joseph Murphy, Brian Nacci, Katelyn Petrille, Kimberly Ragin, Suzanne Rainear, Eric Reed, Victoria Rosato, Anthony Suppi, Esther Thompson, Danielle Tinelli, Kevin Tomczak, Karlie Vogt, Dianarose Weiler, Martha Wolgemuth, Kevin Wood, Amanda Zacharias, Gabrielle Zaro

Harrisburg: Brandi Clark

Hatboro: Duane Adler, Nickolaos Balis, Joseph Cannella, Rachael Carrullo, Morgan Connell, Kristen Donahue, Cody Fitzgerald, Courtney Galetti, Justin Gavaghan, Catherine Genn, Kelsey Graham, Jennifer Herbert, John Ilisco, Aaron Johnson, Stefanie Keenan, Kyrsten Kennedy, Stephen Kubler, Christy Lawson, Tyreek Magruder, Michael Maimone, Nicholas Malgieri, Courtney McMaster, Michael Moyer, Megan Raslovick, Lenin Romero, Jessica Russo, Leeann Schaffer, Jeff Schreiber, Kristina Swan, Rhiannon Whyte, Kristen Yeager

Hatfield: Leanna Bannon, Julie Barberio, Sandra Beitler, Karan Bhatt, Heather Buchhalter, Brian Burns, Carlos Depaz, Damuli Desai, James Devericks, Matthew Evans, John Feher, Jonathan Ferguson, Jonathan Fiamoncini, Courtney Gill, Brandon Gilrain, Rebecca Goodolf, Heather Harrison, James Heim II, Melissa Huber, Kristen Huber, Jacqueline Huynh, Prabhuti Jakhar, Benjamin Kaplan, Mindy Kim, Linda Kusi, Lynne Labate, Stefan Lesher, Denise Lied, Justin Loew, Angela Loper, Karen Lopez, Cassandra MacDonald, Jennifer Maslanski, Colin McKinnon, Jenna Moyer, Alicia Osborn, Joseph Paskill, Kelly Paskill, Daisy Patel, Payal Patel, Anthony Pletscher, Diane Posavec, Pruthviraj Rabari, Jacqueline Ramos, Victoria Reeser, Shannon Riggall, Mark Romani, Angela Russak, Akli Sari, Allyx Schmidt, Sarah Shepper, Niles Thomas, Dylan Wallis, Connor Wallis, Ricardo White, Amanda Zavala

Haverford: Katelyn McCauley

Havertown: Yafa Dorfman

Henderson: Hailey Beattie

Holland: Michele Amos

Horsham: Stefanie Barszowski, Julia Besu-Mcleish, Maria Boggi, Ryan Brown, Jacqueline Caddle, Thomas Doberstein, Margaret Furlong, David Kim, Danielle Lybrand, Franklin Maiolino, Matthew Marinelli, Kristen Mayo, Douglas Moritz, Samuel Ogilvie, Joseph Palmeri, Sherrilee Pierce, Heather Pringle, Julie Reago, Kimberly Rost, Woo Young Song, Matthew Svoronos, Sam Whitall, Michaela Williams

Houston: Elizabeth Kulp

Huntingdon: Christine Brown

Huntingdon Valley: William Alexander, David Antoni, Luke Castor, Sarah Ciambrano, Chelsea Cooper, Deena Derenzis, Christine Hayward, Julianne Johnson, Jessica Joyner, Deborah Kauffman, Hwanhie Kim, Johanna Licari, Ashley Lynn, Brian Moleski, Bagena Plotnik, Julie Schilling

Jamison: Jiyoung Chun

Jeffersonville: Karen Salamone, Nicolas Soldano, Conard Tomlinson

Jenkintown: Ping Chi, Courtney Colkett-Harvey, Shannon Dougherty, Eleni Driza, Moeunsaem Jung, Jinman Li, Alistair McDonald, Maryclare Meyers, Tetyana Protsyk, Natalia Ramirez Nova, Tomasz Romanowski, Kathleen Vandegrift, Li Zhu

King of Prussia: Ana Carpio, Nicholas Cattani, Jesse Cohen, Jamie Davis, Vincent DeSanto, Joseph Dipaul, Yacine Hacene, Tasia Jones-Hall, Allison Koenig, Angelika Mari Morelos, Angelika Mae Morelos, Mike Noga, Ashley Pagnotti, Meet Patel, Karan Puri, William Robinson, Hali Romeu, Thomas Rosa, Jessica Ruben, Samir Sharif, Kevin Sicilia

Lafayette Hill: Danielle Cervone, Alexis Dougherty, Harrison Griffin, Victoria Jordan, Brian Seyler, James Smith, Chad Stante, Mikhaila Wilkins

Lansdale: Rabbil Ahmed, Rakhi Akhtar, Jasmine Baez, Katherine Beck, Mumtaz Begum, Ryan Bergman, Kevin Braun, Shanetta Brazil, Kristin Brodbeck, Shelby Brown, Heaven Brown, Dennis Capone, Justin Carr, Stephanie Chalmers, Seoyune Choe, Erica Christensen, Marisa Christensen, Joanne Coakley, Patrick Cummins, Nicholas D’Amore, Jonathan Dimascio, Angela Duff, Erin Ehinger, Ian Eisenhart, Jamie Epstein, Dillon Etze, Tyler Finacchio, Victoria Fox, Kevin Franklin, Vince Gaeta, Emily Gavin, Michael Geremia, Erika Gibson, Nahkyma Graham, Rachael Grallnick, Regina Guzman, Shawna Hall, Jeffrey Handwerk, Christopher Hartman, Alyse Hatzai, Nicholas Hirsh, Virginia Hoffman, Jennifer Ignao, Sara Javorka, Justin Joseph, Isis Kim, Yoon Kim, Mengwei Kong, Daniel Kwon, Margaret Labutis, Alex Larosa, Chunmei Li, Jessica Margulies, Tina Marrero, Jena Marron, Allison Mason, John May, Christina McCarthy, Eileen McGilloway, Audrey Mitchell, Ahmed Mostafa, Sufi Noor, Jennifer Nuss, Brian O’Donnell, Young Oh, Ibukun Olowodahunsi, Hanane Oubellil, Doreen Panico, Hee Park, Dhara Patel, Victoria Pettit, Brianna Phelps, Justine Porretti, Breanna Potts, Valerie Pry, Philip Rakszawski, Gregory Regan, Michael Reimel, Ashley Reinoso Calle, Christine Roberts, Jazmin Rodriguez, Eileen Scerati, William Schaefer, Tara Schell, Wesley Schuit, Gabrielle Scotti, Devanshi Shah, Huixin Shen, Stephanie Smith, Elizabeth Sobel, Kisu Sohn, Hui Song, Tiffany Sutcliffe, Ewa Szewczyk, Rabah Tezkratt, Mamata Tharima, Robert Vogel, Darin Wible, Chadd Williams, Jiwan Yang, Mary Zabriskie, Dongming Zhang, Yuanqi Zhang, Hong Zhu

Laverock: Annice Allen

Lederach: Terry Mullin

Levittown: Lindsay Hahn, Carolyn Schlude

Limerick: Kyle Allebach, Bethany Barbish, Alexandra Busa, Timothy Galligan, Masynn Gensler, Tiffany Granozio, Anne Groarke, David Heller, Samona Jefferson, Ijeoma Okere, Skylar Sokolowski, Rebecca Whitton

Linfield: Samuel Gutchen, Chelsea Keown

Macungie: Camilo Burgos-Pimiento, Hillary Kleinz

Malvern: Brad Nehls, Jamar West

Maple Glen: Alyssa Beisel, Nathanael Cox, Robert D’Ginto, Maura Duggan, Jack Duggan, Courtney Durham, Austin Kelly, Danielle Moulton, Yen Nhi Ngo, Felicia Segan

Merion Station: Myles Berson

Mont Clare: Gregory Beener, Sarah Robbins, Kirsten Sheplock

Montgomeryville: Jequaya Britton, Jamar Martin

Narberth: Matthew Ferguson, Brooke Starkman

Narvon: Ariella Hankins

New York, New York: Katherine Gossett

Norristown: Toni Altieri, Gabrielle Altieri, Stephanie Angelucci, Anice Austin, Babademilade Babatunde, Jeremy Bandel, Nicole Battista, Richard Bouknight, Stephen Bowsky Williams, Shaun Bradley, Anthony Bui, Amy-Lee Bulluck-Thomas, Michael Ciotti, Sandra Crooks, Aqiyla Dawson, Kristopher Doty, Brittany Dry, Leah Evanik, Matthew Faust, Amanda Felix, Kristen Felton, Stephanie Felton, Carmela Ferrizzi, Thomas Gambone, Jorge Garcia, Helga Giddens, Doi Go, Ellen Gray, Amy Gregor, Amanda Griffiths, Carly Guzzardo, Ellen Hanlon, Colin Hartwell, Brittany Hewitt, Gail Holmes, Heidi Hunsberger, Christine Hunsberger, Adam Jones, Zachery Jones, Jon Kilgannon, Hicham Laataata, Thai Lam, Ryan Lattanze, Niquita Lee, Shawn Letsididi, Loren Lomax, Danielle Malone, Tyera Martin, David Mason, Jacori McEachnie, Diahann McIntyre, Michael Melito, Efosa Minabowan, Wilfredo Montijo, Deirdre Morris, Tanya Moyer, Cameron Myers, Paige Ochs, Majirioghene Oporiopo, Elizabeth Palesano, Kinshu Patel, Stacey Perry, Louis Piraino, William Reed, Collin Reed, Lane Richardson, Ian Robinson, Wellington Rodriguez, Roxie Rogers, Christopher Santori, Davin Sao, Carolyn Savage, Casey Schramm, Brian Shells, Zoe Sirleaf, Nichole Smith, Kemi Southey-Cole, Rosa Tancredi, Matthew Thompson, Atik Vahora, Gabrielle Valitski, Francisco Valladares, Steven Valladares, Shylah Villafuerte-Gomban, Keyanna Vose, Sarina Wang, Jamie West, Robin Wilks, Marion Williams, Michele Wolfinger

North Hills: Amanda Longenberger

North Wales: Chul Ahn, Andrew Belton, Krupa Bhatt, John Bucci, Jillian Calhoun, Melanie Carson, Michelle Cha, Jaimie Coffey-Salazar, Jamie Darragh, Silvana Dell, William Fellmeth, Andrea Fitzgerald, Deanna Gordon, Nicole Harris, Alyssa Hoos, Brent Hoyer, Nicole Jones, Tyler Jushchyshyn, Sean Kennedy, Telma Kenneth, Sehee Kim, Min Kim, Justin Krauss, Robin Lane, Matthew Loggins, Garret Macrone, Christopher Markopulos, Zachary Miller, Kerry Moran, Dennis Paek, Keyur Patel, Nicole Rademan, Hyeokjae Rho, Rebecca Robinson, Devon Robinson, Dakota Rose, Karolina Rzepka, Emily Seigafuse, Justin Shaw, Vincent Sica, Emily Smith, Erynlauryn Steranko, Dolan Stimson, Flavia Sztubinski, Linda Trinh, Shaquiel Tucker, Timothy Weisbein, Eli Wrubleski, Christine Yi

Oaks: Ashley Daywalt, Samantha Pietrewicz

Oley: Abby Faus, Lee Wagner

Oreland: Erica Bello, Daren Bolton, Miguel Cortes, Cassandra Davis, Hanna Martin, Alexander McDermott, Daniel McGlinchey, Ryan Meinke, Michelle Menardi, Robert Murphy, Emily Odom, Brittany Richter, Bailey Roussel, Ingrid Standen, Sara Violi, Devon Wilson, MacKenzie Woron

Palisades Park, New Jersey: Yeong Bang

Palm: Tori Kooker

Penllyn: Tauhirah Barnes, Roneale Obey

Penn Valley: Alexander Shetzen

Pennsburg: Nichole Adams, Douglas Brown, Megan Cisarik, Rebecca Clifford, Gabrielle Hansell, Julie Hartman, Sarah Hunsberger, Haley Johnston, Brooke Miller, Courtney Pepe, Margaretta Poku-Adjei, Nicole Ryan, William Scott, Andrew Wolf

Perkasie: Brandon Engle, Juliet Kocieda, Anthony Paul, Crystal Serrano

Perkiomenville: Carly Blythe, Gabriele Ciociola, Jordan DeVore, Chelsea Faulkner, Leigha Hughes, Nicholas Monderewicz, Audra Rose, Joyce Sweeney

Philadelphia: Tamara Ali, Faith Armstrong, Ashley Ball, David Banfield, Elizabeth Bergland, Antoinette Buchanan, Anthony Calfapietra, Christopher Calfapietra, Justin Charney, Sofia Chen Guo, Sergine Citerme, Jacinda Davis, Joshua Durkin, Karena Feng, Kelly Fogel, Sharon Fripps, Tiffinee Gentry, Domonic Gordine, Chelsie Harmer, Stephen Henry, Shianna Hicks, Barbara Ho, Nancy Horton, Aaron Jacobson, Joshua Jenkins, Rashira Johnson, Jacquelyn Johnson, Sarah Kim, Amandeep Kaur, Benita Kinsey, Ifeoluwa Laniya, Evelyn Lucas, James McAllister, Martin McCall, Paola Nussa, Corinne Otto, Robert Otto, Ngan Phan, Zachary Pownall, Vincent Price, Jacob Robertson, Jillian Rogers, Venessa Santiago, Nolan Serowatka, Dior Tate, Shariff Walker, Shaleese Wanamaker, India Williams, Max Woessner, Joseph Wooten, Katherine Wright, Yi Zhao, Ana Carolina Zuccari

Phoenixville: Alexandra Barnes, Kyle Barthel, Holly Batzel, Daniel Berger, Mohamed Eid, Laura Everett, Rebekah Fanus, Ashley Gable, Jesse Gervasi, Susan Giancola, Caroline Giardina, Efrain Govea, Monica Hritz, Jeremy Lander, Janelle Mehan, Charlsie Moore, Michael Morrow, Timothy OBrien, Cameron O’Neil, Corinna Tomline, Jill Yankelitis, Keighley Young

Plymouth Meeting: Rachael Becht, Kyle Bone, Kimberly Calhoun, Dawn Clopp, Devin Corcoran, Jai Ling Dan, Heather Davis, Michele Daywalt, Dari Decinque, Amelia Ellinger, Amy Gleba, Amanda Grau, Eric Greenly, Kristen Janfrancisco, Sandra Kulesza, Timothy McClure, Joseph Monastero, Dylan Murphy, John Myrsiades, Cristian Neagoe, Sharif Nedrick, Mark O’Neill, Sean Riley, Emily Witek

Port Saint Lucie, Florida: Connie Rawlings

Pottstown: Brenda Albrecht, Laura Ayres, Nicholas Bartelmo, Amanda Bealer, Kristy Bell, Katrina Berry, Zachariah Blaszczyk, Marissa Boerner, David Brady, Donald Brooks, Emily Brunton, Olivia Buszta, Michael Byrne, Shannon Cahill, Jessica Cartwright, Nicole Caruso, Mikayla Chippari, Walter Chrobocinski, Jacqueline Cione, Kaitlyn Clark, Brenda Coates, Maxwell Collins, Ryan Cook, Jill Cossaboon, Melissa Cox, Ryan Czekaj, Zachary Davis, Rachael Deeter, Kristen Delano, Tiffany Dilworth, Diane Dry, Liautaud Dupiche, Brian Eaton, Wyatt Erb, Josephine Faison, Melissa Famous, Devin Feeser, Christopher Feltenberger, Lori Flynn, Clifton Ford, Aaliyah Ford, Michelle Frank, Carol Freda, Aaron Garlington, Elizabeth Glaeser, Talita Godusky, Joseph Goldyn, Adam Grauch, Olga Gwinn, Trevor Hallman, Samirah Hanafi, Rachael Harpster, David Haupt, Valerie Heffline, James Hickey, Ruth Holsopple, Leif Hums, Brook Hunter, Christine Jackson, Lesley Jenkins, Meredith Jones, Brandi Kenney, Jonathan Keyser, James King, Ryan Kitchen, Ryan Kohler, Brittney Korn, Kathryn Lee, Samantha Long, Eric Macartney, Meredith Malone, Cody Marchese, Sabrina Marschner, Samantha Mascheri, Veronica McArthur, Abigail McGee, James McKeon, Justin Meade, Trevor Meade, Colleen Meyer, Matthew Milewski, Vincent Miller, Evelyn Moehring, Cassandra Moloney, Andrea Moses, Kelly Murphy, Cassandra Myers, John Naylor, Shawna Northrup, Meghan Oberholtzer, Julia Paskel, Pamela Payne, Kenneth Perry, Vicki Peters, Sorana Phal, Lindsey Phillips, Colleen Phillips, Terry Phillips, Stephen Piechota, Diane Quach, Joseph Ragusa, Elizabeth Raihl, Shelby Reed, Emily Reitmeyer, Brandon Ruppe-Schlau, Heather Schaeffer, Jonece Sergent, Sara Sheppard, Holly Shively, Sara Shultz, Mallory Simms, Charmaine Singh, Robin Sizer, Grace Sloane, Rebekah Slough, Robin Smith, Juliane Smithson, Christina Snowden, Vickie Spargur, Ashley Swanson, Jolynn Swanson, Kimberly Swanson, Ashwin Talreja, Julian Teller, Pamela Tolentino, Pasquale Torzone, Allysha Towson, Renee Vance, Katherine Vogel, Christian Walsh, Anne Wenzel, Henry White, Jason Wissler

Quakertown: Crystal Biemuller, Alec Gerhart, Gregory Koons, Agnieszka Mandosik, Nachole Menta, Andrew Rose, Anna Short

Reading: James Irwin, Solange Jacques, Brenda Jeznach, Lynnette Mauras

Red Hill: Tianna Ashbaugh, Sandy Bock, Catherine Camuso, Mary Heebner, Robert Heinrichs, Janice Kutt, Crystal Lowrey

Rockledge: Joseph Bohrer, Kenneth Morris, Ateyanna Peal, Kevin Travers, Thomas West

Roslyn: Sarah Cirone, Tyler Dittmar, Tymeka Jefferson, Heidi Jeong, Lauren Lockwood, Matthew Pompilii, Ke’ana Robinson, Justin Rollins, Kevin Rooney, Sun Woo

Rosyln: Jessica Sullivan

Royersford: Adam Baldassare, Siti Cauffman, Jean Champion, Matthew Crocker, Heather Curran, Natalie Desantis, Emily Diemer, Kathryn Frick, Stefanie Haas, Sean Heron, Phoebe Ivady, Robert Johnston, Theresa Kearney, Stephanie Kelley, Thomas Kraft, Lynn Lang, Carl Lingenfelter, Christina Luca, Eric Marble, Kelsey McDevitt, Frank McGuigan, Ronald Myers, Jessica Orner, Shreeda Patel, Randy Rahn, Enid Sacks, Dakota Schoppe, Victoria Sisonethasy, Lynne Swaren, Michele Taluc-Chance, Amy Weber, Marissa Weidner, Bruce Williams, Timothy Wilson, Rachel Young

Rydal: Casey Friedman-Dillon, Sunisa Naksiri

Salfordville: Brandon Rahmer

Sanatoga: Ethan Compton, Jordan Scarbrough, Tanner Williams

Schwenksville: Caylin Breisch, Christopher Camuso, Jennifer Ciccotosto, James Clendening, Alyson Consalvo, Erin Duvinski, Christian Flint, Matthew Gross, Andrew Henry, Kiana Keckler, John Lawrence, Carolyn Lehr, Heidi Liebenberg, Dana Likens, Debra Lockard, Jacquelyn Lutz, Conrad Maffin, Angela Malony, Patrick Mayr, Alyssa Monastero, Zachary Olecki, Marta Pecharo, Sara Pecharo, Michael Roberto, Drew Smyth, Wen Trice

Sellersville: Brittni Ruch

Silver Spring: Tuongvy Nguyen

Sinking Spring: Katherine Soto

Skippack: Steven Adoff, Debra Haasis, John Haasis, Chris Maynard, Cydney Rader

Souderton: Katherine Clymer, Nicole Curran, Jacqueline Davies, John Do, Sarah Doelp, Emma Espenlaub, Heather Freed, Heather Gehman, Alyssa Heavener, Cody Kaercher, Tracey Krupp, Myles Menardi, Daulton Rittenhouse, Jennifer Ryan, Kelsey Siegfried, Melinda Simkins, Jay Sitapara, Lavinia Soliman, Katelyn Stuart, Tammy Tran, Jason Wolff

Spring City: Roseanne Ashenfelder, Devon Berryann, Michael Griffith, Marissa Ianni, Eisha Montgomery, Jamie Moore, Kevin Nyce, Matthew Schell, James Sherid, Lonnisha Taylor

Spring House: Stefania Gomez

Stowe: Nicole Chu, Kristyn Hines, Troy Lutcavage, Casey Malloy, Allen Mendenhall, Lavonda Roberts

Summerville: Madeline Barrett

Telford: Timothy Balch, Nicole Bennett, John Bergstresser, Michelle Bruce, Lam Cao, David Childs, Vanessa Dalton, Rebecca Deeter, Kathryn Donley, Tuyet-Nhung Duong, Gregory Fisher, Emily Freed, Wilson Gonzalez, Ryan Hager, Jillian Hartman, Marisa Kampe, Kevin Latorre, Quy Le, William Lorah, William Martin, Aubrey Maxwell, Preston Moyer, Colleen Pellak, Matthew Pfister, Brooke Semmeles, Maria Serino, Jenna Smith, Jason Smith, Jaymee Tilghman, Edward Walter, James Wills, Brandy Yoder

Trappe: Patricia Capizzi, Alexandra Defrangesco, Jennifer Macauley, Melissa Mantey, Brennan McCourt, Austin Moyer, Kelley Rafferty, Brooke Weber

Trevose: Michelle Daciuk

Trooper: Dominic Coppa, Fang Li, Stephanie Stefanik

Tullytown: Christine Knight

Tylersport: Heather Moyer

Villanova: James Mearns

Warminster: Othman Khamouch, Stephen Plum

Warrington: Racheal Kane, Sonia Kaur, Bonnie Miller

Wayne: John Del Collo, Audrey O’Keefe, Jordan Rosen, Erica Williams

West Chester: Amanda Fuller

West Conshohocken: Alexander Dean

West Norriton: Madelynn Lund

Willow Grove: Crespin Akakpo, Colleen Barbardo, Nicole Bartels, Sharde Braxton, Katie Chalmers, Kevin Dunn, Rebecca Flint, Dana Fornicola, Erin Goebel, Rachel Goldenberg, Joseph Gruver, Laura Hackman, Michael Haswell, Erin Houck, Denita Jenkins, Ren Kauffman, Kayla Kulp, Rosalind Lightbourne, Ayanna Logan, Tona May, Kyle McHale, Tracey Melendez, Kenneth Morris, Alicia Nicklas, Michelle Paripsky, Guadalupe Ramos, Adrienne Ray, Matthew Rickert, Joseph Rines, Yevette Rossell, Kerry Sayland, Tyler Shaller, Lauren Smith, Keo Thivarat, Margaret Thompson, Donald Tucker, Daniel Tucker, Patricia Underwood, Jennifer Walmsley, Amanda Warren, Meghan Watkins, Sarah Welch, Zachary Wiley, Robert Wiley, Mark Williams, Caitlan Winterle, Candice Yohe, Jingxu Zhu

Worcester: Kaitlyn Kapralick, James Mahoney

Wyncote: Garrett Benner, Ayana Dunlap, Holly Hughston, Joshua Kellem

Wyndmoor: Charles Diaz, Noah Doman, Dwayne Lawrence, Paul Meagher, Justin Patterson, Maura Pello

Wynnewood: Timothy Adkins, Rivka Gross, Ngan Pham, Thomas Pittman

Wyomissing: Steven Moya

Zieglerville: Elena Hazlett

MCCC Named Among ‘2016 Most Promising Places To Work In Community Colleges’‏

Blue Bell/Pottstown, PA —Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) is recognized as one of nine 2016 Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges based on findings from a study conducted by the Center for Higher Education Enterprise (CHEE).

Commissioned by NISOD, a membership organization committed to promoting and celebrating excellence in teaching, learning and leadership at community and technical colleges, and Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine, the study examines six “Promising Practices” at NISOD member institutions.

Practices include a demonstrated commitment to student success; recognition of good work; intentional focus on meeting the needs of the local community and region; institutional support for continuous improvement and innovation; and institutional and practical support of work-life balance.

 “Montgomery County Community College’s mission is grounded in a set of values that teaches us to encourage, listen, respect and treat fairly those whom we serve,” said MCCC President Dr. Kevin Pollock. “Our faculty and staff are at the heart of this work, and I am proud of their efforts to create a diverse and vibrant campus community that celebrates our differences. This recognition from NISOD and Diverse underscores our commitment and builds momentum for future programming and conversations.”

CHEE’s study highlights examples from winning institutions in each of the Promising Practices. A full summary of the study is available at diverseeducation.com/article/84106.

MCCC was recognized in several areas. One example is the College’s use of data to identify performance gaps and develop interventions—like a Minority Student Mentoring Initiative and Trio Upward Bound program—to help improve learning outcomes and college preparedness. Another example is professional development opportunities—such as a Faculty Diversity Fellows program for junior minority faculty and a President’s Leadership Academy for faculty and administrators—that prepare employees for leadership roles at the institution. MCCC was also highlighted for its focus on community engagement.

MCCC is one of nine institutions recognized as 2016 Most Promsing Places to Work in Community Colleges. Others include Antelope Valley College (Lancaster, California), Dyersburg State Community College (Dyersburg, Tennessee), Front Range Community College (Westminster, Colorado), Harrisburg Area Community College (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania), Mountain View College (Dallas, Texas), Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (Okmulgee, Oklahoma), Seward County Community College and Area Technical School (Liberal, Kansas) and Southwest Virginia Community College (Richlands, Virginia).

About NISOD: Created in 1978, NISOD is a membership organization committed to promoting and celebrating excellence in teaching, learning, and leadership at community and technical colleges.

 

About Diverse: Since 1984, Diverse: Issues In Higher Education magazine has been the nation’s premier publication covering the issues pertaining to underrepresented minorities in American higher education. Reaching more than 200,000 readers biweekly, Diverse has been recognized for its indepth news coverage, provocative commentary, insightful special reports and original research.

 

About CHEE: CHEE is an interdisciplinary research and policy center that promotes the

important role postsecondary education plays in global society, especially the vital roles

and responsibilities of public higher education. CHEE’s primary activities include research,

policy analysis and outreach that will help make higher education more accessible,

affordable, engaged and all-around excellent.

MCCC Students Inducted Into Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society‏

Blue Bell/Pottstown PA —A total of 193 students were inducted into Montgomery County Community College’s (MCCC) Alpha Kappa Zeta (Central Campus) and Beta Tau Lambda (West Campus) chapters of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society of two-year colleges, during the spring 2016 semester.  To be eligible for PTK membership, students must maintain a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.5 and must have completed at least 12 credits.

The spring 2016 inductees are listed below by area of residence:

Abington: Catherine Bray, Kevin Cruz, Kimberly Garcia, Hudson Marsh

Ambler: Evelin James, Richard Lavrence-Mrvar, Megan Moyer, Melody Rolon

Ardmore: Richard Gallagher

Barto: Julie Howell

Bensalem: Megan McLaughlin

Birchrunville: Keenan McCormick

Birdsboro: Kaitlin Eichenberg

Blue Bell: Sarah Carminati, Eun Kyoung Han

Bridgeport: Sonja Kline

Chesterbrook: Joseph Haas

Collegeville: Rebekah Bondi, Emily Cosmi, Lauren Grevera, Rachel Krantz, Anna Poet, Julie Scott, Michael Topham, Catherine Urbanski, Nicole Viola, Stephanie Yovish

Douglassville: Lorenzo Giotti, Jessica Toth

Dresher: Adam Wasserman

East Greenville: Daniel Franklin, Deborah Stannard

East Norriton: Katherine Bampfield, Kristy Druding, Nichole Romano

Elkins Park: Marin Harwood, Dylan Joyce, Jeanette Nestor, Ryan Seifert, Katelyn Tausendfreundt

Erdenheim: Gabriella Vasquez

Fort Washington: Jonathan Basta, Michela Mennella

Gilbertsville: Zachary Dick, Bridget Rapp, Joshua Urbach, Charles Vitabile

Glenside: Elisabeth Cripps, Brian Gilbert, Anita Marie Kruse

Harleysville: Dimitri Coachi, Marissa Gleason, Ansley Martin, Madalyn Reed, Edbert Ruliff, Brianna Vandegrift

Hatboro: Kelsey Holm, Jennifer Jacker

Hatfield: Carlos Depaz, James Heim, Ashley Leahy, Andre Martin, Emily Seiler, Janeel Solanki, Kathryn Sovocool, Kelly Tran

Horsham: Kathleen McGrogan, Aaron Murphy, Avery Romanoli

Huntingdon Valley: Timothy Terrizzi

Jenkintown: John Collins

King of Prussia: Matthew Bickerdyke, Spencer Edelman, Laura Franco, Aastha Gurung, Bao Nguyen, Laura Persofsky, Grant Smith

Lansdale: Ian Christensen, Jonathan Dimascio, Tara Eisenhart, Mark Halberstadt, Marie McGrath, Michael McLaughlin, Ronnie Ann Moshinsky, Francheska Pauline Reyes, Mikaela Rottina, Natasha Scott, John Sprouse, Jenna Tieu, Bryana Whyte, Chaksa Williams, Jingxu Zhu, Jingxu Zhu

Mont Clare: Noah Cittadino

Montgomeryville: Elizabeth Flagler, Jake Flagler

Narberth: Lisa Mills

Norristown: Brianna Devenny, Maria Flores Chavez, Emma Hagel, Ryan Hamilton, Gilbert Martinelli, Monica McGuire, Dmitry Vereykin

North Wales: Marissa Boorse, John Bucci, Alicia Eglin, Samantha Hencken, Olivia Nowinski, Justin Soderberg

Oreland: Grace Harmer

Pedricktown, N.J.: Dena Fritz

Penn Valley: Alexander Shetzen

Pennsburg: Isabel Gandek-Gaspar, Haley Johnston, Elizabeth Rinehart, Olivia Spilman, Tyler Whittaker

Perkasie: Abigail McIntyre

Perkiomenville: Candie Brown, Alexis Elsner

Philadelphia: Elixer Lassus, James McAllister, Phallon Summerville

Phoenixville: Kevin Colbert, Jessica Jacobs, Felicia Milano, Jacqueline Pizzico

Plymouth Meeting: Rebecca Carbo, Patriot Fazliu, Julian Giorno, Rachel Viola, Sarah Viola

Pottstown: Samantha Faust, Jessica Grace, Casey Hand, Urella Harder, Jared Highlands, Seth Kramer, Jaclyn Murphy, Megan Nazaryk, Emily Nazaryk, Timothy Obrien, Pamela Oister, Paul Parrish, Jonathan Pavlick, Rachel Ricketts, Hattie Sandberg, Samantha Shovelton, Kirsten Staurowsky, Charlotte Stone, Heidi Thomas, Candace Wright, John Yorgey Jr.

Reading: Corrine Peterson, Derek Peterson

Red Hill: Catherine Camuso

Roslyn: Emily Murphy

Royersford: Nicole Bumbarger, Philip Gardocki, Sophie Garro, Steven Landis, Tyler Lelii, Kayla Velasquez

Schwenksville: Austin Flint, Sara Pecharo, John-Curtis Quattrini

Skippack: Rebecca Dietterich

Souderton: Lianna Blankenship, Alison Evans, Brett Hale, Hyeonjoo Min, Rebekah Negley

Southampton: Volha Sachko

Spring City: Erik Aschendorf

Stowe: Gabrielle Davidheiser

Telford: Carina Brown, Samuel Crino, Katherine Derstine, Jillian Hartman, Forrest Hendricks, Stefan Hofmeister, David Hollinger, Claire Horrocks, Preston Moyer

Trappe: Victoria Esten

Warminster: Crystal Guzman

West Chester: Jamie Hutchison

West Point: Andrew McNaney

Willow Grove: Ren Kauffman, Kaitlin Taylor

Wyndmoor: Christine Fariss

MCCC Partners With Library Of Congress To Preserve Veterans’ Stories‏

Blue Bell/Pottstown, PA — Long after their time in the military, the stories of Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) veterans will live on, inspiring and educating future generations.

That is the goal of the College’s Veterans Coordinator, Mike Brown, as well as his colleagues from the Veterans Resource Center. During the fall semester, Brown began interviewing and capturing audio recordings of student veterans as part of the Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center.

In all, Brown recorded the stories of 10 veterans so far. He plans to record the stories of many more of the College’s roughly 300 student veterans. Recordings will be permanently archived at the Library of Congress, where all recordings have been housed since the Veterans History Project began in 2000. Recordings are searchable online by war, military branch, the contributor’s name and various other search criteria.

“The variety of experiences from the students really has been fantastic to hear,” said Brown, an Army veteran who served in the infantry during a 1997 deployment to Bosnia. “I shared my story. Two generations from now my grandkids and great-grandkids will be able to listen to my story forever.”

The interviews, which must be a minimum of 30 minutes and generally span 45 to 90 minutes, cover the veterans’ early life, including where they are from, why they joined the military and details of their enlistment. While many who participated so far fought in combat zones, Brown said that is not required.

The College’s involvement in the nationwide effort is open to any and all veterans – even non-students.

“It’s a way to incorporate and include the community, not just the students,” he said. “We can live up to our community college name.”

One of the student veterans, for instance, interviewed his grandfather, a Korean War veteran, as well as his father, who is a Vietnam War veteran.

Sgt. William Keller, a business management student at Montgomery County Community College and an Army reservist coming up on eight years of service between the Army Reserves and the National Guard, said the recordings give the public a “more intimate” look at military life.

“I feel it’s important for veterans like myself to share their stories so other individuals have an opportunity to get a better understanding of what it’s like from our point of view instead of a social media point of view or the news,” Keller said, adding that listeners “get a chance to hear personal stories.”

Keller, who was deployed to Iraq from 2010-2011, called the experience “humbling.”

“The fact that we are given the opportunity to tell our story and that it gets preserved in the Library of Congress for eternity is a pretty honorable experience,” Keller said. “It’s not something that’s offered to every individual.”

MCCC Showcases Writing Of Developmental English Students, Celebrates Success‏

Montgomery County Community College student Hathaichanok (Peek) Chanklang is recognized for her essay “My Mother” during a Developmental English Showcase event in April. Photo by Sandi Yanisko

Blue Bell, PA — Prior to fall 2015, Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) student Tyler Bend didn’t consider a career in writing. But after that semester, Bend, who says “writing’s never been my strong suit,” did an about-face.

His inclusion in a student writing showcase for developmental English classes changed his mind—and his career choice. Bend was one of 20 students in ENG 010, ENG 011 and Gateway to College courses whose work was published in a book and included on an MCCC faculty webpage. Students were recognized for their efforts and awarded a $25 gift cards to the campus bookstores.

“I really don’t care about the prize money, it’s that I’m getting noticed for a writing piece,” Bend said. “I’m just glad that I got my name publicized.”

Assistant Professor of English Thea Howey authored the student showcase idea. Howey put in the legwork for approval of a Faculty Diversity Initiative Support Grant.

From there, she enlisted help from MCCC professors teaching developmental English courses. Faculty submitted what they felt were their students’ best writings, which amounted to more than 90 pages of material.

“We took a vote. People came with their preferences,” she said. “We had very little trouble choosing what we considered to be representative essays.”

The effort, which began during the fall 2015 semester, culminated with an awards ceremony in the spring. Howey said she hopes to continue the showcase bi-annually to celebrate and inspire students.

“The students in developmental courses are usually somewhat unhappy that they’re in a developmental course. They’re not getting college credit for it, and it’s costing them money,” Howey said. “I wanted to motivate my students to excel and I wanted to affirm them in their efforts. I felt the best way to do this is to publish their work on a website and to publish their work in a booklet, something they could actually hold in their hands and show to the world.”

Dean of Arts and Humanities Michele Cuomo applauded Howey’s effort as a way to “change the conversation” about developmental students.

“Presenting work publicly is usually something that graduate students do, that seniors at a university do,” Cuomo said. “It gives the students a sense of confidence and helps them recognize that ‘yes, I do belong here.’”

Between 10 to 15 percent of MCCC students take developmental English courses each semester, according to Cuomo. Going beyond assignments, as the showcase does, is important for students’ academic development and success.

“When expectations are high, students rise to the occasion,” Cuomo said. “It’s just great teaching practice to expect a lot from students, whether or not they have yet to place at the college level.”

Student Telynn Shields, whose essay “Gender Values in Elektra” was included, agreed that the showcase helped to bring out the best in student writing.

“It inspires us to work harder than ever and to put in more time and effort into our work,” Shields said. “It really shows.”