Bunker Hill Community College Students Recognized at City Hall Ceremony
Friday, July 18, 2014
Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh recognized eleven Bunker Hill Community College students at a City Hall ceremony on July 15, 2014. Each of the students received a scholarship of $1,000 from First Literacy to help defray the cost of college.
First Literacy selected the adult learners, or students over 18, for their academic achievements, community service, and perseverance in the face of hardships and obstacles. All have received their high school equivalency, graduated from an adult basic education or English for speakers of other languages program, or graduated from a bridge-to-college program at a local community-based organization.
“We are very proud of the success of these students,” said BHCC President Pam Y. Eddinger, who attended the ceremony. “And we are impressed with the important work First Literacy is doing to assist adult learners.”
Shabbir Ahmed, Maria Choukri, Tirsit Dessallegn, Vanessa Dorta, Angelina Gigante, Celia Maraschi and Micheline Ngo Yon, who are entering BHCC, were designated New Scholars. Gigante also received the inaugural Mayor Thomas M. Menino Scholarship, created to honor the former mayor’s commitment to adult literacy education.
Abdelmalik Drief, Sandra Gaviria, Mohamed Janga and Sherrie Thomas were honored as Continuing Scholars. In addition, Janga and Thomas were named 11-10-02 Foundation Scholars.
First Literacy raises awareness and funds for adult learners through grants, technical assistance and professional development. Since 1988 First Literacy has awarded nearly $500,000 in scholarships to more than 400 adults. The nonprofit 11-10-02 Foundation funds grants and scholarships for hard working students with financial need.
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About Bunker Hill Community College
With more than 50 years of academic excellence, Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) is Massachusetts' largest community college, annually welcoming a diverse community of around 16,000 students. With campuses in Charlestown and Chelsea, BHCC extends its reach across several locations in Greater Boston. The College offers associate degrees and certificates, early college and dual enrollment, community education, corporate training, and industry-specific training programs. BHCC is celebrated for its diversity, boasting a student body where 65% identify as people of color and more than half are women. The College also embraces a global perspective, with over 600 international students representing 90 countries and conversing in more than 65 languages. Our commitment to diversity is further reflected in BHCC's designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI).