August 2019

Zamora—Building Connections is Important 1

Student Ambassador Program 2

Carrasco—Her Cup Runneth Over 2

Blair Attends Dickens Universe 2

Spring 2019 President’s List 3

Lantz: A Helping Hand 3

Wanta Completes Leadership Ridgecrest Program 4

Foundation Feature: Duffield Receives Athletic Achievement Award 4

Inside this Issue

Zamora—Building Connections is Important Meet Tehachapi student Lupita Zamora, named Student of the Year for the East Kern Region of Cerro Coso Community College. The middle child between two brothers, Lupita moved with her family to the United States from Mexico when she was just a little over a year old. The family landed in Tehachapi, where she grew up, attended local schools, and became a U.S. citizen immediately following high school. Four-year colleges are not the only option available when it comes to continuing one’s education after high school. Community colleges like Cerro Coso are public institutions that offer up to two years of study, and are quite popular due to their accessibility, affordability, and convenience in location and scheduling. For Lupita, community college was more practical and a smarter choice before transferring to a four-year program. Not only did Cerro Coso present a strong value in education, there were also many staff and faculty members who were instrumental in shaping a positive college experience that allowed her to thrive academically. “They are all so super friendly and they really want to help you succeed,” Lupita said. “I really excelled and I don’t think I would have stood out as much at a bigger school. It is important to build connections with faculty, administrators, staff, and other students so you can have a support group that you can go to for help.” Like many students, community college is a stepping-stone for Lupita to further her education and increase

her chances of greater academic achievement at the four-year level. She interned as a student worker gaining a large amount of hands-on professional experience, and loved the familiar small town feel of the campus. Creative by nature, Lupita enjoys graphic design and photography and hopes to one day work in film production as a film director. “I love the theater and the arts and I want to be involved, but I want to be behind the scenes,” she said. A 2019 graduate of Cerro Coso, Lupita received two degrees—Liberal Arts: Arts and Humanities, and Liberal Arts: Social and Behavioral Science—in May. She plans to transfer to UC Santa Cruz next fall majoring in film and digital media production. Reflecting on her time at Cerro Coso, Lupita says she would highly recommend attending the College’s Tehachapi campus. “I am happy with my decision to start my college journey here. The time I spent here allowed me to grow academically, socially, and professionally,” she said. “I was able to stay at home, gain valuable job skills, save a lot of money, and prepare for the next step in my academic journey. For me, it was the best decision I could have made.” Cerro Coso celebrates your success Lupita! Directed. Focused. Nurtured. Engaged. Connected. Valued.

COYOTE HOWLER2

Student Ambassador ProgramThe Student Ambassador Program is a leadership opportunity for students who are dedicated to serving and representing Cerro Coso Community College. Student Ambassadors provide campus tours, serve as CCCC representatives, and perform duties at various CCCC campus and community events. The program provides opportunities for students to show pride in their school while making an impact on the lives of individuals who are planning for a college education. These students have a high level of commitment to CCCC, have maintained a GPA of 2.75, maintain enrollment in a minimum of 6 units, and demonstrate leadership and effective communication skills. Students in the program develop a wide range of transferable skills that benefit them personally. Employers, colleges, and universities are looking for more than just good grades, they want

community involvement and service. Students Ambassadors gain leadership skills that will help build their resume, university, and scholarship applications. Students earn letters of recommendations, get connected to and serve their campus, help other students and the community learn more about Cerro Coso Community College, and are compensated for their time. Students who are positive, excel in communicating with others, provide excellent customer service, have the Coyote Spirit, are open to learning new things, and have a commitment to diversity and cultural pluralism are encouraged to apply to the program at www.cerrocoso.edu/campuslife or email outreach@cerrocoso.edu. Nurtured. Engaged. Connected. Valued.

Carrasco—Her Cup Runneth OverNow serving liquid sanity and motivation topped with hope. It is called coffee, and for Kimberly Carrasco it is her lifeblood. The new Department Assistant II for Outreach, Student Equity, and Student Government, brings with her a loving personality and positive outlook on life, enjoying good company, and a good laugh. Carrasco makes an effort to learn from those around her and see different perspectives on life and love. She comes to Cerro Coso from many different places, including the Philippines, Japan, Hawaii, Indiana, Texas, Escondido, and San Diego, residing here in Ridgecrest with a full house that includes her significant other Matthew, four children: Ravin (16), Trinity (15), James (2), and Reign (1), two dogs, three cats, and 6 chickens. In addition to working at Cerro Coso, Carrasco is a certified Tax Specialist at H&R Block. She holds an AS degree in Information Technology from the University of Phoenix, and is working on her Bachelors in Accounting to become a Certified Public Accountant. Her patience, passion for life, and sense of humor will help her engage with students in exciting and relevant ways in her new position. Welcome Kimberly. It is a great honor to have you on our team. Focused. Nurtured. Engaged. Connected. Valued.

Blair Attends Dickens Universe

For over 30 years, The Dickens Project has brought together distinguished faculty, graduate students, and members of the public for its yearly conference, the Dickens Universe. Hosted each summer on the beautiful Santa Cruz campus of the University of California, the Dickens Universe provides a unique opportunity for students and teachers of Dickens to interact with each other during a week-long program of lectures, seminars, discussion groups, workshops, social events, teas, films, and usually perfect weather. Cerro Coso student Carol Blair is one of three scholarship recipients to attend this year’s Universe. The scholarship covered the cost of Blair’s attendance at the conference July 14-20, including registration, campus accommodations, and food, as well as a travel stipend. In addition to the general program of Universe events, Blair attended the undergraduate seminar, which met daily Monday through Thursday during Universe Week, and is eligible to receive 5 UC quarter units of credit through UCSC Summer Session upon completion of course assignments. This year Universe featured Barnaby Rudge by Charles Dickens. As a participant, Blair experienced the college lifestyle by living on campus, eating in the student dining hall, and had time to meet other participants who all have one thing in common – a passion for reading, talking with one another, and bringing Victorian culture to life. Directed. Focused. Nurtured. Engaged. Connected. Valued.

Student Ambassadors top left to right: Subber Dhillon, Micah Peterson, Ayusha Joshi, and Sawyer Chrisman. Kneeling from left to right: Marlo Soto and Jacob Gregory.

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Lantz: A Helping HandChildren present all kinds of situations, from fun and stressful to the challenging and outright chaotic. New Teaching Assistant at the Child Development Center in California City Brandi Lantz has a genuine and natural affinity for children and is empathetic to their needs. She is comfortable relating to children, enjoys time spent with them, and is very motivated to help them grow. Her positive, friendly attitude when around kids makes her a great addition to the classroom. A resident of California City most of her life, Lantz loves to read, enjoys Marvel movies, and playing Dungeons and Dragons. She is currently attending Cerro Coso working on a certificate in Child Development and plans to graduate next spring. As a Teaching Assistant Lantz will provide support and encouragement to both the teachers in the classrooms and the children at the Center. Welcome to Cerro Coso Brandi! Nurtured. Connected. Valued.

Spring 2019 President’s ListCerro Coso Community College is pleased to announce that 235 students have made the President’s List for the Spring 2019 semester. This includes 46 students from the Indian Wells Valley area, 141 from East Kern, 20 from the Eastern Sierra, 19 CC Online students from various locations, and 9 from the Kern River Valley. This list is comprised of all students who achieved a grade point average of at least 3.75 while earning a minimum of 4.0 grade points within the spring 2019 semester. It is the goal of Cerro Coso to recognize students who have significantly excelled in their academic studies. “The presence of students with high academic standards serves as an inspiration to both faculty and students alike,” stated Jill Board, President of Cerro Coso Community College.Cerro Coso Community College is proud to honor the following students for making the President’s List for their scholastic achievements during the spring 2019 semester:Indian Wells Valley area (46):Aidan Mcentee, Alexander Harmon, Amir Chaudhry, Amy Ertl, Anastasia Dean, Andrew Ostrom, Cherish Rindt, Christian Acosta, Coby Roberts, Dalton Bell, Elinelle Lee, Emily Meadows, Emma Gilmartin, Gavann Karissa Freiberg, Grace Lloyd, Hannah Fortney, Helen Jones, Jacob Kelley, Jennifer Kunz, Jennifer Wonnacott, John Vermillion, Jonathon Podlewski, Karina Kelly, Keith Grant, Krystal Park, Leslie Carter, Lili Jones, Lucas Lusher, Luciana Poka, Marilyn Boadt, Mary Clare Torres, Matthew Bradford, Matthew Weir, Megan Arceneaux, Megan Pettyjohn, Melissa Exzabe, Mikela Castro, Naomi Hillis, Ngu Lwin, Noah Bailey, Ryan Mckinney, Sarah Mckibbin, Theodore Schmiedel, Torin Fuller, and Vada Capron.

East Kern – Edwards, Rosamond, Cal City, Tehachapi, Mojave, Lancaster (141): Adam Ullah, Adrian Contreras, Alexander Rabanes, Alexander Valentine, Alontae Green, Andre Davis, Andre Grayson, Andrew Ariaga, Angel Valenciana, Anthony Syon, Antonio Powell, Ashish Lal, Aurjion Zamani, Belinda Perez, Bomatamunopiri Bipialaka, Brett Fagan, Brian Sanders, Byron Rosas, Carlos Gonzalez, Cedric Jackson, Cesar Lopez, Charles Rector, Chikumbu Jefferson, Christopher Roberts, Christopher Tolson, Collins Williams, Cordell Jennings, Curtis Golden, Daisy Montano, Daniel Carabantes, Danika Hipp, Darrian Dennis, David Gresham, David Hill, David Ziehl, Dean Raya, Delonte Johnson, Demond Richardson, Deron Hollins, Dominic Andreas, Dominic Garduno, Donn Thompson, Donnell Marin, Dung Nguyen, Dustin Wingard, Eric Oceguera, Erik Huizar, Frederick Douglas, Gabrielle Moore, George Brambila, Gerald Deegan, Grace Vankirk, Graydon Lamb, Hsin Wang, Iokepa Saaga, Jahaziel Sanchez, Jaime Medina, Jamarea Campbell, Jamarius Porche, James Gannon, James Kellner, James Newsome, James Riley, James Valdez, Jameson Williams, Jamie Barrett, Jason Lattier, Jefferson Arias, Jeffrey Risch, Jeremy Tiongson, Jerry Jaramillo, Jessica Jackson, Jevaun Coleman, John McGuire, John Nunez, Johnny Lavender, Jose Delgado Jr, Joseph Elder, Joshua Acosta, Joshua Wilson, Juan Rodriguez, Juan Ward, Julia Barnum, Juliette Marquez, Julio Gonzales, Julio Lopez, Justin Savage, Kaitlyn Tan, Keith Franklin, Kenneth Massey, Kimberly Alvarez, Kwamane Morson, Kyle Washington, Leonardo Alegre, Long Nguyen, Lonnie Harris, Manuel Franco, Mark Cook, Mark Henderson, Marques Slaughter, Marquis Thomas, Matthew Lopez, Mauricio Torres, Michael Kruger, Michael Muns, Michael Thornton, Misael Mendoza, Modesto Alcala, Mychael Tillman, Nicole Cabrera, Nicole Richardson, Noe Marquez, Omar Omar, Patrick Griffin, Paul Sanchez, Quinn Guzman, Ricardo

Medina, Ricardo Perez, Rithya Uth, Robert Johnston, Robert Serrano, Roderick Glover, Ronald Guidry, Ryan Munoz, Shawn Stubbert, Shawn Zazueta, Steven Honma, Steven Miner, Telesforo Quintanilla, Theodis Barley, Theoran Laws, Thue Vang, Timothy Thornburg, Troy McDonald, Tyler King, Valerie Malcom, Victor Hernandez, William Castro, William Rodriquez, and William Young.Eastern Sierra – Mammoth Lakes & Bishop (20):Alyra Grice, Amber Fletcher, Ashley Beechan, Carlos Castro, Earl Lent, Gaylon Jr. Teslaa, Gloria Solorio, Jaqueline Garcia, Kekoa Kailiawa, Phillip Chacanaca, Raymond Hunter, Rebecca Church, Renee Hartsman, Robert Krogstie, Ryann Ritchie, Stephen Haakana, Tamara Allen, Terica Haer, Theresa Bell, and Tinh Le Trung. CC Online – Various Locations (19):Adrian Douglass, Angel Gardner, Brock Duffield, Christa Harris, Christine Johnson, Daniel Perkins, Destin Yent, Enrique Franco Martin, Gregory Bonner, Haylee Kann, Jamie Mcmanaman, Katherine Harrington, Marvela Santos, Mary Moore, Michelle Estrada, Samantha Reyes, Savannah Simmons, Shaunn King, and Veronica Soderstrom.Kern River Valley – Lake Isabella, Kernville (9): Angela Joy Johnson, Colette Nicod, Crystal Schneider, Daniel Freier, Grace Harrison, Jacob Miller, Julie Hodge, Morgan Green, and Tristan Papazian. Focused. Nurtured. Valued.

The Coyote Howler is a publication of Cerro Coso Community College. For more information about the stories in this publication, or to include information in this publication, contact Natalie Dorrell, Public Relations

Director, at 760-384-6260 or email ndorrell@cerrocoso.edu.

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4 COYOTE HOWLER

Duffield Receives Athletic Academic Achievement AwardStudent-athlete Brock Duffield is the recipient of the Cerro Coso Community College Foundation Athletic Academic Achievement Award. A second year member of the Coyote Basketball team, Duffield has excelled in the classroom as well as a student athlete making academics his priority. “On the court he always gives 100%, and never let his opponent outwork him,” said Athletic Director John McHenry. “He is the type of person that challenges everyone around him to become better.” Duffield graduated from Cerro Coso in May with an Associate Degree and Certificate of Achievement in Business and an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts: Social and Behavioral Science. The CCCC Foundation’s Athletic Academic Achievement Award is given each year to the athlete with the highest GPA overall. Duffield has made the President’s List for the past four semesters. Directed. Focused. Nurtured. Engaged. Connected. Valued.

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Wanta Completes Leadership Ridgecrest Program

Congratulations to Matt Wanta, Director of Nursing, on his recent completion of the Leadership Ridgecrest Program. What the City of Ridgecrest will be like as we progress further into the 21st century depends on the contributions of active and informed local leaders—people like Lisa Stephens and Matt Wanta—who want to make a commitment to give back to the community

where they live and work. Matt is the second employee from Cerro Coso to complete the Leadership Ridgecrest Program, now in its second year of operation preparing citizens for leadership roles in the community. He follows Lisa Stephens, Director of the East Kern Region, who completed the Ridgecrest Chamber of Commerce’s inaugural program in 2018. The nine-month program was established to develop the city leaders of tomorrow through a series of seminars, workshops, and community-based projects that affect positive change. The program is designed to help participants identify issues of community interest, build skills to support engagement, foster and inspired leaders, and build relationships with community-based organizations that encourage more community involvement. Participants also acquire valuable information and access to resources, which aid them in their work and civic engagement. Directed. Focused. Nurtured. Connected.