News Release

ALL Campuses

Jessica Cash Named Cerro Coso's Spring 2009 "Student of the Semester"

May 6, 2009

The Cerro Coso Community College Alumni Association has been recognizing the outstanding achievements of Cerro Coso students each semester since 1988 by soliciting nominations from the faculty at all campus sites. The Alumni Association proudly announces the recipient of the Spring 2009 "Student of the Semester" award is Jessica Cash from the Indian Wells Valley Campus. Cash was honored at an Alumni Association awards luncheon on Thursday, April 23, 2009 at Texas Cattle Company in Ridgecrest. Cash was nominated for this award by Cerro Coso Community College instructor, Cliff Davis. Also supporting this nomination were faculty members Christine Swiridoff, John Stenger-Smith, Don Rosenberg, and Dean Bernsten. Here are a few of the comments make by the nominating faculty members:

Cliff Davis stated, "Jessica is a rare example of a student who combines extraordinary academic achievements across the disciplines, most strikingly in English and the sciences, with impressive leadership accomplishments and civic involvement. Jessica not only leads by example in the classroom but also generously mentors other students both at Cerro Coso and the local high schools. Jessica also volunteered for ten to twelve hours per week for a year and a half at the China lake Naval Air Weapons Station in the Polymer Science and Engineering Branch and was hired in May 2007 as a student employee as a Physical Science Technician."

Christine Swiridoff stated, "I know Jessica best as our top Honors Program student. She is one of the rare students who excel in every subject. She does not just earn A's; she surpasses her instructors' expectations. The past month, Jessica was named to the second 2009
All-California Academic Team, a state-wide competition co-sponsored by the Community College League of California and Phi Theta kappa International Honor Society."

John Stenger-Smith stated, "I have been teaching Chemistry at Cerro Coso Community College since 1994, and I would say without hesitation that Jessica is one of the top three students that I have ever had. Jessica will be listed as a co-author on a manuscript that will be submitted for publication in the Journal of the Electrochemical Society later this month."

Don Rosenberg stated, "Jessica is amazing and exceptional student."

Dean Bernsten stated, "From the very beginning, Jessica's curiosity, drive, intellect, and love of learning were absolutely obvious. Jessica is a splendid young woman with outstanding intellectual, humanitarian, professional, and creative potentials."

Overall GPA, class participation, extracurricular activities, and community involvement are all considered in the selection process for this award. She is currently enrolled in 13.0 units, has completed 96.5 units, and carries and overall 4.0 GPA. Cash is majoring in Chemistry and plans on continuing her education after she graduates from Cerro Coso in May 2009.

"The Alumni Association is very proud to bestow this award on Jessica Cash and acknowledge her many achievements by selecting her as the Spring 2009 "Student of the Semester," stated Joann Clark, Director of Information, Development, and Alumni Relations. Cash was presented with a framed certificate of appreciation, an alumni pin, a $200 cash award, a special Cerro Coso remembrance gift, her name added to a perpetual plaque honoring all recipients of this distinguished award, and her photo will be displayed on the "Student of the Semester" bulletin boards at the IWV Campus.

Joann Clark (left), Director of Information, Development and Alumni Relations, and Dr. Mary Retterer (right), President of Cerro Coso Community College, congratulating Jessica Cash, from the Indian Wells Valley Campus, as the recipient of the Alumni Association's Spring 2009 "Student of the Semester" award.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Natalie Dorrell, Public Information (760) 384-6260