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