Annual Honors Institute Luncheon Celebrates Its Graduates
Publish Date: May 5, 2023
Photo: 23/24 CHC Honors Institute Graduates.
For Judy Cannon, the annual Crafton Hills College Honors Institute Graduate Luncheon is a bittersweet moment.
On one hand, she explains, the annual event places the focus on the accomplishments of Roadrunners during their time at the Yucaipa-based college, but on the other, it’s saying goodbye to the students she appreciates and loves.
“This is just the peak of the entire [Honors Institute] experience,” Cannon, coordinator of the program, continued. “To sit down and actually look at the things they’ve accomplished this year, it’s overwhelming because they are an amazing group of young people.”
Held Friday, May 5, in Crafton Hall, the luncheon hosted dozens of Honors students, who filled the space with laughter, expressions of appreciation and special traditions that stood out to all in attendance, including the awarding of graduation stoles and the announcement of program awards and scholarships.
Crafton’s Honors Institute provides students with a high academic GPA the opportunity to expand on their achievements by participating in a program that “challenges and deepens students’ scholarship, creativity and commitment,” according to the program’s website. Students who apply and are accepted after meeting program criteria have access to the use of an Honors Lounge, potential priority consideration for admission to designated universities through honors transfer agreements, and much more. To complete the program, students must also earn Honors credits and participate in community service projects.
The Honors Institute on campus started from humble beginnings with a small meeting space inside Crafton Hall. It has since grown to include more than 120 students and has the full support of Crafton faculty and staff. CHC President Kevin Horan announced the opening of an expanded Honors Lounge in the new Instructional Building on campus once construction is completed in the near future.
“It’s getting bigger and better,” Cannon said, “and we’re very excited about it.”
Before the luncheon ended, it was time to award individual honors to program participants, including the announcement of the President’s Volunteer Service Award winners:
- Bronze: Robert Alexander, Hannah Gill, Gianna Nourok, Enggie Ocampo and Charisma Urena
- Gold: Saddique Akbar, Ayesha Bibi and Muhammad Zubiar
Honors Research Fellow Awards were given to Lindsay Adams, Noah Hensley, Hannah Stull, Alison Blake, Rachel Kanter, Leif Tillman, Angie Cristobal, Dakota King, Charisma Urena, Dakota Erwin, Valeria Perez and Vesi Zelemenova.
Kanter and Erwin were also recognized for their 1st and 3rd place Honors Transfer Council of California poster contest awards, respectively, with Anthony Page joining the duo with a 3rd place award in the social sciences/humanities category. Kanter won her prize in the same category, while Erwin earned hers in STEM.
Other awards included the announcement of four student scholarships:
- The Daniel Bahner Memorial Honors Scholarship – Angie Cristobal
- The Raymond Pryke Honors Achievement Award – Noah Hensley
- The Raymond Pryke Memorial Honors Scholarship – Rachel Kanter
- The Raymond Pryke Leadership Award – Dakota Erwin
Cannon, too, was recognized for her contributions to the program in a surprise but welcomed announcement led by Kanter, who presented the longtime Crafton mainstay with a special gift – a gold necklace commemorating her dedication to the Institute.
“The Honors program has been so impactful to my life,” Kanter, a 28-year-old psychology major, said. “I’m sad to leave. I’m sad to leave Judy and I’m sad to leave this beautiful campus. I’ve had such a great experience.”
