Twenty five students Fresno City College enrolled in the Leon S. Peters Honors Program each received $1,000 during a reception in the Skylight room of the OAB on May 6. The Rampage’s opinion editor, Charlotte MacKay, was one of the recipients.

“Receiving this award is really just affirmation of the decision I made to come to Fresno City College straight out of high school rather than rushing off as I thought I wanted to,” said Joseph Gannon Castle, one of the recipients.

Forouz Radnejad, counselor for students in the honors program said she was thrilled to see so many students honored and credits some of their success to the careful planning when they start their college career.

“When students come to me, they are wondering what classes they should take or if they are taking the right courses. We plan out everything,” she said. “I help them get from point A to point B so, but that is going to help them have a relaxing phase when everything is resolved. They can see the light at the end of the tunnel and it is so rewarding to be able to do that for students.”

Each student had the opportunity to go up to the podium to tell the audience their plans and where they were headed to complete their college education. Castle said he would most likely attend UC Berkeley to study history in order to become a history teacher.

The room was filled with smiling faces and everyone was dressed formally. The event was coordinated by Aaron Pankratz.

“I’ve learned a lot at the junior college level, and I have worked hard these past two years,” Castle said. “It just affirms that I made the correct choice.”