STEP Student Highlights
During the summer STEP students Xiomara Millay and
Valerie Garibay traveled to Spain (Andalucia, Cordoba
Sevilla) and Africa (Morocco).
Xiomara Millay
Students Transfer with Educational Preparation
“Participating in the study abroad program was a
memorable experience and one that I will cherish for
the rest of my life. I was very fortunate that South
Mountain and Mesa Community College helped
sponsor me through this unforgettable journey. I highly
encourage students to take advantage of these
opportunities.” ~Valerie Garibay~
STEP Student
Fall 2014
STEP Grant Aid Recipients
During the spring semester the STEP program awarded over $27,000 in Grant Aid funds. The award was determined on the
following criteria: Grade Point Average, Program Participation, Personal Statement, and Financial Aid Eligibility
Valerie Garibay
STEP Student
Joseph May, Ivan Benitez, Julianna Martinez, Helen Evans, Maha Alduhi, Henry Erives,
Jazmyn Muhammad, Amber Cook, Raymond Rodriguez, Davine Norman, Alicia Cabrera,
Luis Rivera was a participant in the 2014 Hispanic College Quiz TV Show in Chicago, Illinois.
Valerie Garibay, Crystal Fields, Francesca Johnson, Tera Kelley, Cesar Ochoa,
Xiomara Millay, Ricardo Bernal, Juan Valera, Alexandra Kincade, and Desiree Mata.
Francisca Morales attended the 2014
National Conference for College Women
Student Leaders in Maryland.
Arnold Torres - Coach (Left)
Student Service Specialist
Luis Rivera - Participant (Right)
STEP Student
Francisca Morales
STEP Shout-Out: Derrick Washington
Inside this issue:
STEP Student
“The Hispanic College Quiz Show is a television series that airs during the Hispanic Heritage month; it’s a show by students to demonstrate their
knowledge about their roots. My coach Arnold Torres and I prepared along the way ... we took this experience not as a competition, but a learning experience. It has been a blessing to have participated in the Hispanic College Quiz Show in the famous “Windy City.”” ~Luis Rivera~
”I regained the voice that I have lost. The women leaders I met were encouraging and inspiring. I felt a sense of empowerment and sisterhood. I also visited the National Museum of Women in the Arts. It was inspiring seeing the history of women through their art and how they struggled to be recognized in
their era. After attending the conference, my new philosophy is be true to yourself; dare to grow; and always stay curious.” ~Francisca Morales~
Social Media Corner
For photos and more information on upcoming
workshops, cultural events, and scholarship
opportunities! Check out the STEP Facebook page!
Facebook Page: STEP UP to Success Club
Reminders.
 If you are enrolled in the STEP Program you can borrow.
LiveScribe Pens, laptops and TI-83 / TI–84 calculators!
 STEP students seating is limited for campus tours and
cultural events so sign up early! Stop by the TRIO office
to pick up a copy of the fall calendar of events.
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Every year the President’s Office here at South Mountain Community
College (SMCC) gives out 3 Pillar awards. SMCC faculty and staff can
nominate each other for the Learning Organization, Continuous
Improvement and Innovation, or the Student Success award. This year,
our very own STEP Program coordinator, Derrick Washington received
the Student Success Pillar award The awards were handed out during
the SMCC Fall 2014 Convocation.
Edited By: Sianna Kent, TRIO Department Secretary
End of the Year Ceremony
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TRIO Legacy
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STEP Graduates
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Student Highlights
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Social Media
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Reminders
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8th Annual End Of The Year Ceremony
STEP 2014 Graduates
“Graduation is not the end: it’s the beginning.”
~Orrin Hatch~
The STEP Program end of the year ceremony was held on Thursday, April 24, 2014 at South Mountain Community College.
The ceremony recognized student academic accomplishments as well as the December and May graduates. Graduates
received a TRIO stole, certificates of completion, a program medallion and words of inspiration from Cassandra Aska, Associate
Dean of Students, Arizona State University.
Special awards were given to Vimani Baxter, Reyes Gallegos, Davine Norman, and Jenna Navarro (Academic Excellence
Award) Brian Hagerty, Eva Valdez, and Deana Keeto (Humanitarian Award), Nellie Jones, Francesca Johnson, Alicia
Cabrera, Crystal Fields, and Kevin Kobey (Perseverance Award), Francisca Morales, Joseph May, Ivan Benitez, Jazmyn
Muhammad, and Amber Cook (The Rising Star Award), Ricardo Bernal and Juliana Martinez (The Cougar Award).
Martens Scholarship Award
The $1,710 Martens Scholarship is awarded to a STEP recipient who is an “adult” student,
that interrupted their education to work or raise a family and who has a “B” average. The
student must be enrolled in a minimum of 9 units to apply.
Pictured from left to right
Phil Cram (Enterprise Application Administrator, Maricopa Community Colleges),
Dr. Kay Martens (Former SMCC VP Student Affairs)
Tera Kelley (Scholarship Recipient)
Ruben Saenz, TRIO/HOOP Director
Yadira Quintana: Continuing the TRIO Legacy
Yadira Quintana joined the Upward Bound program in 2008. In 2011,Yadira graduated from
the Upward Bound program and Central High School. She continued her TRIO journey by
enrolling in the TRIO Student Support Services (STEP) program in 2012. In 2014,Yadira
graduated from the TRIO STEP program and South Mountain Community College with
Yadira Quintana
an Associate of Arts degree. Yadira is planning to transfer to Grand Canyon University
Graduation Day
and major in Nursing.
(South Mountain Community College)
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Maha Al Duhi, Ricardo Bernal, Angelique Bishop, Kimberly Concho, Amber Cook, Anabel Delgado,
Annalisa Espericueta, Kimberly Hart, Johnny Hernandez, Francesca Johnson, Deanna Keeto,
Kelly Kitcheyan, Kevin Kobey, Luis Marquez, Julianna Martinezz, Joseph May, Maxie Mertens,
Ella Morendo, Cesar Ochoa, Eric Ollarsaba, Brenda Ontiveros, Cristian Payan, Yadira Quintana,
Guadalupe Ramirez-Mojardin, Estefania Sanchez-Jimenez, Jeremy Russeau, Kevin Threatt,
Juan Valera, Erin Wendler, Xiomara Wilbert, and Amina Yassin.
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