NORWALK - The Cerritos College Foundation awarded two scholarships for students with disabilities at its board meeting on Thursday, May 17.The Robert C. Hughlett Scholarship for Students with Disabilities was presented to Francisco Arias of Bellflower and Gabriel Corella of Norwalk. Francisco Arias is hardworking and motivated. As a deaf student, he has faced a unique set of challenges but has learned to be a strong advocate for himself and to seek the support he needs. Arias is transferring to Cal State Northridge this fall as a deaf studies major and Chicano studies minor with a goal of becoming an American Sign Language instructor. Described as diligent, industrious and motivated, Gabriel Corella is one of the rare students who demonstrates a refreshing sense of integrity and who shows a true concern for others. Aside from being a caretaker for his disabled mother, he has served as the president of Phi Theta Kappa, has volunteered as an economics tutor and as a note taker for DSPS students. Corella is transferring to UC Riverside this fall as a business major and hopes to eventually pursue his master's degree in management. Established in 2005 by college staff members in honor of Dr. Bob Hughlett, a Cerritos College Board of Trustees member and the retired director of Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS), the scholarship provides $2,000 to a transferring student for educational needs every year. The foundation also presented the Kay Follet DSPS Scholar Award to Miriam Oliveros of Norwalk and Benjamin Bernal of Whittier. Miriam Oliveros has distinguished herself from her peers with her kind demeanor, strong work ethic and her will to succeed. She is passionate about helping others and nothing gives her greater joy than helping people regain control of their lives. Oliveros plans on transferring to a UC to pursue her bachelor's degree in clinical psychology and eventually hopes to earn her master's and doctorate. Ben Bernal is an intelligent, reflective and considerate student whose maturity and devotion to learning is truly impressive. He is an active member of Phi Theta Kappa and the Economics Club. Bernal hopes to transfer to UC Berkley next fall as a double major in economics and mathematics. Established by Dr. Kay Follett, Professor Emerita in DSPS, the scholarship supports the advancement of qualified students with verified disabilities. The $500 scholarship is awarded to a student who has completed all foundation courses in reading, math and English, as well as substantial coursework toward an AA degree or transfer goal.

********** Published: June 07, 2012 - Volume 11 - Issue 08