On Tuesday, May 26, Santiago Canyon College (SCC) student Miguel Santamaria was honored with the Rancho Santiago Community College Board of Trustees President’s Scholar Award. Here Trustee Clerk Brian E. Conley presents Miguel with a certificate of recognition and a gift card to the campus bookstore.

Upon graduating from El Modena High School, Miguel enrolled at SCC in fall 2006 and began studying architecture. As a first-generation college student, he overcame the academic demands and time commitments of college thanks to the support and encouragement he received from SCC's Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) counselors and support staff.

Despite a demanding academic and work schedule, Miguel recently participated in an EOPS leadership conference held at UC Irvine, where he witnessed the benefits of getting involved in his community. Because of that experience, he plans to participate in advocacy efforts for the Dream Act and on behalf of AB 540 students.

Miguel hopes to transfer to either Cal Poly Pomona or Cal Poly San Luis Obispo upon completing his coursework at SCC.

See past Board President's Scholar Award recipients.