AWC recognizes aspiring teachers at La Cosecha banquet

Fourteen students at Arizona Western College each received $500 scholarships to continue their studies toward future teaching careers.

The scholarships were presented to the students, all of whom graduated this month from AWC, during the La Cosecha banquet held earlier this month at the college.

The recipients were Alfonso Avila, Talia I. Baca, Adahli Cabrera, Cynthia Camarillo, Danira Contreras, Tawneel Cook, Steven Garcia, Nancy Gomez, Georgina Guerrero, Hercilia Martinez, Gerardo C. Molina Maciel, Diana D. Quintana, Flor Sotelo and Yoecelyn Walle.

They were among 33 students recognized during the banquet held at AWC’s main campus in Yuma. All 33 receved certificates and commemorative sashes.

The La Cosecha banquet was started 18 years ago to recognize students who have overcome adversity to pursue their educations at AWC and beyond at four-year universities.

Given the need for teachers in Yuma County and around the state, the college decided to dedicate this year’s banquet to those AWC graduates who are planning to pursue careers in education, said Angelica Diaz de Leon, a career and academic advisor at the college.

The banquet and scholarships are made possible by donations from AWC alumni, among them Yuma attorney Candy Camarena, who was instrumental in starting the recognition program and who continues to be a donor.