Celia Tamayo and Michelle Batista were recognized as two of Lamar Community College’s best and brightest at the 2018 Colorado Community College System’s Rising Start Awards Ceremony and Honorary Luncheon held on April 10. 

The annual Rising Star ceremony celebrated 27 students from across the Colorado Community College System (CCCS) for their contributions to the overall success of their colleges and communities.  Honorees must show a high level of involvement in campus leadership/activities, be enrolled in at least nine credit hours at the time of their nomination and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

LCC President Dr. Linda Lujan introduced Tamayo and Batista as they received their awards at the ceremony, praising their contributions to LCC.

“Celia and Michelle exemplify the kind of students who give us all hope for the future because they are so motivated, dedicated, and talented,” said Dr. Linda Lujan.  “They both told me they were surprised to get this recognition because there are so many great students at LCC. But when I spent time learning more about them, I wasn’t surprised at all.  Congratulations, ladies!”

Celia Tamayo is a graduating sophomore from Lamar, Colorado, pursuing an Associate of General Studies and a certificate in Business. 

In her time at Lamar Community College, she has become a key member of the Business Office where she has worked for the past two years as a work study.  She was instrumental in helping LCC transition from a brick-and-mortar bookstore to a virtual bookstore this past summer.  All who have worked with her praise her reliability and go-getter attitude.  She also holds a part-time job off-campus.  Tamayo is involved on campus as a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Collegiate DECA.  In the fall, she also spent time working in DECA’s student-run Runnin’ Lopes Coffee Shop.

Upon graduation she plans to work full-time while pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Management. 

Michelle Batista is a graduating sophomore from Johnstown, Colorado, earning an Associate of Arts degree. 

She is heavily involved on campus, balancing heavy workload while maintaining a high GPA.  Her campus involvement has included being a key member of the Runnin’ Lopes Volleyball team, campus employment in the Wellness Center, serving as a Resident Assistant, being a member of Phi Theta Kappa, and volunteer work with the One Step Up program at the HOPE Center and with Girls in the Middle.

Upon graduation from LCC, she plans to transfer to the University of Northern Colorado to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. 

Photos courtesy Lamar Community College. Top: Celia Tomayo. Bottom: Michelle Batista.