Bunker Hill Community College Students Recognized at City Hall Ceremony

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Jul 18, 2014, 03:34 ET

BOSTON, July 18, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh recognized eleven Bunker Hill Community College students at a City Hall ceremony on July 15, 2014. Each of the students received a scholarship of $1,000 from First Literacy to help defray the cost of college.

First Literacy selected the adult learners, or students over 18, for their academic achievements, community service, and perseverance in the face of hardships and obstacles. All have received their high school equivalency, graduated from an adult basic education or English for speakers of other languages program, or graduated from a bridge-to-college program at a local community-based organization.

"We are very proud of the success of these students," said BHCC President Pam Y. Eddinger, who attended the ceremony. "And we are impressed with the important work First Literacy is doing to assist adult learners."

Shabbir Ahmed, Maria Choukri, Tirsit Dessallegn, Vanessa Dorta, Angelina Gigante, Celia Maraschi and Micheline Ngo Yon, who are entering BHCC, were designated New Scholars. Gigante also received the inaugural Mayor Thomas M. Menino Scholarship, created to honor the former mayor's commitment to adult literacy education.

Abdelmalik Drief, Sandra Gaviria, Mohamed Janga and Sherrie Thomas were honored as Continuing Scholars. In addition, Janga and Thomas were named 11-10-02 Foundation Scholars.

First Literacy raises awareness and funds for adult learners through grants, technical assistance and professional development. Since 1988 First Literacy has awarded nearly $500,000 in scholarships to more than 400 adults. The nonprofit 11-10-02 Foundation funds grants and scholarships for hard working students with financial need.

Media Contact:
Karen M. Norton, Executive Director of Integrated Marketing and Communications
Bunker Hill Community College, Boston, MA 02129
Phone: 617-228-2177; Email: [email protected]

Bunker Hill Community College is the largest community college in Massachusetts. The College enrolls more than 14,000 students on two campuses and at three satellite locations. BHCC is one of the most diverse institutions of higher education in Massachusetts. Sixty-seven percent of the students are people of color and more than half of BHCC's students are women. The College also enrolls more than 800 international students who come from approximately 100 countries and speak more than 75 languages.

SOURCE Bunker Hill Community College