Student Awards

2024 CCCS Excellence Award Winners

2024 Rising Star Award Winner Kelsi Smits

Kelsi Smits

Kelsi Smits will graduate spring 2024 with an Associate of Arts degree in Psychology. Her dedication to excellence is demonstrated through her impressive academic record, which includes being inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society and being named to MCC’s President’s List.

Kelsi plans to further her education at the University of Northern Colorado, aiming for a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Educational Psychology. Her career aspirations lie in counseling, social work, or human resources.

Beyond her academic achievements, Kelsi serves in the MCC Welcome Center, helping assist students and college guests. She is a proactive leader on campus and engages in a variety of volunteer activities, contributing both to the college community and beyond.

Rising Star Award

Awarded to a student who has a high-level of involvement in campus leadership activities and helps to increase the level and quality of student engagement.

2024 Inclusive Excellence Award Winner Kate Acevedo Landeros

Kate Acevedo Landeros

Kate Acevedo Landeros will graduate spring 2024 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology. Kate is following in the footsteps of her mother and brother, who are proud alumni of Morgan Community College. She was inspired to attend MCC because of the opportunities and support that the college is known for.

Kate’s experience feeling like an outsider at times in her life has profoundly shaped her values and actions. She recognizes that many people face unseen struggles, and she is deeply committed to fostering an environment of inclusivity and kindness in all her interactions, including at MCC.

Her empathetic nature drives her to consider the perspectives and feelings of others, ensuring that no one feels alienated or overlooked. Kate’s philosophy is simple yet impactful: to show unwavering kindness to all, creating a community where everyone feels valued and supported. Kate serves as a Peer Tutor at MCC and is highly involved in many student events, such as the STEM Festival.

Inclusive Excellence

Awarded to a student or organization that has demonstrated a significant contribution toward creating a diverse and inclusive environment.

2024 Rising Star Award Winner Aaron Sierra

Aaron Sierra

Aaron Sierra will graduate from MCC in spring 2024 with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Radiologic Technology. He aims to further his education in pursuit of a career in Sports Medicine.

Aaron’s academic excellence is evidenced by his recognition on the President’s, Vice Presidents,’ and Deans’ lists. He has been a prominent figure on the MCC campus, engaging in the Gaming and Multicultural Clubs and campus events. His participation in the Cinco de Mayo festivities through the Multicultural Club provided him with an opportunity to celebrate his Mexican heritage.

In addition, Aaron has contributed to the MCC community as a work-study student in the Student Center, where he assisted fellow students in accessing resources. He has also dedicated his time to helping with the 2023 Summer Bridge Program and the 2023 STEM Festival. In these events, he played a key role as a mentor and guide for incoming MCC students and visiting students from local high schools.

Rising Star Award

Awarded to a student who has a high-level of involvement in campus leadership activities and helps to increase the level and quality of student engagement.

2024 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All-Colorado Academic Team

2024 PTK All-Star Anai Macias Castellanos

Anai Macias Castellanos

Anai Macias Castellano will graduate from MCC in the spring of 2024 with an Associate of Arts degree in Business. She is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Anai was motivated by her grandparents and father to attend college, as they taught her that higher education is vital to connecting with the world and enriching future generations.

After graduation, Anai plans to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a degree in international business. She aspires to start a local business to help support communities in need and to share her culture and heritage with the world.

Anai believes in enjoying the journey toward her goals, recognizing it as a part of life to be celebrated. Anai feels ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead, thanks to the knowledge and skills she continues to acquire. She lives her best life now, believing it will guide her to the future she wants.

2024 PTK All-Star Raul Hernandez Robles

Raul Hernandez Robles

Raul Hernandez Robles is a first-generation student and will graduate from MCC in the spring of 2024 with an Associate of Applied Science degree. Raul has served as President of MCC’s STEM Club and is a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

Excelling in school from an early age, Raul was encouraged by a high school anatomy teacher to pursue a career in medicine or the sciences. During his first year at MCC, faculty supported his dream of becoming a medical researcher. In the summer of 2023, Raul participated in the Carolina Summer Fellowship Research Program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The experience inspired him to set his sights on achieving a doctorate in Pharmacology.

After graduation from MCC, Raul plans to transfer to Colorado State University or the University of Colorado Boulder to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience.