AUSTIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE HOSTS CELEBRATION

By Carmen Hernandez

ACC hosted the Ascender Celebracion on May 8th at the Highland Campus and on May 15th at the South Austin Campus. During both events, Ascender team members welcomed students to the curbside celebration with cheers and applause as they, their families, and loved ones gathered for the first time in recognition of their achievement in completing the program. Many students who took part in the Ascender Celebracion got a Certificate of Completion, a serape stole, and some were even recognized for perfect attendance.

Due to the program's halt of face-to-face interaction at the start of the pandemic for the 2019-2020 cohort, Ascender also invited those students from last year to receive their certificates. Many of these students had struggled in their classes due to the pandemic, and it was a huge success for them to finally receive their certificate of completion and graduation stole. Throughout the Celebraciones, the Ascender team and ACC mascot, RB the Riverbat, were encouraged to take pictures with students with their gifts and congratulate them for their hard work in completing their first year in college along with their achievements.

“The Ascender Celebracion was meaningful for my first year in college. I feel that many students, including myself, felt recognized by Ascender and ACC as students who are on a successful educational path. Being able to complete the Ascender program proves that ACC truly “is for everyone.” Overall, it shows the commitment we as students make from the beginning to stay motivated and always strive for our best, and it felt so great to end the year. Thank you, Ascender, for all the hard work and dedication to your students, and congratulations to the 2019 and 2020 cohort,” stated Carmen Hernandez.