Valley Honors Student Success

Monarch Hall was the place to be Thursday, as the Dean's Reception honored Valley College's best students with a combination of food, music and an inspirational tale of success against overwhelming odds.

"This is such a wonderful day," said Tyree Wieder, Valley's president. "It is so gratifying to welcome you all here to give us a very brief opportunity to thank you for all the work that you have done here on campus."

With dozens of family and friends on hand, the students were treated to music from pianist Guy Giat, who played Oscar Peterson's "Blues of Big Scotia" as the crowd clapped and snapped their fingers along.

The highlight of the event was the speech given by guest speaker Norma Vega, a former Valley student who now works for the Mayor's office as the Area Director for the East San Fernando Valley.

Vega, who jokingly described herself as a "super-duper senior" because of all the years she spent at Valley, used her personal story of struggling to find an educational goal while overcoming poverty and violence to inspire students.

Growing up around an environment that involved gangs and crime, Vega's speech encouraged everyone to not be afraid to "dream big" and use education as a tool to persevere over any hardships they face.

Revealing that she had been shot by a stray bullet during her senior year in high school, she said the incident made her think about how she would be remembered if she died, prompting her to focus on her education and making a better life.

After her speech, Vega said she was excited to come back to Valley and share her story.

"I feel really blessed to be able to come here again," she said. "Valley meant so much to me and this is where it all kind of started for me. I exposed a lot of my personal life, but if it helps a student its all worth it."

An annual staple at Valley, the event was organized by the Associated Student Union and hosted by Tau Alpha Epsilon, Valley's honors society. More than six hundred full-time and 1000 part-time students were recognized for their academic excellence.

Full-time students that complete at least 12 units with a 3.5 grade point average and part-time students who also maintain a 3.5 GPA while completing six to 11 units are included on the Dean's list. Recognition of the accomplishment is also included in their official transcripts.

Students who appear on the Dean's list for three consecutive semesters are awarded with a spot on the President's Honor List, receive a congratulatory pin and walk across the stage in Monarch Hall.