Compton College commencement speaker creates his own ‘Field of Dreams’

Graduates

tending private universities, trade schools or enlisting in the armed forces.

Compton College 2023 graduate Armando Arguello has played baseball since age 4 and has fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a collegiate baseball player. A member of the Compton College baseball team for the past two years, the right-handed pitcher will be attending Avila University in Kansas City, Missouri, this fall on an athletic scholarship.

THE honors student with a 4.0 GPA was invited to apply and audition to be the 2023 student speaker for Compton College’s Commencement Ceremony on June 9 at the Dignity Health Sports Center. After being selected, the first-generation college student delivered his speech to his graduating peers, friends, and family members with a message focused on the premise that each person will have a different path to success.

“Some people will face more adversity than others, however, I want to encourage everyone to remain strong and positive through rough times. He admits there are times where he has felt like the standards he is held to by people close to him are too high, yet he continues to work on being a better person every day. He strives to not only fulfill these standards, but often sets the bar even higher.

“I’m inspired by my parents,” he said. “They are respected, and

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Armando Arguello

they are genuine; what you see is what you get. They instilled in me good values. They taught me to be loving and caring, and to treat people as you would want to be treated.”

At Avila University, Arguello will pursue a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, with a concentration in behavioral and social science, while also playing for the Avila Eagles baseball team.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Arguello plans to return to Southern California to earn a master’s degree in academic advising and counseling. He hopes to one day return to Compton College to serve as an academic counselor, helping students achieve their educational and career goals. “Through my interest in communication studies and leadership roles in athletics, I discovered a passion for helping people, so I want to pay it forward in the future by returning to Compton College and serving on the counseling team,” he said.

Arguello says Compton College has provided a safe space for him to explore his interests, both on and off the field. During the past three years at Compton College, he has earned three associate degrees for transfer, five additional associate degrees, and two certificates of achievement. Arguello served as pitcher for the Compton College baseball team, and says he is grateful for everything that has come of his decision to attend Compton College. He was named to the Dean’s List, selected as a Scholar Athlete of the Year, and awarded a Presidential Scholarship. Arguello would like to recognize the many coaches, instructors, counselors, and staff members at Compton College that have contributed to his success.

“I never felt like just a number at Compton College, but rather felt like I was in the right place,” he said. “I used the smaller class sizes to my advantage and was able to get a lot of assistance from my instructors. All the resources were available to me, and it was up to me to access the student services when I needed them.”

Arguello encouraged everyone in attendance at the 2023 Commencement Ceremony to be helpful and kind to others, but also to “always believe in yourselves and what you can achieve.” continued from page 1 cations, talents, or merit often without regard to financial need. Current Compton College students may apply online for multiple scholarships with just one application. The annual scholarship application period is usually the beginning of October through the end of February of the following year.

“To my fellow graduates in the class of 2023, whatever your end goal may be, know today that you have proven that there is no task too big, but rather, you are up for the challenge,” said Arguello to close out his speech. “You are a Compton College graduate; you are a story of success!

“We are proud of Compton College’s numerous 2023 student scholars who have worked hard for these academic achievements,” said Barbara Calhoun, Compton Community College District Board of Trustees president. “The Board is extremely grateful for the generous donations the Foun- dation for the Compton Community College District receives each year from businesses, organizations, and individuals in our surrounding communities to enable the funding of these scholarships for students, many of whom face financial barriers to obtaining a college education.”

“This is just the beginning of a new chapter in your life, brimming with endless possibilities and opportunities,” Vista and Pathway Principal Ramon Enriquez said. “Embrace the challenges that come your way, for they will mold you into a stronger version of yourself. Keep pushing forward even when the path seems uncertain because it is in those moments that you will discover your true potential.”

During Firebaugh High School’s ceremony, student speakers, including outgoing ASB President Airad Reyes, reflected on how the pandemic shaped their education while acknowledging their families, friends and teachers who have played an invaluable role in their high school journeys.

“No one ever prepares you for how bittersweet it is to see and become the person you are today,” Reyes said. “Four years ago, we walked onto campus not knowing where life would take us, and while our high school years may not have been as perfect as in the movies, we made it work!”

Lynwood High School students closed another chapter of their lives during an emotional ceremony in which school administrators celebrated students who have earned more than $600,000 in scholarships.

“If these four years have taught us anything, it is that we are stronger than any obstacle out there and we are more than capable of reaching our goals,” said valedictorian Roberto Andrade, a Top 10 student who plans to attend Stanford University. “As we turn our tassels to the side, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in our lives, remember to choose paths that genuinely bring you joy and fulfillment.”

The senior classes were also recognized for accomplishments, including earning Advanced Placement (AP) scholar awards, International Baccalaureate (IB) Diplomas, National Honor Society recognitions, Golden State Seal Merit Diplomas, Seal of Biliteracy Diplomas and Shirley Ann Davis Memorial scholarships, awarded to the top African American female and male students with the highest grade point averages at their respective schools.

This year, Lynwood Unified reached a 93% graduation rate among its two comprehensive high schools.

“This class of graduates faced a unique set of challenges from the onset – starting the school year on campus in 2019, transitioning to distance learning in 2020 and reacclimating to in-person learning in 2021,” Superintendent Gudiel Crosthwaite, Ph.D., said. “Through it all, they have shown unwavering support for one another. We are proud of their dedication and are honored to celebrate these scholars. Congratulations to the Class of 2023 as they embark on their future endeavors.”

Compton College offers scholarships to students across all academic disciplines and 24 categories, including students working toward a certificate in Career Education programs, Dream Act students, Formerly Incarcerated Students in Transition (F.I.S.T.) program participants, first generation students, women re-entering college, and more.

Students who are already receiving benefits through the state-funded Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) and Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) programs may also apply for a scholarship.