The best thing Vanessa Thong has done while at Adams State University is take advantage of events, organizations and clubs on campus.
“I feel as if I’ve built many connections, memories and friendships that way,” she says. “I took advantage of many of the opportunities ASU offered and I’m so grateful.”
She says that ASU has given her purpose, inspiration, motivation, support, and “endless amount of opportunities.” “With a full ride to ASU, I knew they were a university that believed in me and my dreams to be a school or mental health counselor. They cared about me as a person, not just a student. I wouldn’t be where I am without ASU.”
Jaqueline Palacios-Molinar agrees.
“I feel appreciated and supported by my university and fellow campus members,” she says. “It is an honor to represent Adams as a Hispanic student in an HSI. Now that I have received this award, I am able to continue my journey in higher education and continue striving for my career path. This scholarship motivates me to continue my work ethic and to continue to do much more. Not only for myself, but for my college as well.”
It was the enthusiasm of those two students that earned them the title 2020 Grizzlies of the Year. Each will receive a $500 scholarship for their leadership, engagement, achievement and dedication to Adams State.
The two are part of Adams State’s Co-Curricular Recreation and Engagement GrizzLEADs program. Each student involved earns points toward the four areas of the scholarship for their participation before and during Homecoming Week.
Besides the scholarship, the two were featured in the local newspaper, in Adams State news, on @Adamsstatecore social media, and will speak at the Leadership Banquet in March about their time as Grizzly of the Year.
If students missed the opportunity to apply to the GrizzLEADs program this year, they can apply next year. The application process opens at the beginning of the academic year winners are announced shortly after Homecoming Week.
