Gateway to College Commencement 2022

Gateway to College graduates in caps and gowns at 2022 commencement

Congratulations Graduates!

You have persevered through challenging and unprecedented times and worked tirelessly to achieve this life milestone, which surely is the first of many accomplishments to come! We are extremely proud and have created this page to celebrate your achievement and acknowledge your success!

This website honors Gateway to College at STCC’s graduating class of 2022 and acknowledges family, friends, loved ones, mentors, staff, and faculty who have encouraged and supported our students along the way. On behalf of our students, we thank you for the role you played on their journey to graduation!

Here you’ll find congratulatory messages, a video presentation, special recognition for Gateway Alumni, and details about our graduates. Professors, instructors, peers, co-workers, family members, and friends are encouraged to join in by posting congratulatory messages for graduates on our social media.

Graduates, we hope your time here has helped you transition into not only the college environment but also that next chapter in your life. Despite difficult choices; early mornings; and balancing between personal life, college classes, and for many of you, work; you persevered. You see that challenges keep coming, but YOU make the difference! Each and everyone one of you has qualities and strengths that make you who you are, and that makes you amazing.

We’re very excited about what the future holds for each of you, and we’re proud to introduce you as the Class of 2022!

Once again, Congratulations!

Special Recognition Awards

The Gateway staff would like to recognize several alumnae who recently earned an Associate degree.

Juwayriyah Ayed

Juwayriyah Ayed

Studious, inquisitive, and creative, Juwayriyah Ayed, came to Gateway after several years of homeschooling, seeking to start her college experience and continue her learning journey. She integrated quickly into the college community, building relationships with professors and students alike, often helping other students along the way.

Juwayriyah graduated from the Gateway program in 2020 with 21 college credits under her belt, a strong head start on her degree when she enrolled at STCC. While completing her Associates Degree in Elementary Education, Juwayriyah did her work-study in the Gateway office, tutoring students and providing administrative support.  We are excited to have her now joining the Gateway team as an official member of our staff.

Congratulations, Juwayriyah! We’re very proud of your accomplishments and wish you all the best in your next endeavors - with us!

Axsel Rodriguez

Axsel Rodriguez

Hardworking and determined, Axsel Rodriguez, came to Gateway focused on being the first generation in his immigrant family to graduate high school and go to college.  He experienced barriers to education, including learning English and being the object of negative stereotypes. However, he persevered, excelled, and graduated high school having already earned 25 college credits.

After obtaining his high school diploma through Gateway in 2019, Axsel joined the Army Reserves where he serves as a military police officer. He also enrolled in the Criminal Justice program at STCC and earned his Associate Degree. He is currently weighing next steps, including possibly re-enlisting, transferring to a four-year college to continue studying Criminal Justice, and working for a police or sheriff’s department.

Thank you for your service, Axsel! We are so proud of your achievements, and this is only the beginning!

Student Speaker

Savanah Freidus

Savanah Freidus

Savanah Freidus, Gateway’s student speaker, is an enthusiastic learner with great academic habits that have produced excellent grades in her college courses, a challenge Savvy has more than risen to.

Savvy is genuinely curious about the world and the people around her. She is hardworking both as a student and as a creative artist: she has her own Etsy page of beautiful crocheted items and also participates in poetry slams. Warm and generous, Savvy has an easy way with people that makes her a natural leader, and she cares deeply about people, community, and society at large. As a student, she organizes peer study groups, shares study strategies with her classmates, and brainstorms essay topics with them. Her work ethic, empathy, integrity, and creativity will serve her well as she moves on to college and a career in human services. 

Savvy will continue her studies at STCC in the fall. We look forward to following her journey into adulthood.

Graduates

Delia Cancel

Delia Cancel

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: my close family and my fiancé.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: the support I received from the staff and how helpful they were from beginning to end. 

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: Being able to experience classes in a new way.

After graduation I plan to:  prepare to finish my pregnancy and after continue to work with cryptocurrencies and forex trade alongside my fiancé as well as work in starting up my business

I’m most looking forward to: preparing for my future and seeing what comes with it.

Javier Correa

Javier Correa

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: my parents and the Gateway Staff.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: the atmosphere and the people I met along the way. I especially loved the unconditional support from Anita and Katara.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: the freedom to work at my own pace and have more control of my education. I also enjoyed how I got a taste of what the college life is without actually being a college student. Overall my experience at STCC was absolutely amazing and I appreciate everyone who helped me along the way. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.

After graduation I plan to: work full-time and enjoy life until I decide what I want to do next. I'm definitely going to explore all my options and see where I want to go from there.

I’m most looking forward to: walking across the stage and getting my diploma.

Lady Cortes

Lady Cortes

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: Katara.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: the support I received.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: the small events that were planned.

After graduation I plan to: take a CNA course at STCC and keep working.

I’m most looking forward to: finishing school and making lots of money.

Thomas Daniels

Thomas Daniels

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: Katara.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: freedom.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: choice of works.

After graduation I plan to: work.

I’m most looking forward to: working.

Savanah Freidus headshot

Savanah Freidus

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: God, family, and friends.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: the people that I have met and the time spent that created long-lasting memories.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: all the fun activities, such as the Salem trip and being on a college campus.

After graduation I plan to: continue college and get my degree in Biology or Psychology.

I’m most looking forward to: graduation and what that entails.

Placeholder photo

Casey Fuller

Yamilette Gomez Guzman

Yamilette Gomez Guzman

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: my stepdad, boyfriend, and cousin

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: the people I met and the bonds I built.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: how independent you are while also getting help, the walks and breaks between class, and again the people I met.

After graduation I plan to: save up so I can move out. I also would like to look into getting my real estate license and business certificate.

I’m most looking forward to: new beginnings and mental peace.

Jaseiry Guerra

Jaseiry Guerra

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: Katara and Anita.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: the support and encouragement I received.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: the beyond welcoming environment and utmost support from everyone around me.

After graduation I plan to: become certified in a position in the medical field.

I’m most looking forward to: this being the first graduation of many to come.

Yahir Muniz

Yahir Muniz

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: my friends and family.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: my schedule was really nice for both semesters. I never got out past 1:30, and never had to come in before 9:30. It gave me way more free time then I previously had in my other school.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: Building 2.

After graduation I plan to: pursue a real estate license and become a real estate agent.

I’m most looking forward to: life and all the experiences it will bring.

Male Graduate Placeholder

Gary Parente

Brianna Pemberton

Brianna Pemberton

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: Katara and Anita.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: how much of a safe haven it became for me.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: the food.

After graduation, I plan to: look for a job.

I’m most looking forward to: bettering my mental health.

Angelina Santiago

Angelina Santiago

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: my mom and Katara.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: being able to have breaks in between classes to eat or hang out

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: going to the gym and the food they served by the gym.

After graduation I plan to: work and take care of my son.

I’m most looking forward to: being able to find a decent-paying job.

Ashanti Silva

Ashanti Silva

 While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: my sister and my counselors.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: the people and the experience.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: how much support there was.

After graduation I plan to: get my CNA certification.

I’m most looking forward to: actually getting started on my life.

Brynn Thompson

Brynn Thompson

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: my family.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: the flexible schedule and the cool professors.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: hanging out in Building 19 and working in quiet spaces.

After graduation I plan to: go to STCC for an associate degree in Fine Arts.

I’m most looking forward to: hopefully getting into the Savanna College of Art and Design after receiving my associate so I can begin my studies in animation.

Jeniyah Vasquez

Jeniyah Vasquez

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: my mom, my dad, and myself.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: all the support and great people I met.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: being able to go on campus even if it was only once a week.

After graduation I plan to: start my own business in clothing design.

I’m most looking forward to: graduation.

Camila Veras Sanchez

Camila Veras Sanchez

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: my mom, my best friend, Anita, and Katara.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: the endless amount of support and motivation offered by all the staff.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: I enjoyed taking classes that will help me and my future.

After graduation I plan to: continue my education at STCC.

I’m most looking forward to: pursuing a career in education.

Isabelle Zavecz

Isabelle Zavecz

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: my family and my boyfriend.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: the freedom to experience college and work at my own pace.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: the awesome professors.

After graduation I plan to: seek higher education in the nursing program.

I’m most looking forward to: finally being able to say I graduated.

Jesse Zoeller

Jesse Zoeller

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: my parents and aunts.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: getting to graduate early.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: the large campus.

After graduation I plan to: work.

I’m most looking forward to: getting my license.

Social Media Celebration

Please follow the STCC Gateway to College Instagram for Commencement posts and year-long updates.


Special Thanks

We would like to thank President John Cook, SPS Superintendent Daniel Warwick, Assistant Superintendent Lydia Martinez, Principal Rhonda Jacobs, and ATD/Gateway to College National Network for their support of K-12 district innovation, as our students may not have otherwise had such an opportunity.

We would also like to take this opportunity to recognize the faculty and staff at STCC who work tirelessly to support the Gateway program and encourage students.

STCC Faculty and Staff

Academic Affairs

  • Vice President of Academic Affairs, Geraldine de Berly
  • Dean of Academic Initiatives, Matthew Gravel

Gateway Program Faculty

  • James Ramah
  • Shanon Trueman
  • Ilizabetsy Velez
  • Milton White

Special Thanks to Faculty and Staff in the Following Departments:

Admissions, Advising, Athletics, Bookstore, Business Services, Career Development Center, Center for Access Services, Copy Center, Disability Services, English Department, Facilities, Fitness Center, Health and Wellness Center, Information Technology, Institutional Advancement and Foundation, Library, Mailroom, Maintenance, Communications and Marketing, Math Department, Parking Office, Registrar’s Office, SIMS Medical Center, STCC Police, STEM Department, Student Activities, Student Affairs, Student Financial Services, Student Government, Student Success Center, Testing and Assessment, Workforce Development

Finally, we would like to extend a very special thank you to our students’ parents, families, and friends, whose personal and academic support is so crucial to their success. We appreciate all of you, acknowledge, and thank you for your hard work and dedication!

Past Classes