2025 Medalists

Gabrielle Ruiz-Yeager is a first-generation Latina student graduating with degrees in Psychology and Administration of Justice from Clovis Community College, where she has maintained an impressive 3.8 GPA. Deeply committed to equity, representation, and community building, Gabrielle founded the college’s first Latin American Student Organization, creating a space where students could celebrate their culture, share their stories, and build solidarity. Her leadership extends to her role as Vice President of External Affairs in student government, where she authored and successfully passed Clovis Community College’s first-ever resolutions at the Student Senate for California Community Colleges' General Assembly conference. These resolutions focused on expanding access to psychological services and reproductive health care—issues Gabrielle is passionate about improving for all students.

Gabrielle’s academic and advocacy journey is rooted in resilience. As a student in the Honors Program, and a participant in TRiO and DSP&S, she has balanced rigorous coursework while navigating the challenges of disability and higher education as a marginalized student. A survivor of sexual assault, Gabrielle has turned her lived experiences into purpose, championing mental health access, trauma-informed support, and student well-being through both local and statewide efforts. Her voice and determination have made her a trusted leader and changemaker on campus.

Beyond her academic and leadership roles, Gabrielle is devoted to giving back. She actively volunteers and participates in efforts that uplift her peers and community, whether it’s supporting cultural events, helping organize campus-wide service projects, or connecting students with resources. She finds deep fulfillment in empowering others and believes that even small acts of service can help create a more compassionate and inclusive world.

Gabrielle will be transferring to UC Berkeley in the fall, where she plans to pursue medical school and become a psychiatrist. She aims to use her education and personal journey to create lasting change in the field of healthcare and social justice, continuing to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

Robert started at Clovis Community College in the Spring semester of 2022 after struggling with online courses during the pandemic at Fresno State. He will now be returning back to Fresno State with a total of seven Associate in Science degrees: Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering. Upon returning to Fresno State, Robert will be continuing his Computer Science education, wanting to pursue a career in underwater robotics.

During his time at Clovis Community College, Robert has been involved in the community in several ways. Robert has been a STEM Tutor in the Tutorial Center for four semesters. Additionally, he has been an embedded tutor for multiple introductory Engineering and Computer Science courses. His extracurricular activities include both the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and Engineering Renaissance (ER) Clubs. In the ACM Club, Robert has held the positions of President and Vice-President over the course of his 6-semester involvement with the club. As President and Vice-President, Robert lead and arranged numerous workshops and field-trips to complement Computer Science curriculum and foster a welcoming community. In the Engineering Renaissance Club, Robert has held the positions of CEO and CTO for ER Club's competitive underwater robotics team, Crush Depth. In 2024, Crush Depth won the MATE ROV World Championship as a first year team, and hopes to do it again in 2025. Robert and the team also won awards for best co-pilot and sportsmanship. In addition to his extracurricular activities, Robert has also been an advocate for accessibility through his work at the Tutorial Center and sharing concerns with staff and faculty.

Robert would like to thank Professor William Kerney, Professor Benjamin Bohan, Professor Matthew Graff, DSP&S Counselor Colleen Brannon, Alternative Media Specialist Robert Salinas, and the staff at the Tutorial Center.

Omar Antonio embodies resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Initially accepted to UC Merced, he chose to attend Clovis Community College instead, where he felt a stronger sense of belonging. However, this decision came with emotional and logistical challenges, most notably, navigating a three-hour daily commute by bus without access to a car. While the choice was right for him, it intensified existing hardships, including limited financial resources and housing instability. Instead of giving into these challenges, he actively sought out the support he needed, reaching out to programs and making connections with EOPS, TRIO, and Student Success Coaches. A pivotal moment came when he was diagnosed with a learning disability, which helped him better understand his academic challenges and utilize accommodations that enhanced his learning experience. Through the utilization of campus services and the encouragement of the college’s supportive community, he began to reclaim his passion for learning and self-improvement.

Omar created a productive academic space on campus to offset an environment at home that is not conducive to comfort or studying. He spends full days at Clovis Community College to stay focused. He joined the Tutorial Center, making the most of the supportive atmosphere on campus.

Omar’s hard work has made him a vibrant and influential part of the college community. As a Student Ambassador, cross country and track athlete, and active member of the Crush Student Athlete Council and Male Success Initiative, he has taken on leadership roles, built strong connections, and advocated for student-athlete success and male student achievement. He has earned recognition as a President’s Scholar, received two Kiwanis Club Torch of Excellence Awards, and been awarded multiple scholarships through TRIO and financial aid—testament to both his academic excellence and personal drive. With a 3.5 GPA, Omar has balanced academic rigor, athletic commitment, and leadership with resilience and discipline. He plans to transfer to a four-year university to study economics and Spanish, with the long-term goal of becoming a college professor—a path shaped by perseverance, service, and a deep commitment to learning.

Janice is a devoted mother, former caregiver, and a passionate student with a deep commitment to service and advocacy. She was raised in a single-parent household on the West Side of Fresno, where she learned early on the importance of resilience, adaptability, and strength in the face of adversity. Growing up, she faced significant life challenges, including housing instability, mental health struggles, and family hardships. These experiences shaped her into the determined, compassionate person she is today.

As a mother of two, one of whom has been diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, and Epilepsy, she has had to become an advocate, educator, and full-time support system. When traditional education settings failed to accommodate her child’s needs, she stepped into the role of homeschool teacher—relying on her own resourcefulness, her mother’s support, social media groups, and educational tools to ensure her child didn’t fall behind. This journey taught her the true meaning of dedication and the power of parent-led learning.

She holds associate degrees in Psychology, Sociology, and Child and Adolescent Development, along with a CSU General Education Certificate—all earned from Clovis Community College. She has been admitted to Fresno State and will proudly transfer in Fall 2025 to continue her academic journey.

Her career goal is to become a youth counselor, providing guidance and mentorship to young people who, like herself, may have grown up in difficult environments. In the future, she aspires to establish a transitional living program that offers safe housing, comprehensive support services, and life skills training for pregnant foster youth who have aged out of the system or lack stable placement. Her ultimate mission is to be the kind of role model and support system she once needed—to show others that where you come from does not define where you’re going.

No matter the obstacles, she believes in pushing forward with purpose. She is proof that with love, grit, and vision, we can overcome the odds—not just for ourselves, but for the next generation. She got this. We got this.

From a young age, Angel Campa understood the power of his environment & began cultivating a destiny that wasn’t defined by his circumstances. After being moved from an underfunded elementary school to one with greater resources and care, Angel experienced something transformative: teachers who not only supported his academic growth but also cared deeply about his well-being. That change ignited a passion which was a desire to pursue a life rooted in purpose, service, and meaningful impact.

At home, Angel's foundation was built by resilience. His father, who wakes up at 3:00 a.m. daily for a physically demanding job, modeled the value of hard work and quiet discipline. His mother instilled in him compassion and gratitude, reminding him that everyone begins at different starting lines. And from his brother with down syndrome, Angel learned of one of life's most powerful lessons: the difference between equality and equity. 

As a first-generation student, Angel had to carve his own path into higher education. With no roadmap or familial guidance, he became his own advocate by researching financial aid, applying for research roles, and navigating the academic world on his own. He did not just learn the language of higher education, he learned how to translate it, because he refused to let a lack of guidance stand in the way of his pursuit of knowledge, purpose, and possibility. 

Since age 16, Angel not only worked to support himself, but also maintained high academic achievement as an Honors and AP student, earning a 4.5 GPA through consistent dedication and perseverance. He’s navigated predominantly White and affluent academic spaces where imposter syndrome often lingered. Yet, he stayed rooted in the belief that his presence matters. He believes representation isn’t just important, it's necessary. His story, background, and voice bring value to every space he enters.

Angel doesn’t chase titles or prestige. Angel pursues meaning. Inspired by the belief that choosing the harder path now creates a lasting impact later, he seeks to build a meaningful life not just for him, but for underrepresented voices. Every challenge has sharpened his resilience. And through it all, Angel continues to rise, not just for his legacy, but for those who come after him.

Ky’esha Williams is graduating with an Associate of Science in Business Admin 2.0 ADT, an Associate of Arts in Social Science, and a CSU GE Certificate of Achievement. While at Clovis, Ky’esha has been part of EOP&S, TRiO, and BAASE. Ky'esha plans to transfer to Fresno State University in Fall 2025 to pursue a degree in Business with a focus on forensic accounting. 

Ky’esha is the definition of resilience. She grew up in poverty and faced consistent housing instability. She attended 12 different elementary schools and has lived in Phoenix, Arizona, Las Vegas, Nevada and Atlanta, Georgia. As a child she was often hospitalized with asthma. However, this adversity pushed her to become who she is.  She moved out on her own at sixteen and remained focused on her education, ultimately graduating high school and excelling at Clovis Community College with a GPA above 3.0. She commutes long hours by bus multiple times a week, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her future.

Ky’esha has served as a student aide in the Counseling office and to the BAASE team.  She is well respected and liked by her colleagues and “has been instrumental in supporting students and training new workers. Her leadership and mentorship skills have positively impacted many.” A campus colleague shared that, “Ky'esha is a truly deserving candidate for this prestigious award. Her leadership, resilience, and commitment to excellence make her an inspiration to all.” However, what makes Ky’esha stand out is her effusive joy that she gives to everyone.

Kyesha is so thankful for Student Services, who helped guide her when she didn’t have any experience with going to college. They set her up with financial aid, an educational plan, special programs, and direction in college.

Ky’esha wants everyone to know that she would not be here without her Church family who always appeared right as she needed them when she was in her darkest moments. They helped her tremendously and provided her the reassurance that this is a life worth living, and that always kept her going.

Ky’esha is motivated to show others, especially her four brothers, that there is better out there. She would like to leave others the legacy of hope. Ky’esha says, “Don’t quit.  There is so much more. There are people here who need you.  You might meet them later in life, but they are worth living for.”