Graduation set for Bank Center

Nearly 700 students are expected to receive diplomas during Del Mar College’s Spring 2016 Commencement ceremony, to be held at 7 p.m. May 13 in Exhibit Hall A at the American Bank Center. All participants are required to participate in rehearsal, set for noon on May 13. Graduates must arrive by 5:45 p.m. for the ceremony and must be wearing proper regalia. Tickets are not required for guests and seating is not reserved. Guests should bring money for parking and should refrain from bringing tripods, air horns, flowers or outside refreshments. All attendees, including graduates, must abide by the American Bank…

Collegiate student earns title of Valedictorian

When Marissa Gonzalez was 6 years old, she attended her eldest brother’s graduation at Moody High School. After hearing an empowering speech delivered by the class valedictorian, Marissa knew she would one day hold that position. On that day, Marissa made it her goal to graduate at the top of her class. On May 21, she will complete that goal as she graduates as the valedictorian of Collegiate High School’s Class of 2016. Marissa’s success is no surprise, as she has always been an exemplary student. When she was young, she strived to make her parents proud by excelling in…

Dual credit prepares high school students for college

I first heard about Collegiate High School when I was in the fifth grade and was immediately captivated by the opportunities it provided. I applied for CHS when I was 14 years old, and took my first dual credit class that same year. Balancing a demanding college course load with equally demanding high school classes was overwhelming, stressful and something I was not prepared for. However, what I gained was worth more than I ever could’ve anticipated. As I progressed through the program, I took on even more classes, which varied in both difficulty and demand. Now, I am a…

Honor society wins four state awards

The Del Mar Gamma Sigma Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa was recently recognized with four state awards at the PTK Texas Regional Conference for their involvement in the community, as well as their efforts to improve their chapter. The chapter received an award for its “Honors in Action” project, which focused on pollution along the coast. The “Honors in Action” project allows PTK members to develop action-oriented projects that better the community through research. Members must choose from eight HIA themes, and must conduct thorough research related to their chosen topic. The Gamma Sigma Chapter chose the theme of “Exploring…

Keeping the beaches clean and wildlife safe

One of the most popular destinations to visit during Spring Break is the Padre Island National Seashore. Nationally recognized for its beauty and diverse ecosystems, the park is the longest stretch of undeveloped barrier island in the world. The Seashore is home to a vast array of species, including both land and marine animals. Thousands of fish, mammals, plants and other life forms thrive in its multiple habitats. Some animals even depend on the Seashore for survival, as they are now facing possible extinction as a result of human impact. Foghorn file Melissa Zamora participates in a recent beach cleanup…