TRIO-Recognizes-Graduates-and-Welcomes-New-Delta-Alpha-Pi-Inductees.php

TRIO Recognizes Graduates and Welcomes New Delta Alpha Pi Inductees

• Events
• 05/08/2025

Rock Valley College’s TRIO and Delta Alpha Pi programs hosted a student recognition ceremony on Friday, May 2, 2025.

The event celebrated the achievements and dedication of TRIO students during their time at RVC, while also welcoming new inductees into the Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society. The TRIO programs run under the leadership of Elaine Dussard, Executive Director.

Ashli Horneij, Project Coordinator for TRIO Student Support Services and advisor for Delta Alpha Pi, expressed gratitude and honor in addressing the students. She highlighted that each student present has undergone change—big or small—to reach this point. She praises their resilience and accomplishments and encourages them to embrace future changes, even if they are daunting.

“The stories of the students in this room today are proof that even circumstances and choices are not set in stone,” Ashli continued. “Whether you are a Delta Alpha Pi Inductee or a Graduating TRIO Student, something changed to get you to RVC, to help get you this far in your educational journey. You did. Whether overnight or over several years, with the support of family or friends or people you never saw coming, through tiny changes and challenges, or as a result of a huge breakthrough or realization. You changed. You grew. You conquered.”

Alix Perez, a 2024 RVC TRIO graduate, shared her personal journey of perseverance and growth. Alix began college in 2014 but struggled with courses due to being unprepared and unsure about her path. After repeated setbacks and eventually leaving school in 2018, Alix faced a mental and physical health crisis in 2020 that led to hospitalization and the discovery of a thyroid issue. With therapy, family support, and improved self-care, Alix returned to RVC in 2021 and successfully re-engaged with school.

“I am so glad Ashli Horneij has been there for me. She’s a great friend and advisor. She was the one who suggested I join the Delta Alpha Pi club, and now I am fortunate to have gained leadership experience from that. I even joined the DAP honor society. If it weren’t for TRIO, I likely wouldn’t be standing up here today.”

Kiley Fry reflects on overcoming a difficult upbringing marked by instability, loss, and mental health challenges, and how her drive to be a positive role model for her six younger siblings motivated her to succeed. School became her safe haven and a place where she found purpose and inspiration to pursue a career in teaching.

“I’m thankful for the many educators who have inspired me along the way to not only do well but to be the best person I can be. We cannot control what happens to us, but we can control how we react and how we move forward. I believe success comes most easily when you focus more on who you’re trying to become, rather than what you’re trying to become.”

The Federal TRIO Programs (TRIO) are Federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs.

TRIO also includes a training program for directors and staff of TRIO projects.

The following students were honored as TRIO SSS graduates:

Emilio Borgetti

Joel Brown

Kamarion Cobb

Johnetta Costello-Burks

Nancy Cronin*

Joanna Cuevas

Ashley Falzone

Kiley Fry

Cooper Gillette

Markayla Herbert

Sara Holguin

Devontae Joe-Perteete

Carmen Johnson

Jack Kerpan

River Lindsey

Jacklyn Manewith

Dorcas Marina

Rio Mccoy

Ryan McNeilly

Anousone Mnirajd

David Moreno

Msema Muto

Hayley Ocelotl-Ocotl

Alixandra Perez*

Demarion Price

Hayden Rasmussen

Valerie Schneider

Mexi Shriver*

Jakhi Smith

Zoey Steege

Gabriella Stormont

Lay Wah

Siem Zere

*Previous DAP Inductees

Delta Alpha Pi is an academic honor society founded to recognize high- achieving students with disabilities who are attending colleges (including community colleges) and universities as undergraduate or graduate students. This dynamic organization celebrates and supports academic achievement, leadership, and advocacy for post-secondary students with disabilities. Over 170 institutions have established a chapter to recognize students’ academic achievement.

The following students were recognized as Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society inductees:

Stephanny Anderson

Nori Cecil Barnes

Drake Birdsall

Jaret Bunce

Amanda Camling

Allie Carlson

Aldo Cimino

Peyton Fitchie

Ray Gehrke

Devontae Joe-Perteete

Elesea Mayberry

Roberta Mohamed

Olivia Pruitt

Joseph Rinaldo

Xion Smith

Congratulations, TRIO graduates and Delta Alpha Pi inductees!