2006 HONOREES. Kibreab Berhe, ITT Technical Institute Springfield, VA. Sloane Boatwright, Lamson College Tempe, AZ

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1 2006 HONOREES Kibreab Berhe, ITT Technical Institute Springfield, VA Sloane Boatwright, Lamson College Tempe, AZ Leslie Dennard, Texas Culinary Academy Austin, TX James Lay, Keiser College - ecampus Steve Wiideman, Westwood College Anaheim, CA

2 The 2006 GREAT Award winners were selected to represent the almost 2 million career college students. The GREAT Awards began in 2004 as a way for CCA members to recognize special graduates for their excellence, achievement and talent. These successful and hardworking recipients have each individually persevered despite many obstacles to achieve their educational goals and success in the workforce. Education is the engine that powers my desire to be the best at whatever I do Andy Rojas, former GREAT Award honoree

3 KIBREAB BERHE ITT Technical Institute Springfield, VA Computer Network Systems, Associate of Applied Science Kibreab Berhe immigrated to the United States from Eritrea, East Africa, in He had to adjust to life in his adopted country, with a new school system, a new language, and a new culture. However, his desire to become a first-rate network system administrator and graphic designer helped him to overcome these difficulties and achieve his goals. Kibreab chose ITT Technical Institute to pursue his education, where he gained hands-on experience while learning the theories behind the applications. His diligence and enthusiasm were apparent for all to see, and he was always willing to lend a helping hand to classmates in need. One of Kibreab s most notable achievements was his participation in the September 11th commission to rebuild the World Trade Center. He received a certificate of appreciation from the Mayor of New York for his artwork, which expressed the idea of the American Spirit of Undefeatable Enthusiasm. Kibreab has said, art is my passion, art is my soul, and he has been rewarded for his efforts.

4 SLOANE BOATRIGHT Lamson College Tempe, AZ Surgical Technology, Diploma Sloane had raised, bred, and showed Arabian horses since However, in 1999 that all changed when she chose to care full-time for her newborn autistic son and to search for a more secure field of work. After searching for the best opportunity, she chose to enroll in Lamson College s Surgical Technology Program as it provided the medical courses that were of interest to her and a flexible class schedule. At Lamson, she excelled both academically and personally, graduating as the valedictorian of her class and demonstrating her leadership abilities by winning the Outstanding Student award. Her externship at a hospital after graduation went so well that she was offered a position on the surgical staff. However, her love of horses led her to take a job with an equine veterinarian, where she works today. Sloan has also been selected as a Collegiate Scholar for the 2006 International Scholar Laureate Program Delegation on Medicine. She will travel to Australia as part of the 11-day Scholar Program for a once-in-alifetime opportunity to learn from distinguished medical researchers about DNA sequencing, cancer genomics and stem cell biology. By combining her years as an equestrian with her desire to enter the medical field, Sloan has shown that anyone can take their passion and turn it into a successful and rewarding career.

5 LESLIE DENNARD Texas Culinary Academy Austin, TX Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science Leslie Dennard combined sacrifice with raw determination to become a success in the culinary field. After being laid off from a job in the computer industry, she seized the opportunity to pursue her true passion by enrolling at the Texas Culinary Academy. While at school, Leslie battled many obstacles including her rheumatoid arthritis, which made tasks in the kitchen more difficult to her than other students. She drew upon her strong work ethic and determination not only to get her through, but to excel. Despite the rigors of college life and a tough financial situation, she amazingly founded two clubs on campus that are still active today: the Student Wine Club and the Epicurious Club. Upon graduation, Leslie took another big risk and moved from Texas to New York City, with the goal of working in one of the city s top restaurants. She pursued an interview at the Mesa Grill, owned by celebrity chef and CCA Hall of Fame award winner Bobby Flay. They were so impressed with her accomplishments that they hired her the very first day of her week long interview process. Today, Leslie is working toward her goal of opening her own restaurant while she is employed by Fauchon, Paris, an upscale chocolatier and restaurant on Park Avenue in New York City.

6 JAMES LAY Keiser College ecampus Medical Assisting, Associate of Science James Lay is proof that a rough beginning is no hindrance to achieving success and happiness in the long run. James left home at 16 and dropped out of school. In order to keep his dreams alive he worked 80 hours a week to support himself while completing his GED so that he could continue with his education. After completing his GED, James discovered Keiser College s ecampus and realized that attending classes online was a great method to help him obtain his degree while still working full time. Even with a very demanding schedule James never gave up, and he graduated in December 2004 with a 3.92 GPA. James has made it a habit to never settle for less. He completed the AMT Registered Medical Assistant exam with a perfect score, as well as the Florida State X-ray Licensing Exam. With these credentials under his belt, James has moved quickly through the ranks in his professional life, becoming manager of the Quality Life Center just one month after being hired. He currently works at the Solantic Urgent Care Center as a medical assistant and as a participant in their Management Training Program. Despite his professional demands, James finds the time to give back to the community. He volunteers for a non-profit organization focusing on individuals with physical and mental disabilities. Additionally, James is planning to attend Keiser College s Jacksonville campus to earn his baccalaureate degree in radiological technology.

7 STEVE WIIDEMAN Westwood College Anaheim, CA E-Business Management, Bachelor of Science Degree Steve Wiideman s first stop out of high school was the US Army where, as an Infantryman, he won the Army Achievement Medal in After returning home from active duty Steve discovered the Internet. This has been his area of expertise ever since. As a certified webmaster, Steve had created nearly a hundred small websites by Even though his career was going well with a new job at IBM Global Services, he knew that he needed to increase his education credentials to really stand out and succeed. The E-Business Management Program at Westwood College gave Steve exactly what he needed. He graduated in 2004 with Honors and earned an Outstanding Student Award. During his time at Westwood, Steve was also active as a tutor and mentor to his fellow students, sharing his experience with others for the benefit of everyone. After graduation Steve left IBM and was hired by Major League Baseball and College Sports online venues, where he was responsible for twenty percent of the MLB online ticket sales through the evenue.net portal. With the birth of his first child, he knew that he needed more flexibility in his schedule. Steve used his background and education to obtain a variety of contract jobs at Quest International, Inc., and Disney Parks and Resorts Online, that gave him the opportunity to better balance work and family. In addition to his contract work, he runs his own private consulting practice, advising small business owners on how to successfully market their websites on and offline. Steve s experiences show one can always continue to learn and expand their skills, and make their goals into life-long realities.

8 The Career College Association is a voluntary membership organization of accredited, private colleges and universities that provide career specific educational programs. CCA s 1,400 members educate and support almost two million students every year for employment in over 200 occupational fields. 10 G Street, NE Suite 750 Washington, DC