Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43) joined with Los Angeles Southwest College President, Dr. Seher Ahwan, administrators, faculty, and staff to virtually honor 130 students who earned the 2020 President’s Scholars recognition.
Los Angeles Southwest College (LASC) President’s Scholars are students who have maintained at least a 3.5 grade point average for three consecutive semesters. The virtual awards ceremony and Congresswoman Waters’ keynote speech will air on Thursday, May 28 on LASC’s YouTube page.
“As recipients of this highly coveted designation, each one of you has proven to your professors, classmates, families, and most importantly, yourselves, that there is no limit to what you can achieve,” said Congresswoman Maxine Waters. “I want you to know that I speak on behalf of the leadership of this institution and all of greater Los Angeles in expressing how deeply proud we are of you. I am always bragging about the students who attend Southwest College, and I want you to know that coronavirus could stop me from celebrating you today.”
During her speech, Congresswoman Waters told the students that their achievements embody “the vision of Mrs. Odessa Cox, and all of the founding members of this great school, who fought tirelessly for 20 years to ensure that young people like you, who are full of promise and potential, could pursue an affordable, quality education right here in our own community.”
“Many of you came from Los Angeles, Gardena, Hawthorne, Inglewood, and cities all across Southern California. Many of you are the first student in your family to attend college. Some of you are parents and are working full and part time jobs. Your lives have not been easy. You have worked so very hard and sacrificed an incredible amount of time in your pursuit of an education. Whether you are a nursing student, earning your GED, a budding entrepreneur, or a future teacher, I want you to know that the academic excellence that you have already demonstrated will serve you well for the rest of your scholastic careers and lives” said Congresswoman Waters.
Congresswoman Waters concluded her speech by encouraging the students to dream big and “tune out the haters and naysayers who seek to deter you.” She inspired them with one of her signature mantras, “keep fighting and – stay woke!”
Congresswoman Waters is one the foremost champions of LASC. She served as the keynote speaker for the 2017 LASC Commencement, was a speaker at LASC’s 50th Anniversary Gala, and regularly visits the campus to speak with students and to host her community town hall meetings. Congresswoman Waters will also serve as a speaker at the LASC 2020 Virtual Commencement Ceremony, which will air on June 9.
