DENVER  — The 2017 Colorado Community College System’s Rising Star Awards Ceremony and Honorary Luncheon was held on April 11 at Arapahoe Community College’s Littleton Campus (ACC). Two students from Trinidad State—one from Alamosa and one from Trinidad—were recognized.

The annual Rising Star Awards Ceremony is designed to highlight the outstanding contributions of students and staff across the Colorado Community College System to college activities and community service. Honorees must show a high level of involvement in campus leadership/activities, be enrolled in at least nine credit hours at the time of their nomination and have a GPA of 3.0.

Each of the 13 CCCS community colleges selected two student recipients who exemplify the best in service and leadership to receive the Rising Star Award.

Each of the presidents of the 13 CCCS Colleges was on hand to present their honorees with a commemorative plaque and pose for a commemorative photograph with their honorees and Community College System President Dr. Nancy McCallin.

Prospero Dalimot is pursuing an Associate of Science degree at the Trinidad State Valley Campus.

Prospero came to Colorado with his older sister to get a change of scenery and a taste of small town living. His older sister, who he considers to be his best friend, accepted a swim coach position at Adams State University. While Prospero considered attending Adams State, he discovered that the Trinidad State Valley Campus would be a great fit for him to finish his Associate of Science degree and the he could transfer over to the university.

Since the moment Prospero stepped on campus he wanted to be involved and make new friends. He has been committed to being a student leader and excelling in his academics. Prospero's dream is to become a land surveyor in California. In addition to being the Vice President of Student Government, Prospero is also a math/science tutor on campus and for local alternative high school students. He has become a mentor to many students and is known far and wide as a friendly face on campus.

Ainsley Ridgeway will graduate with honors from the gunsmithing program at the Trinidad Campus in May.