Soc. Sci. Department Student Awards

Miami-Dade Community College Social Science Department, Kendall Campus

The Kendall Campus presents Academic Awards annually to students for outstanding Academic Achievement. Each department selects its outstanding students and submits their names in a nomination form. The winners of the Departmental Awards are recognized at the Annual Awards Ceremony.

The recipients of the 2002 Social Science and Psychology Awards are shown in the photograph and their names, disciplines, and distinguishing characteristics follow:



Shoshanah Del Greco	Erion Postoli

Social Science Award Recipient
Erion Postoli

Kendall Campus’ Social Science Department’s Outstanding Student is Erion Postoli.

Psychology Award Recipient
Shoshanah Del Greco

Kendall Campus’ Psychology Award Recipient is Shoshanah Del Greco. Shoshanah is an extraordinary student and an extraordinary person. She is a single parent who has maintained full time employment and a 4.0 cumulative grade point average. It would be hard to imagine a more inspiring role model for other students. Shoshanah is a psychology major with a strong commitment to her chosen career. She has demonstrated exemplary interpersonal and leadership skills. Shoshanah served on the Executive Board of the Psychology Student Association. The PRIME Program involves a linkage between the Kendall Campus Social Studies Department and the psychology departments at the University of Miami and FIU. Shoshanah served as the student representative for PRIME Program seminars. She is truly an outstanding student who is destined to do well in upper division and graduate studies. She unquestionably deserves the recognition she is receiving.

The recipients of the 2001 Social Science and Psychology Awards are shown in the photograph and their names, disciplines, and distinguishing characteristics follow:



Frank Bandiera	Sandra Penagos

Social Science Award Recipient
Sandra Penagos

Kendall Campus’ Social Science Department’s Outstanding Student is Sandra Penagos. After graduating from Miami Coral Park Sr. High School, she studied to be a computer technician, then changed her field to dental hygiene. When these fields didn’t satisfy her, she came to Miami Dade. She has been studying full time here, without summer recesses, and working full time as well! Even so, she is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and has a cumulative 3.86 average. Her teachers say she is bright and inquisitive, is always prepared for class, and writes exceptionally well. Sandra is already attending FIU, where she maintains an “A” average in a difficult program. Her major is political science and she plans to attend law school. We wish her luck.

Psychology Award Recipient
Frank Bandiera

Frank is a member of the Psychology Student Association where he also serves as the Director of Public Relations. He currently is maintaining a 4.0 grade point average as a psychology major. Frank is a positive role model for other students who are dedicated and committed to academic and personal excellence in and out of the Psychology Student Association with the most current being the first Annual PRIME conference that was held at the University of Miami. He is also a member of the Phi Theta Kappa organization, and earned the distinction of being on the Dean’s List as well. As a member of the Executive Board of the Psychology Student Association, he has exhibited excellent leadership skills and a genuine interest in the discipline of Psychology. He currently is acquiring relevant work experience in the field by serving as a Mental Health Technician for the Citrus Health Network. In order to continue in his educational career of psychology, he will be transferring to the University of Miami where has been awarded the Henry King Stanford Scholarship! We take great pride in presenting Mr. Frank Bandiera, as the Outstanding Psychology Student for the 2001-year for academic excellence, for his success is our success.

The recipients of the 2000 Social Science, Psychology and Education Awards are shown in the photograph and their names, disciplines, and distinguishing characteristics follow:



Mariela Olivera	Ricky Astray-Cañeda	Yvonne Lora

Social Science Award Recipient
Evelio E. ("Ricky") Astray-Cañeda, III

The Social Science Department presented its Outstanding Social Science Student Award to Evelio E. Astray-Cañeda, III, known by his friends as Ricky. Among Ricky’s unique qualities are his range of interests, his enjoyment of learning, and the way he carries out his responsibilities. Ricky’s teachers say he is bright, focused, organized, creative, and has an interesting perspective. Among the projects he's presented are: “Direct Democracy in Switzerland”, “The Involvement of the United Nations in East Timor”, “The Truths of Cuba”, and “Internet Censorship in the United States”. Ricky plans to double major in International Relations and Political Science at FIU. He has been offered numerous scholarships. Ricky was the first home school student to receive the Bright Future Scholarship as an early admitted student. We congratulate this fine young man and wish him well.

Education Award Recipient
Mariela Olivera

The School of Education presented its Outstanding Education Student Award to Mariela Olivera. Mariela is a member of Future Educators of America, Phi Theta Kappa, and is graduating with a 3.5. It is rare to encounter a student who is such a vital part of Miami-Dade Community College. Ms. Olivera is eager to help with anything that supports our school and makes it a better place for students. She is helpful to students and staff and gives her time freely. Her upbeat and supportive approach is delightful. She is an asset to Miami-Dade Community College. Ms. Olivera has obtained numerous scholarships and awards such as the University of Miami Scholarship-Henry King Stanford Scholarship. She will continue her studies toward a bachelor’s degree in special education at the University of Miami in the Fall of 2000.

Psychology Award Recipient
Yvonne Lora

The Social Science Department presented its Outstanding Psychology Student Award to Yvonne Lora. Yvonne is an active member of the Psychology Club on the Kendall Campus. She has enthusiastically promoted the club and the psychology lecture series sponsored by the Social Studies Department. Yvonne has a 3.5 cumulative grade point average. She is performing exceptionally well in courses related to her chosen major, psychology. She earned A’s in PPE 1005 and SYG 2000. She is maintaining an A average in PSY 2012 this semester and is reportedly doing equally well in DEP 2000. Yvonne is personable, interacting pleasantly and effectively with faculty and fellow students. She actively participates in class activities.