Garden City Community College recently selected: Emily Dryden, Holcomb High School; Prisma Hernandez, Stanton County Jr/Sr High School; Arely Sanchez, Garden City High School; and Carson Schmidt, Brewster High School; as 2024-2026 Ambassador Scholars
An Ambassador Scholar is a prestigious scholarship accolade based on academic achievement, school and community service, and other important criteria.
Ambassador Scholars receive a $2,400 annual scholarship awarded for their two-year term. Ambassadors assist the GCCC President’s Office and the GCCC Endowment Association Office throughout the year with various tasks and events on campus.
This annual award is available to incoming freshmen recommended by their high school counselor. Each applicant must submit a comprehensive application and complete a thorough personal interview process.
Five area high school seniors intending to attend GCCC were interviewed by a panel in mid-February.
Dr. Ryan Ruda, GCCC President, appreciates the annual showcase of excellent qualities
displayed by high school students.
“Every year, I am inspired by the talent and skills these students display, as well as their involvement, time management, and leadership. This year was no different,” Ruda said.
Departing from the previous practice of selecting two or three ambassador students annually, the caliber of this year’s candidates prompted the selection of four outstanding individuals.
“We look forward to each of these students continuing their success at GCCC this fall,” Ruda said.
Emily Dryden
Dryden participates as a Farm Bureau Ag Ambassador, NHS President, JAG Secretary, Holcomb FFA President, as well as the All In Team and the 4-H Sherlock Strivers. She also teaches children about agriculture through the Farm Bureau, babysits for the Child Care Program, and assists with Friends on the Farm and Soil to Sip. She is also a Scorekeeper at the Garden City Recreation Commission and a Scale Operator at Thunderstruck Farms.
Prisma Hernandez
Hernandez participates in FFA and the National Honor Society, has served as a Class Officer,and has been on the honor roll. Hernandez also volunteers at the Producer’s Breakfast, FFA Care Closet, Veterans Day Flag events, St. Bernadette Catholic Church, and a Vaccine drive. She also works as a Customer Service Rep at Wholly Cow Market and is bilingual in English and Spanish.
Arely Sanchez
Sanchez, a first-generation student, became a Certified Nursing Assistant at age 16 and has worked at a local nursing home. Sanchez also participated in HALO, Big Brother and Big Sisters Women of Purpose, and the National Honor Society. She plans to continue her education in healthcare to achieve her dream of becoming a nurse.
Carson Schmidt
Schmidt participates in Track and Field, Cross Country, Basketball, and as National Honor Society President and Class President. His community activities include Dirt Road Gospel Band, Upright Bass & Dobro, Youth for Truth Teacher, Hot Hoops Coach, and Church Worship Music. Schmidt has been employed at Hoover Lumber Ace Hardware since May 2022. He will be a student- athlete and student-athletic trainer at GCCC. His dream is to be an Athletic Trainer for a college one day.
Garden City Community College is pleased to welcome these four outstanding students as Ambassador Scholars beginning in Fall 2024.
