Thirteen students from San Bernardino County ROP received recognition at the ROP Distinguished Awards Ceremony sponsored by the California Association of Regional Occupational Centers and Programs (CAROCP) Inland Empire Chapter, business and industry leaders and San Bernardino Valley College on April 18.

Dr. Gary Thomas, superintendent of the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, welcomed the students, parents, education representatives, and business and industry to the CAROCP Awards and congratulated all students on their outstanding accomplishments. Dr. Thomas said, “Today, we will be honoring students of distinction who represent the very best of our programs in their specific areas of study. While today is one worth celebrating, it is not the end of your educations. My hope is that many of you today—with your outstanding academic credentials—will continue to build upon your educations and further expand your career opportunities.”

Students were named the CAROCP Inland Empire Chapter Distinguished Student and were awarded a gold medal, $100 scholarship from business and industry, and certificates of excellence from 62nd District Assembly Member, Paul Cook, 65th District Assembly member, Wilmer Carter, and 5th District Supervisor, Josie Gonzales. Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Derek Peel of UPS; Dr. Queen Hamilton of San Bernardino Valley College; Dan Flores, field representative for Josie Gonzales; and Jason Buckner, field representative for Wilmer Carter.

Fifth District Supervisor Josie Gonzales observed, “The students enrolled in the ROP program are amongst the very best the County of San Bernardino and Riverside has to offer. In addition to learning a skilled trade many of the students also gain a profound sense of confidence and display a deep commitment to pursing their goals. ROP helps shape the next generation of professionals who will energize our economy and lead our communities for decades to come.