The student center at Cerritos College was filled with an elegantly dressed crowd Friday night at the 2001 Spring Awards Banquet.

The banquet, which was deliciously catered by students in the culinary arts program, is an awards ceremony sponsored by the Associated Students of Cerritos College to recognize students who show outstanding service, leadership and scholarship.

“Constantin and I are always in the limelight,” Tim Stavrakis, ASCC vice president, said. “There are people behind the scenes who do just as much work as Constantin and I do, and they never get recognized. This is their chance to get recognized.”

Stavrakis was a big winner, being presented with a Resolution, an ASCC scholarship, and along with Constantin Rosenbauer, ASCC president, named Man of the Year.

Dr. Erlinda Martinez, vice president of student services was visibly moved as she presented Sonni Carr with the Woman of the Year award.

“She does a lot of work that is behind the scenes,” Martinez said, “so a lot of the work she does goes unnoticed.”

“I know that she’s been there making some really tough decisions and I think she has a lot going for her,” Martinez continued.

“She also has applied to go to USC and has asked me for a letter. I am just really rooting for her.”

Carr was also awarded a Resolution, a curricular award for Phi Beta Lambda and an ASCC scholarship.

Board of Trustee’s Member Bob Arthur was also present at the ceremony.

It’s really an honor that as a board trustee I get to help celebrate the students’ success,” Arthur said. “It’s magical.”

There are a variety of different awards presented every semester.

Service and Leadership Certificates are in recognition of students for service and participation in programs sponsored by the ASCC.

The Bronze Falcon is awarded to students who excel in service and participation in programs sponsored by the ASCC.

The Silver Falcon is awarded to students who demonstrate outstanding leadership, service and participation in programs sponsored by the ASCC, and who demonstrate scholarship and personal integrity.

The Gold Falcon is awarded to students who demonstrate superior leadership, service and participation in programs sponsored by the ASCC, and who show scholarship and personal integrity.

The President’s Award is given to a student in lieu of a student receiving a third Gold Falcon. This year’s winner, Claudia Valdez, won the prestigious award after an unsuccessful bid at becoming the next ASCC president.

A Resolution is another prestigious award given to a student after he or she has received the President’s Award in lieu of a fourth Gold Falcon.

The Man and Woman of the Year awards are present to the most outstanding students for the entire school year.

“It is so much work, but it is so worth it,” Liz Monge, program assistant in student activities, said. “The students have such a good time. The students enjoy being recognized for the things they do during the school year.”

The Inauguration of 2001-2002 President Nassrin Bonyadloo and her Vice President Sara Mayorga was celebrated with a public swearing in to their respective offices.

Special awards were also presented to ASCC Court Justice James Schirmer, Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Adolph Johnson, college purchasing agent Madalyn Castro and Interim Cerritos College President Dr. Morgan Lynn.

The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Jason Lehman, Sergeant-at-Arms for the Student Senate, and awards were presented by Hethy Trujillo, who ran as a vice presidential candidate with Claudia Vasquez, and Carolina Mojarro, 2000-2001 Homecoming queen.

Also present at the ceremony were board members Ted Edmiston, John Moore, Bob Verdeber, Cheryl Epple, all accompanied by their spouses, and Arthur.

Former President of Cerritos College Wilford Michael and his wife Jean were also present, as well as a variety of former ASCC presidents.

A complete listing of award winners is posted on the Talon Marks web site at www.TalonMarks.com.