Gateway to College Commencement

Today the Gateway staff also wants to recognize an alumna who earned her Bachelor’s degree this year.

Hardworking and dedicated, Ashley Scott spent three semesters with us and earned 30 college credits prior to graduating high school.  Ashley transferred to STCC after obtaining her high school diploma through Gateway. She earned an Associate degree as an Engineering and Science transfer and went on to study at Western New England University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.  We're extremely proud of Ashley and look forward to celebrating her next accomplishment!

Talaija Lawson, Gateway’s student speaker was not sure she would graduate after experiencing some personal challenges and setbacks. In fact, when she started at Gateway she was not on track to graduate on time. However, through ongoing guidance, encouragement, and support from the Gateway staff and her family, she is graduating a year early. She attributes her success to better planning and time management, studying, tutoring, seeking extra help from her professors, and the many pep-talks she received from the Gateway staff.

Hajiro Ali

Cash app: $hajira234

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were, my parents and my oldest siblings.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was, how I got to earn college credits while still pursuing my high school diploma.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was all the events, and being able to take two extra classes during my senior year that will help me with my college degree.

After graduation, I plan on taking summer and fall classes at STCC, and thereafter transferring and finishing my remaining two years of college at a university.

I’m most looking forward to getting my bachelor’s degree.

Zhanae S. Alleyne

Instagram: @zhanae.Alleyne

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were my mom and the Gateway staff, Katara,  Diana, and Anita.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was the Gateway staff.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was the college campus. I also had some really great professors. And I love that my classes weren’t super early in the morning. I also enjoyed the coffee machine.

After graduation I plan to get a job and maybe go to college in the future.

I’m most looking forward to finally living on my own.

Ashley Denesha

Instagram: @ashdenesha

Cash app: $ashleyd1022

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were, my parents, my brothers, and Katara and Anita.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was, the counselors.

After graduation I plan to, explore my options.

I’m most looking forward to graduating.

Madeline Kroll

Instagram: @maddy.slaysss

Cash app: $MaddyKroll

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were, Jennifer Kroll, Walter Kroll, Ashlinn Hogan, and my counselors.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was independence, maturity, and the support.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was the fact that we had time gaps between classes. I didn’t feel rushed going from one class to another.

After graduation I plan to attend Goodwin University to pursue a career in nursing.

I’m most looking forward to taking the things I’ve learned and applying them in real world situations.

Talaija Lawson

Instagram: @playboyybarbie

Cash app: $TherealTalaija

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were the Gateway staff, my grandparents, and my aunt.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was that mostly everyone there was mature. So there really wasn’t any drama, and I liked that. Everyone minded their business and did what they had to do. And, the Gateway staff was always supporting me 24/7.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was just being in a positive environment.

After graduation I plan to take a small break and then apply to STCC as a real college student,

I’m most looking forward to seeing what’s in store for me next.

Virjinett Placeres

Instagram: @Miss.vv.baby

Cash app: $virjinettplaceres

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were Gateway staff Katara, Anita, Diana, and myself.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was that the community was very loving.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was experiencing the college student life.

After graduation I plan to go to STCC for two years and then transfer to Westfield State.

I’m most looking forward to living as an adult, actually having a taste of reality.

Wilmarie Rosado

Facebook: Marie Rosa

Instagram: @Bxby.wilma19

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were, my husband, and everyone in the Gateway office.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was, that the staff was friendly, helpful, and made me feel welcome.

What I enjoyed most about STCC was experiencing college and having friends to talk to.

After graduation I plan to go to college and become an EMT.

I’m most looking forward to walking across the stage, knowing I proved myself.

Danielle Tetreault

Instagram: @daniellelt20

Facebook: Danielle Tetreault

Cash app: $danielletetreault

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were, my parents, Tina and Albert Tetreault, Gateway Staff, Katara and Anita, and my god mother Charlene.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was, the independence, breaks in between classes which to complete work for other classes, or take a nap. There’s no drama. I got to experience college, and the classes are not like high school. I’m expected to just get the work done. Katara and Anita were also helpful with school and career exploration.

My experience at STCC was great! And the professors were cool. I plan to attend classes at STCC as a college student also.

After graduation, I will be working while continuing my education so I can make good money and live my best life.

I’m most looking forward to my dad seeing me walk, and saying I did it, even with everything I went through over the past two years to get my diploma.

Juwayriyah BintKhalid Ayed

Instagram: @tinkerjayy

Cash app: $lunalov3gud

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: My Mother, My best friends, my advisors. 

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: The friends I made and the memories I have.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: Just being with friends everyday, I experienced so many things and I got to do it with people who I really cherish.

After graduation I plan to: Continue my education at STCC and get my associates.

I’m most looking forward to: I’m looking forward to it all. The highs, the lows, the in-betweens… I’m looking forward to growing into my talents, becoming more confident in my abilities, and becoming more unapologetic about who I am. And one day, to writing the next best seller.

Aysha DeJesus

Facebook: Aysha DeJesus

Cash app: $ayd20

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were, family, friends, and all the staff at Gateway to College.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was, the support and all the help I received.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: I was able to be myself and met a lot of helpful, friendly people.

After graduation I plan to, continue at STCC with a business transfer.

I’m most looking forward to accomplishing my goals and proving that I can do anything.

Zandalyz Ivette

Instagram: @ms.eastbby

Cash app: $Ivettebaybee

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were, my Nana, *May she Rest in Peace*, my fiancé, and the Gateway staff.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was, interacting with open-minded people, the mature environment, learning things I wouldn’t have in a regular high school, and gaining greater knowledge.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was: Super engaging, great environment, the independence.

After graduation I plan to, go back to STCC and join the Police Cadet program.

I’m most looking forward to starting a new exciting chapter in life.

Reinaldo Ortiz

Snapchat: alphaboyyy101

Cash app: $reydareal

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were, God, family, friends, teachers/professors, and the Gateway to College staff.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was, The opportunity to take responsibility for my own education. The trust between students and staff to make the right decisions. The continued support from the Gateway To College staff. Great college learning environment which allows students to work on their social and communication skills between their fellow classmates and professors. I love how the Gateway To College program takes the focus off mistakes students have made in the past, and focuses more on the steps students can take to improve themselves from the moment they are accepted into the program. 

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was being able to experience a college environment firsthand at a young age. The personal freedom which included being able to manage my own time, and take responsibility for my own actions. 

After graduation I plan to attend STCC for two years and receive my associates degree. Transfer to a four year University (possibly UMASS) finish my last two years of college and receive my bachelors. 

I’m most looking forward to Starting my life as an adult. Working towards achieving all the goals I have for myself. Creating a legacy, and making my loved ones proud. I am excited to see how God’s plan for life will play out regardless of the trials and tribulations that I will face in the future.

Erika Rijo

Instagram: @erikarijo

Interior iD: @innerdesigns

Beauty Biz: @estelabeautyofficial

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were, my parents, siblings, and best friends.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was, the environment and the people.

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was, learning more about other people’s culture and getting to meet and talk with those people.

After graduation, I will be attending Bay Path University and plan to double major in Interior Design and Early Childhood Education, or minor in Performing Arts.

I’m most looking forward to, graduating high school and starting a new chapter in my life.

Leah Marie

Instagram: @Leah.Sorrell

Business Pages: @Shopboujeeluxury_  @Shopboujeebabeco

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were my grandmother and Katara

What I liked best about Gateway to College was how supporting and motivating the staff was and how much less stressful it was for me to get my work done!

What I enjoyed most about my experience at STCC was the independency, being able to navigate through a college campus alone while still technically being a high school student.

After graduation I plan to expand my two businesses and purchase my first apartment/house.

I’m most looking forward to not having to stress about high school and/or completing it because I didn’t know if I was going to do it or not honestly.