Gateway to College Commencement 2024

Savanah Freidus

The Gateway staff would like to recognize alumna Savanah Freidus, who earned her Associate degree in Biology at Springfield Technical Community College this year. Savanah is moving on to UMass in the fall to continue her studies and pursue her goal of becoming a doctor. Congratulations Savvy! We look forward to hearing more about your continued success!

Abrianna Colon

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: My parents, staff at both STCC and Central, and the people I met along the way.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: I liked that Gateway was flexible and patient with me, but most of all it felt like another home.

After graduation I plan to: Attend STCC and hopefully work at Gateway to College.

I’m most looking forward to: The Future

Roxanangely Cruz

 While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: My mom, my uncle Raymond, my counselor Ms. B, and I always wanted to do it for my grandparents.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: It was small so there was more one-on-one time whenever I needed help as well as being able to earn my diploma with college credits.

After graduation: I plan to go to college to earn an associate in nursing. My goal is to advance from a transporter to a nurse at my current job.

I’m most looking forward to: I’m most looking forward to seeing the success of my hard work in the long run.

Yadiel Fernandez

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: My counselors

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: The support

After graduation I plan to: Go to college

I’m most looking forward to: Taking a break

Anthony Lancia

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: Katara and Anita

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: The education/support

After graduation I plan to: Go to college

I’m most looking forward to: Getting a degree

Kenzona Ledbetter

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: Katara, Anita, Ms. B, Ms. Diana

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: The freedom, support and activities

After graduation I plan to: I’m not sure yet

I’m most looking forward to: Travelling, hopefully

Gadielys Miranda

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: My family but mainly my Dad

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: The friends and connections I made with people. I liked that I felt safer and was more free to be myself in the environment

After graduation I plan to: Go to college to pursue forensic studies

I’m most looking forward to: Going off to college

Andrea Perez

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: The Gateway Staff, Katara, Ms. B, Anita, May, Kai, my friends Gigi, Bri, my boyfriend Royale, and my Family

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: I loved how welcoming Gateway to College was and the support I received. When I wanted to give up, I would get lifted up by people who had faith in me. I was also able to be myself with no judgement! Gateway to College was definitely the school environment and family I never knew I needed.

After graduation: I plan on taking a break for one semester and returning to school in the spring. I plan to commute to cosmetology school in Wethersfield. Later down the line, I plan to attend STCC to study real estate or obtain a CNA certification.

I’m most looking forward to: Seeing where life takes me.

Jenivette Rivera Davila

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: My biggest supporters have always been the three beautiful women who raised me, my mother, my grandmother, and my aunt. Aside from my family, everyone at Gateway especially Katara, Ms. B, and Mr. Ramah have been my biggest supporters from the day I stepped foot in Gateway.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: Since my very first day at Gateway I knew it was more than just a program, we are a family. Gateway has helped me and so many others in more ways than just completing our high school requirements. For the first time in a very long time, I found a community and a place where I felt like I belonged. Gateway is and will always be incredibly special to me. I am so lucky to have been apart of the Gateway family.

After graduation: I’ll stay at STCC where I will earn my associate in Criminal Justice which will be a stepping stone for getting my bachelors and later on my masters in Criminal Justice Victim Studies.

I’m most looking forward to: Finally being able to say I graduated! I’m also very excited for my future endeavors and what life has in store for me!

Mayleen Rodriguez

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: My mom, my aunt, and my advisors

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: The experience I got and the people I met along the way

After graduation I plan to: Chill with my family

I’m most looking forward to: Going out into the real world and actually having the responsibility of being an adult.

Jenissa Santiago

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: Gateway’s staff

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: The relaxing atmosphere and being able to decide on my own schedule.

After graduation I plan to: Take a break.

I’m most looking forward to: Finally graduating and being able to move towards new goals.

Quadir Thomas

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: My mother

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: The community being so supportive

After graduation I plan to: Stay at STCC for a few years then transfer to Howard

I’m most looking forward to: School events and stuff

Bohdan Wolf

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: My mom

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: The second chance it gave me

After graduation I plan to: Go to college

I’m most looking forward to: Nothing in particular. I’m enjoying life as it comes.

Anondah Brown

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: My friend Ty, my mom, and my family

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: Seeing my friends

After graduation: Go to college

I’m most looking forward to: I am most looking forward to life after school

Emanuel Carrasquillo

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: The staff at Gateway

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: The opportunity to let me graduate without the stress of being in high school

After graduation: I plan to take a leap year to explore my options.

I’m most looking forward to: The freedom of being a young adult.

Kyerrah Eddington

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: Katara and Anita

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: The time in between classes.

After graduation: I want to take some time off and save money, then hopefully I can rent an apartment. I also want to go to a college near where I move. After college, I plan to start looking for therapy companies for my career.

I’m most looking forward to: Living on my own doing what I like to do.

Alexandra Garcia

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: Ms. B my counselor from school, and my mom.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: Being able to be independent helped me stay focused and not having any distractions.

After graduation: I plan to continue my education for EMT schooling as well become a business owner.

I’m most looking forward to: My graduation and feeling accomplished.

Chloe Rawlins

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: The classes and staff

After graduation: I would like to study cosmetology at the International Institute of Cosmetology

Kimberly Rodriguez

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: Katara and Ms. B plus my sisters.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: It felt very inclusive. We would have club meetings every week and just hang out in the common area. It felt like a family doing classwork together rather than going to school.

After graduation: I plan to continue at STCC and find where life leads me.

I’m most looking forward to: Achieving peace in life. Right now, I have no clue where I’m going but at least I’m taking a step into figuring out what my calling is. I know STCC will definitely help in showing me the way.

Emani Rosado

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: I enjoyed the relationships built while attending on a college campus

After graduation: I would like to go to college

Ty’eira Williams

While earning my diploma my greatest supporters were: My family, especially my mom and grandmother who were my backbones through it all.

What I liked best about Gateway to College was: The freedom and the environment.

After graduation: Go to college and study criminal law.

I’m most looking forward to: College life and a new state.