Rio Salado College recently celebrated the achievements of its Adults Achieving a College Education (Adult ACE) and High School ACE completers, recognizing students whose determination and hard work have set them on a path toward continued academic and career success.
The event opened with a welcome from Instructional Services Manager Adam Wetterhan and High School ACE Coordinator Rachel Burner, followed by remarks from Rio Salado College President Dr. Kate Smith.
“I encourage you to never let anyone stop you. Do not let any negative voices or negativity stop you,,” Smith told them “You’ve already proven you have what it takes. No matter what comes up in front of you or what challenges you face, you have what it takes.”
The highlight of the celebration was hearing directly from students, whose stories reflected the transformative power of education and the impact of the ACE programs.
Stories of Strength and Perseverance
Adult ACE speaker Beverly Felix shared a deeply personal journey of resilience and overcoming self-doubt. After returning to Rio Salado in 2022 determined to finish what she started, through perseverance and support from her family, faith, and the Adult ACE team, she earned her High School Equivalency diploma and continued her education.
“I am truly grateful to be part of the program because it opened up doors for me I didn’t see possible or ever in reach,” Felix said. “This journey’s been life changing and I’ll always appreciate the support and encouragement I’ve received.”
Felix is preparing to graduate with a degree in social work from Estrella Mountain Community College and plans to continue her education at Arizona State University.
Adult ACE student speaker Alma Juarez Lopez shared her journey as an immigrant who started at Rio Salado to learn English. She is now pursuing a paralegal degree, and recently secured a full-time position in immigration law.
“We are all going to pass through challenges in life, through lows and highs, and I encourage each one of you to take those moments and transform it into opportunity,” she said.
A Head Start for Future Leaders
High School ACE students shared how the program gave them a strong academic foundation while still in high school.
Ariana Chak, who graduates from ASU Prep Digital High School with a 4.0 college GPA later this month, spoke about the advantages of getting an early start.
“This program challenged me in so many ways, but those challenges helped me grow into the person I am today,” Chak said. “I’ve gained skills that will stay with me for the rest of my life: patience, time management, speaking up for myself, and learning when and how to ask for help from friends, teachers, counselors, and tutors.
She will continue her education at Arizona State University’s Barrett, The Honors College, majoring in biology with an interest in biomedical sciences.
Dalya Razooqi, a graduating senior from Tempe’s McClintock High School, has already completed more than 49 college credits through ACE and dual enrollment. She plans to attend Grand Canyon University to study biology and pursue a career as an optometrist.
“One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that I’m more capable than I thought,” Razooqi said. “Sometimes you doubt yourself or feel like you’re not doing enough, but this program showed me that if you stay consistent, you actually can reach your goals.”
Expanding Opportunity Through ACE
Rio Salado’s Adult ACE program supports adult learners by covering up to 25 college credits, offering flexible evening classes, and providing guidance throughout the educational journey. Designed for Maricopa County residents with financial need, the program helps students build skills for both college and the workplace.
At the same time, the High School ACE program is celebrating 40 years of helping students earn college credit while still in high school, giving them a valuable head start on their academic goals.
Together, these programs continue to open doors for students at every stage of life, proving that it is never too early or too late to pursue higher education.
As this year’s ACE completers move forward, their stories serve as powerful reminders of what is possible with support, determination, and a commitment to success.