Chase Grimmett, on a career path to marine biology

Chase Grimmett

by Ed Riley

Chase Grimmett, a Running Start student who was a top graduate in Rochester High School’s 2012 senior class, carries a clear vision of what he wants out of life.

As a high school student he played varsity football, basketball, and baseball and had the potential of attending several universities on scholarships based on his athletic skills. It is, however, academics that hold his passion and what he believes is the key to his success in life. He is now a second-year Centralia College student with plans to work in marine biology.

Grimmett will attend Western Washington University to study marine biology next fall and plans to focus on coral reef ecology.

Marine biology is the perfect career for Grimmett: he is passionate about the environment and is an certified scuba diver with deep water and cave dives in Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest to his credit.

“Finishing my associate degree at Centralia College makes a lot more sense financially. Besides, the college has the advanced science classes I need for my degree in marine biology. And the Environmental Science department has amazing instructors who are experts in their fields,” Grimmett said. “The support I’ve received from the faculty has been incredible, they have really helped guide me in the direction I need for my degree.”

In fact, Grimmett was accepted and offered partial scholarships to attend Oregon State University, the University of Oregon, and Western Washington University. Grimmett puts it this way, “The scholarships would have only paid for about 40 percent of my tuition; my family would have had to come up with the rest. That’s an incredible amount of money. I don’t want my family to go into debt for my education.” With two scholarships from the Centralia College Foundation to help pay the way, his overall college costs will be much more manageable.

Grimmett also has his family to thank for his recognition of the importance of education and his career direction. His mother works for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife department tracking endangered species, and his father is an instructor for special needs children.

In what little spare time Grimmett does have, he enjoys hiking and backpacking, and he takes lessons in Tae Kwon Do, and he still manages to work part time. Through his hard work and dedication, coupled with a clear vision for what he wants, he is certain to realize his dreams.

Delanie Willows, selected for All-Washington academic team

Delanie Willows

Delanie Willows was named to the 2013 Coca-Cola All-Washington Community College Academic Team and has been nominated to the 2013 All USA Today Community College Academic Team.

If passion determines success in a person’s career, then there is little doubt that Delanie Willows will be a great journalist. She is driven by her desire to bring about change and innovation through effective communication, essential for individuals as they inform themselves and improve their lives.

Willows has been in training as a writer for much of her life.

She started early in childhood by creating stories that her mother would transcribe. As she got older, she took over the writing part.

“I have notes scribbled on absolutely every free space of paper, I carry a journal as if it were engrained into my flesh,” said Willows. She was writing so much that she eventually felt the need to pull back from everything except homework assignments.

“Once some of that weight fell off with credit fulfillment, I ached for the creative side of things again,” she said. So, she directed her extensive writing into journalism, an interest bolstered by her scholarship from The Chronicle. She is now honing her skills as she writes for The Chronicle and its Centralia College student newspaper, The Blaze. This, she says, is the pinnacle of her writing career.

Her role as a tutor in Centralia College’s Writing Center also helps. “It gives me the perfect work experience in developing an objective viewpoint and listening to others, even if I disagree with their idea; it is the perfect recipe for news writing.”

Willows came to Centralia College as a Running Start student, looking for challenges in math. She found “an amazing experience. Coming from a small high school, I was afraid that I’d be lost. That didn’t happen. I received a lot of help from the instructors and from peers. I was continually taking classes that were better and better,” said Willows. But that was only part of it.

“A strength of this college is its diversity,” she said. She has developed great friendships among international students and others who “have added so much to my life and my studies. There is a tremendous cultural influence at Centralia College, and I appreciate that,” she said.

Miles & Mozeek Waggener, finding success at Centralia College

Miles & Mozeek Waggener

by Ed Riley

When you meet Miles and Mozeek Waggener you first notice just how tall these brothers are. Miles, at 23, is an impressive 6 feet 9 inches. Mozeek, at 21, is the shorter of the two measuring in at 6 feet 8 inches. You might next notice that both have multiple tattoos, including each other’s name on their arms, and their jersey numbers on their legs.Both play on Centralia College’s basketball team. Their tattoos and their stature could be a little intimidating until you talk to them. They qualify as two of the nicest, and most polite young men that you will ever meet. They are soft spoken, with noticeable southern accents, acquired while growing up in Beaumont, Texas.

What impressed me the most about these two men, is just how focused they truly are. The Waggener brothers know what they want in life, and they have clear plans on how to achieve it.

In 2011, the pair moved to the Centralia area and enrolled in college to focus on education and basketball; both hope to continue athletic careers but are working on another goal that tells more about their character than rebounds and points scored: Their goal is to help single mothers, troubled youth, and those less fortunate to search out a more positive lifestyle. That career will likely be fashioned out of their criminal justice and business studies.

Miles, who transferred to Centralia College from McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana, says he will eventually return to McNeese State University to finish his degree but for now both brothers are studying criminal justice. Miles, by the way, played college football as a tight end and was one semester from earning his bachelor’s degree in business. He put McNeese on hold for a while to play basketball with his brother.

These brothers push each other on and off the court; they are impressive students with GPAs that top 3.9. The Waggeners are on scholarship for their academic achievements. They are known on the basketball court as Tic ‘n Tac, nicknames given them by their father to reflect how well the two go together.

When I asked Miles about adjustments he made transferring from a large college, he responded with a resounding, “At Centralia, you are a name not a number. The classes are small, and you get one-on-one attention from your instructors. At McNeese the classes were huge, your instructor may not even know your name.”

Their father Derrick Waggener, and sister DeErica Waggener moved to the area as well. Like the brothers, their father was a basketball player. He helped lead his team to state in 1984 at Seward Community College in Liberal, Kansas. When asked why they chose to relocate to Centralia, Mr. Waggener said, “The Lord led us here. I researched rural colleges where the boys could get a good education, and have an opportunity to play ball together, and Centralia is the door that God opened.” Mr. Waggener ministers at churches throughout the region. When asked what it’s been like moving to the Pacific Northwest from Texas, Miles and Mozeek both say, “It’s been a culture shock. We aren’t used to seeing so many trees and mountains.” They also commented on the Northwest rain, “This isn’t rain, it’s just drizzle. When it rains in Texas, it really pours.”

It is apparent that this is a family that truly love and support each other, and when it comes down to it they aren’t just brothers, they are friends. The also praised their teammates, and especially their coach Jason Moir for helping them to settle in this area. “Our coach went the extra mile, helping us to find housing and jobs. We love it here at the college, and we love Centralia.”

Edward Riley, selected for All-Washington academic team

Ed Riley

Edward Riley was named to the 2013 Coca-Cola All-Washington Community College Academic Team and has been nominated to the 2013 All USA Today Community College Academic Team.

Edward Riley, who started college two years ago while in his mid-40s, is not a typical first-time college student, and what he has done while at Centralia College is not typical of most students.

“The economy had just tanked, and my personal life was a mess; I needed a change and I had always wanted to go to college,” Riley said. He enrolled, bringing a renewed perspective to his goals.

It is because of his drive, his academic achievements, and his involvement in campus activities that Riley has received multiple scholarships and has been named to the prestigious All-Washington Academic Team. He is also a nominee to the All-USA Today Academic Team through Phi Theta Kappa, the two-year college honor society.

In addition to his studies, Riley holds a student worker position and writes for the Office of College Relations, and he writes for The Blaze, the student newspaper overseen by The Chronicle newspaper. Riley has also recently written and published his first children’s book, My Monster and Me.

“My time at Centralia College has been incredible. I have learned so much, mostly about myself. I didn’t realize that I was capable of the things I have been able to achieve.” Riley said.

He attributes his success to the support of the faculty and staff at Centralia College, and to the encouragement of his family. “I couldn’t have accomplished half of what I have if it weren’t for my parents believing in me, and the help from everyone at the college. The encouragement and challenges I’ve received through my job with the college, Dr. Jody Peterson prodding me along in Phi Theta Kappa, even the ladies in the cafeteria teasing me; they all have made my experience at the college special. My time at Centralia College has been one of the most important in my life; I am grateful, and I will never forget it.”

Riley will graduate this spring with an Associate in Arts degree and will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business marketing. Riley will continue with his own personal enterprises, and explore additional avenues of writing, which includes writing additional children’s books.

“I knew exactly what I wanted to do when I first started taking classes at Centralia College; I can’t say that anymore, because there are so many more doors open to me now.”

Icy Straley, earning a bachelor’s degree at Centralia College

Icy Straley

by Ed Riley

By the time she was 23, Icy Straley lived through more than most people twice her age. What she has overcome is an inspiration to just about everyone.She is enrolled in the Centralia College Bachelor of Applied Science in Management program and although she does not have a clear career goal, she knows that the bachelor’s degree will open doors to greater opportunity. She’s seen the uglier side of life and knows that education will give her access to a brighter future.

Growing up without a father and in a destructive home environment, by the time she was a teenager Straley was exposed to a life of drugs. At 15 she was removed from her home and placed in to foster care. When Straley was 16 her mother died as a result of her own personal struggles.

Straley’s life began to turn around when she entered drug rehabilitation and received a level of stability through life with her foster mom Annette Peters and her foster grandpa Roy Gutschmidt.

“I don’t know where I would be without them and their encouragement.” said Straley. “They have stuck with me through thick and thin. They truly are my family now.”

When Peters speaks about her foster daughter, she does so as any loving mother would. “I’ve fostered other kids, but Icy is a success story. She has gone the furthest,” Peters said. “How far she has come is amazing. We are so proud of her.”

Straley began taking classes to earn her GED at Centralia College in 2006. She continued to take classes and later went on to earn her high school diploma and an associate in arts degree in 2011. Straley is now stretching her abilities, setting her sites to qualify for a brighter future, and having some fun through the BASM program.

“The BASM program is not typical of a lot of bachelor programs,” said Straley. “The amount of teamwork among students, faculty, and support staff is amazing. We are all in this together.” The bachelor’s program has grouped the students into a single cohort, each member working with others as a team to tackle projects.

In addition to overcoming her past, Straley has been able to succeed while having the additional task being a single mother of 3 year old twins.

“She definitely holds her own against students who have a lot more experience in the business world,” said Jeff McQuarrie, one of Centralia College’s BASM instructors. “She is really a hardworking student.”

When asked about continuing her educational goals, including her bachelor degree at Centralia College, she said, “I’m always pushing my friends to come to the college. The way the people at the college support you is what makes the difference at Centralia.”

Julie Lind

Julie Lind of Rochester started attending Centralia College five years ago. When proposing some changes at work, her supervisor at Washington State Employees Credit Union challenged her, and told her that she could make the changes she wanted, if she would just take an accounting class. She took that challenge, and as Lind puts it, it was the beginning of her love affair with education.

“I was hooked after that,” Lind says.  And though it took her five years while still working forty to forty five hours a week, she finally earned her Associate in Arts degree from Centralia College in 2012. Commencement was very special to her; she celebrated with her nephew, who is also a 2012 graduate from Centralia College.

Lind graduated from Tumwater High School in 1990, and she had tried to attend college, but with two jobs, and being on her own at 17, it was just too much. Instead, Lind entered the work force, and at the age of 19 landed a temporary job with WSECU; twenty one years later, and after a lot of hard work, she is still with that same company. Lind has worked her way up to become the Assistant Vice President of Small Business and Consumer Lending.  Though she has been successful in her career, she wants to continue advancing, and feels that the key to that advancement is through education. In fact, as she puts it, “I want my bosses’ job, and he knows it”.

That’s not the end to Lind’s journey at Centralia College; she is now enrolled in the two year program of Centralia College’s new Bachelor in Applied Science in Management. When asked why Centralia College? “It’s the quality of the instructors, and the quality of the classes. I looked at several other colleges. The new BASM program was a perfect fit for me with its hybrid classes, part online, and then classes a couple of nights a week.”  Lind finds she is even more motivated than before, has a great pride in her educational achievements so far, and is a proud member of Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society for community colleges.

Lind is impressed with the curriculum in the new BASM program at Centralia College. Students in her marketing class are creating marketing plans for an existing company, eCreamery, an online custom ice cream company recently featured on the popular TV show Shark Tank. The plans students create will be presented to eCreamery for review, and possible implementation. “You don’t get that kind of real world application with the opportunity to present your work to an existing company for review in many educational settings”, she said.

Lind is grateful to have the support of her job, and her family while attending Centralia College. “They are very understanding at work when I need extra time for classes,” she says. WSECU also reimburses her for tuition for up to five credits a quarter, something she feels more businesses should do. “They need to make an investment in their employees.” Lind’s family and fiancé Kevin have understood the constraints on her time as well. When she has to occasionally miss a family gathering due to a class, or to homework, she just tells herself, “The long term benefits are worth the short term sacrifices.”

Zoltan Holden

For Zoltan Holden there was no other choice but to commute from Olympia to attend Centralia College. No other college in the region offered the program he wanted. When he graduates in 2013, he’ll have an Associate in Technical Arts in Electronics, Robotics, and Automation (ERA).

The skills he learns in this college program will serve him well as he develops his interest in electronics.

When it comes to computers Zoltan is a natural. He started by taking apart TVs and VCRs as a kid, later being mentored in electronics and computers from members of his church. It’s what he loves to do; in fact, “Zollie” as his friends know him, is the go to guy if they’re having any problems with their computer. He is able to fix anything from broken lap top screens, to software glitches, and often helps people that he doesn’t know.

“Since starting college, I have already learned so many new techniques that I use in my hobby of working on computers. Now I can’t imagine going to any other college than Centralia College, the commute from Olympia is definitely worth it,” Holden said.

How he got here was an even longer commute. Born in Romania, he was adopted by American parents at the age seven and brought to the U.S., first to Minnesota, then Alaska, and finally landing in the Pacific Northwest. He is a 2003 Yelm High School. He then worked mostly in menial jobs before deciding to attend Centralia College.

It’s the Centralia College instructors that have most impressed him.

“They are so patient; they take their time to help and are never in a hurry. They want you to succeed,” Holden said. He is especially thankful to electronics associate professor “Cal” Taylor for his “knowledge, and encouragement,” and Elisa Sunflower from TRiO Club, and Math Department for her “warmth and patience” when explaining difficult math problems, a subject he finds challenging.

Holden enjoys the student activities on campus, especially ultimate Frisbee, and projects with the Electronics Club; he has made many lifelong friends. Holden believes that his prospects have expanded with a bright future in robotics and in the computer industry. He feels that Centralia College is the reason behind this, with its “challenging classes and encouraging instructors”.

Gerardo Gomez

Gerardo Gomez has his sights set on becoming a Certified Public Accountant and Centralia College is the school that will give him the boost he needs to reach that goal. He would be the first in his family to earn a college degree. That is motivation for him and those who encourage him.

Gerardo’s family migrated from Mexico when he was very young and settled in the Mossyrock area. After graduating from Mossyrock High School he made the decision to attend Centralia College to work toward his education and career goals.

His father operated a retail nursery enterprise, working on weekends, and Gerardo helped. He found that the bookkeeping side of the business was a part of the operation that got him excited.

“It was the part of his business that I really enjoyed. Watching my dad work got me thinking about a career. Now I want to become a CPA,” Gerardo said. While in high school he was able to spend a day with a CPA as part of a college program and that experience cemented the deal.

Coming to Centralia College was a decision that made sense.

“My family is important and they want me to stay close to home. Besides, coming here will save money,” Gomez said, demonstrating his practical side. “I came from a small school and I don’t think I was ready to go to a bigger school right out of high school.” Centralia College’s accounting program is strong and provides an excellent academic foundation for those who plan to go into the field.

“There is a lot of work in accounting but the instructors are really good at explaining concepts. They work with me to be sure I understand. Besides, this is something I enjoy,” Gomez said.

He does plan to transfer to the University of Washington. Gomez received two scholarships, which will go a long way toward covering the expenses of his first two years.

“I am able to set my studies as my first priority,” Gomez said.

Lamont Peabody

Lamont Peabody is unforgettable. Beneath those distinguished Viking features lie an infectiously optimistic good-natured character with many talents and skills. Soon he will be adding college graduate to his list of accomplishments when he receives his Associate in Applied Science degree in Electronics, Robotics and Automation (ERA) this fall.

The next step is getting a job where he can combine his knowledge of electronics with his extensive work experience. Lamont, the adventurer, took the long road on his path to higher education; his is a journey down the road less travelled. Immediately upon high school graduation, Lamont enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. As a Combat Journalist, Corporal Peabody spent seven years traversing the globe covering stories for all branches of the military. He often volunteered to participate in dangerous training exercises with the military’s elite forces in order to write more thorough news pieces.

When his military commitment ended, Lamont settled down in the surf-friendly city of San Diego, CA, working in a pawn shop in the evenings to free up his mornings to catch the best waves. After two years, however, the call of the road beckoned again. Lamont bought an RV and set a course for Alaska. The Northwest’s beauty, however, captivated him and Olympia became his new home.

Lamont’s new job as a truck driver appeased his adventurous spirit. Often travelling for months at a time navigating the inter-connected highways of America, Lamont never missed the opportunity to view unique roadside attractions, ghost towns and tourist spots along his delivery route. But life on the road was not conducive to the responsibilities of raising a family, so he opted for employment closer to home.

Starting a new career working in factory production, Lamont entered the industry as a forklift operator and quickly moved into the role of machine operator. As he discovered his passion for industrial equipment, he needed to learn how these giant machines worked. He taught himself all of the mechanical and electrical components of the equipment he operated. In no time, Lamont became a Production Supervisor. He was able to fix any piece of equipment on the floor, but he also inspired his crew to increase production to record numbers.

For more than 15 years, Lamont did it all. He was an Electrician, Welder, Lead Maintenance Technician and Plant Engineer. But by 2010, economic factors brought production to a halt. As if losing his job wasn’t bad enough, Lamont was also in the process of going through a divorce. Ever the optimist, however, Lamont viewed these events as an opportunity to go to college. “It was getting harder to find a job doing what I love without the formal college education,” he said. Today, many employers require college degrees as a prerequisite to the interview process. Lamont was referred to Centralia College’s Worker Retraining Program by the helpful staff at the Lewis County WorkSource. “I’ve never met so many wonderful people who really care about helping people achieve their goals. I couldn’t have done it without everyone’s expert assistance,” he added.

After ensuring that his children’s financial obligations were met, the remainder of Lamont’s unemployment check fell short of what was necessary to rent an apartment and go to college. Lamont, however, was not deterred from reaching his goal. For the last two years he has been homeless. “I lived up in the woods for the first year until my shelter collapsed under the weight of heavy snowfall. It’s been a great adventure and I’ve met some really interesting people,” recalls a grinning Lamont.

This fall, Lamont’s dedication and determination are being rewarded in the form of a college degree. Not only will he graduate from college, but he holds the honor of being the only student from the ERA program to hold an associate level of competence from the International Society of Certified Electronic Technicians (ISCET). Lamont explains, “Last spring, ISCET administered the highly technical exam to eight of the ERA students. Given two chances to take the test, I passed on the first attempt.”

Lamont has often taken the road less traveled. He’s a bright, humble, hard-working, humorous, homeless veteran with a college degree and an exuberant outlook on life and will no doubt be an asset to the company fortunate enough to employ him.

For more information on the college’s Electronics, Robotics, and Automation program, and the career options that could be available, please contact Cal Taylor, David Peterson, or Dave LaLond, the ERA instructors.

Stephanie Schiele, ASCC President

Stephanie Schiele

As the ASCC (Associated Students of Centralia College) president, it is my pleasure to welcome you all to Centralia College.

My experience this past year at Centralia College has been absolutely amazing. By becoming involved in just one club I have grown immensely as an individual, as a community member, and as a leader. As a first generation college student, I joined Student Support Services (SSS) and TRiO, and because of the significant support offered through these programs I decided to join the TRiO Club and return the favor. Through the club’s endeavors I have met many community members, students and faculty who were dedicated to lending a helping hand to those in need.

These positive experiences have led to friendships, a better understanding of myself, and the knowledge that involvement can change lives. Because of this, I encourage you to consider joining one of the various clubs, organizations or committees here on campus. There are many athletic events you can attend at home or away to cheer on your Blazers, as well as theatrical performances and lively SAAT (Student Activities and Admissions Team) activities to keep you connected also.

Starting college in spring quarter, I missed out on a great opportunity for freshmen students called CC101. This new student orientation offered just prior to the start of fall quarter gives new students an introduction to college life here at Centralia College. Faculty and staff members, as well as the ASCC and SAAT offer workshops, campus tours, tips on college life and the opportunity to meet other new students. I urge you to take advantage of the opportunity that CC101 offers, and make college a little easier for yourself.

I am excited to be representing you, the Associated Students of Centralia College this year. I plan to attend leadership training this summer and will be working to organize and formulate new projects for Student Government, as well as working on the Strategic Plan from last year’s team. Campus sustainability, campus smoking designations and open source textbooks are issues we will continue to attack. If you have any questions, suggestions, or simply just want to talk, the Student Government office is located in room 126 in the Student Center near the cafeteria. I look forward to meeting you all, and hope you fully enjoy your time here at Centralia College.

Best of Fortunes!