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Grads invited to apply for EMCC scholarship BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF
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ncoming first-year college students to Estrella Mountain Community College are invited to apply for the Presidents’ Honors Scholarship. The scholarship covers tuition up to 15 credit hours per semester for up to four semesters. Without it, students such as Viviana Zermeno might not have been able to pursue higher education. “If I had not gotten the scholarship, I think I would have questioned the very idea of college,” Zermeno said. The first-generation college student just completed her first year at EMCC as a Presidents’ Honors Scholar. Now, she’s looking forward to her second year and then moving on to Grand Canyon University to continue her studies in criminal justice. “I’ve always wanted to help the community and make people feel safe,” she said. “I am so grateful for this opportunity given to me.” Presidents’ Honors Scholars must
have and maintain a GPA of 3.25 or higher and enroll in a minimum of 12 credits each semester. They must also attend two co-curricular activities and complete four honors projects. “The Honors Program at EMCC is a holistic learning experience that encourages honors students to connect what they’re learning in the classroom with the communities they live in and their personal lives,” said Dr. Erin Blomstrand, Honors co-coordinator and English and literature faculty at EMCC. Last semester, EMCC saw 347 students attend on the Presidents’ Honors Scholarship. Aztlana Quezada, student services analyst for the Honors Program and Phi Theta Kappa at EMCC, said an unlimited number of scholarships are available. “If a student is eligible, they should apply,” she said. The deadline to apply is July 15. To learn more about the Presidents’ Honors Scholarship, visit estrellamountain.edu.
Student Chronicles Know a student who’s doing something remarkable? Tell us about it! Email Christina Fuoco-Karasinski at christina@westvalleyview.com. Alyssa Gladhart of Litchfield Park made the dean’s list at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas. All students in traditional programs carrying 12 semester hours or more with a term GPA from 3.2 to 4.0 may qualify for one of these academic honors. Neutral credit hours are excluded from the calculation and reduce the course load used to figure the honor. Dean’s list ranges from 3.5 to 3.99; and the honor roll is 3.2 to 3.49. Josiah Van Sant of Buckeye was named to the Abilene Christian University (Texas) dean’s honor roll. Van Sant is a junior majoring in Engineering. Van Sant was among nearly 1,200 students named to the spring 2021 dean’s honor roll. To qualify, students must be registered for 12 or more credit hours
and earn a GPA of 3.6 or higher. Abigail Marquez, a freshman history major from Avondale, was among approximately 800 Bob Jones University students named to the spring 2021 dean’s list. The dean’s list recognizes students who earn a 3.00 to 3.74 grade-point average during the semester. The university is in Greenville, South Carolina. Shawntina Trotter-Daniel of Buckeye earned a Bachelor of Science in general studies from the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky. Students in the Class of 2021 hailed from 40 states and territories as well as multiple countries, including Canada, Gambia, India, Jamaica, Madagascar, Serbia, Spain, Taiwan and Ukraine. Graduates from the Class of 2020 were also able to participate in this year’s ceremonies.
WEST VALLEY VIEW NEWS | JUNE 9, 2021
OBITUARIES Wallace G Putnam Wallace (Wally) G. Putnam, age 89, passed away peacefully with family by his side May 21, 2021. He would tell you, the G stands for George, Gordon, and God – and don’t you forget it! Born in 1931, Jacksonville, Florida to George Arthur Putnam and Verlie Anne Rickenbaker Putnam. He later moved to Charleston, South Carolina with his mother. Wally made lifelong friends in the neighborhoods, known as “playgrounds” and in later years, looked forward to the annual Mitchell Playground Reunions, where friends would gather from all over the country to share a meal and swap lies. He was fortunate to have his mother’s employer, Edward Cronsberg, contribute to his education and pay his way to attend The Citadel, Military College in Charleston. This was the launch into a successful Air Force career for 20 years. Early in his career, he was a Navigator. This was back in the day, with no computers and everything was calculated by hand. He loved numbers and was quite good at it. He would fly regularly into Dover AFB, Delaware and mingle with many of the locals. This is where he found the love of his life, Clara Farrow. After courting for the appropriate time, he proposed on Christmas Eve 1957. While returning to their seat from communion at the Christ Church (in Dover), and kneeling, as one does in the Episcopal Church - he reached for her hand, proposed and before she said yes, the choir broke into song with “HARK! The Harald Angels Sing!” The rest became history when they married the following year. In his career, Wally served at Air Force Bases all over the world. His three daughters, Kat, Skee, and Debbie were all born stateside. When stationed in Colorado Springs, he worked within the highly secure Cheyanne Mountain, programing computers. Later, he was stationed at Luke AFB, near Litchfield Park. There he and his family would stay, drop roots, and retire as Major. After his AF career, he worked for the State of Arizona, Department of Corrections, programing computers, and later selling commercial real estate. A big turn came into his life, February 1984, when he joined AA (Alcoholics Anonymous). He became very involved and passionate about his sobriety, holding leadership positions, locally and nationally, throughout his 37 years. He has been able to help countless numbers of people cope and recover from this horrible disease. “Wherever you are, be there!” was his motto, meaning be fully present where you are at. A life lesson for all of us. Wally turned to community service, through his in volvement with Kiwanis of Litchfield Park. Here, he started another wonderful journey, which would include his wife, Clara. They became Mr. and Mrs. Santa
Claus for Litchfield Park’s Wigwam Hotel, circa 1985. Santa would visit special needs children, Senior Centers, Elementary Schools, and became Litchfield Park’s Santa, for Christmas in the Park and the annual parade. This was his way of giving back to the community, all gratis. He was more than happy to be present. He loved the children and loved to be in full character. When traveling during the winter months, he’d always wear his red outdoor jacket. Children would see him in the airports and tug on Momma’s sleeve, “Is that Santa Claus?” Without missing a beat, he’d give a hearty “Ho, ho, ho!” with a twinkle in his eye. His beloved Clara passed away far too soon. For 16 years, Wally moved forward, missing her every moment. He was feisty and independent for many years. He traveled Europe with children, grandchildren, and friends. He continued his annual trek to Charleston, to see his friends from the playground and attend The Citadel Military College Homecoming. One of the highlights was when he took two of his adult grandsons (Clayton and Jeremy) back to the Homecoming with him. The guys had fun seeing Grandpa’s old haunts and learning a bit of history. He would later brag that the “boys” would put him to bed and then go out on the town at night. He thought that was great, it would have been something he would have done in his youth! The “Evening of his life” was difficult for Wally. Losing memory also means losing independence. As hard as it was, we were all so proud of him when he gave up driving. I’m sure you were too! He made it through the pandemic. He overcame the Covid virus in December. He moved to Hacienda Del Rey, where Emma G. and many others became his extended family. He met his newest great-granddaughter Holly, born Christmas eve. His children and their spouses visited him often. His friends and family were amazing! Lovingly supportive, they came by frequently to visit, call, or provide transportation to his meetings. He always looked forward to going on outings and ice cream! Wally is survived by his three daughters, Katherine Wood (John), Clara Betzhold (Glenn), Deborah Jury (Tom); his 6 grandchildren, Clayton (Amelia) Thompson, Stephanie (Brian) Culbreth, Kristy (Graham) Facer, Jeremy Adams, Clara Anne (Brant) Wagner and Shelby McGarry; and 10 great-grandchildren. Plus, countless extended family members and friends. We’d like to thank all his many friends and extended family for their support and outreach as we cared for Wally. Your friendship, love, communication, and passion made such a difference in his life and made his journey a little lighter. We will be forever grateful. We’d also like to thank Abrazo West nursing staff and Hospice of the Valley for their incredible kindness, compassion and caring as Wally faded from his life’s journey. Wally’s words still echo, “Be good to yourself!” Memorial services pending, in November 2021.
