The schools holds an annual Academic and Scholarship Awards ceremony for individuals
As the academic year comes to a close, Compton College recently held its annual Academic and Scholarship Awards Ceremony to recognize the scholarly achievements of five Presidential Scholars and 38 scholarship recipients. A total of 63 scholarships were awarded to students for a combined total of $63,925.
The 2026 Presidential Scholars are Geomar Bellini, Jessica Flores Bonilla, Mia Flores, Cha’Arveay Ivra, and Alexsander Reyes. This year’s presidential scholars include several first-generation college students and three dual-enrolled high school students. Presidential Scholars represent students who have shown academic strength, singular focus, and the desire to reach their highest potential, while overcoming obstacles in the pursuit of their dreams. The Presidential Scholar program recognizes outstanding students who are graduating with a 3.7 grade point average or higher. Below are highlights about each 2026 Presidential Scholar:
Geomar Bellini
Geomar Bellini is a dual-enrolled student who attended Firebaugh High School and excelled in STEM coursework at Compton College. He is a civil engineering major who plans to continue his studies in higher education. When Bellini and his mother first discussed the idea of him enrolling in classes at Compton College, he was nervous about what to expect and whether it would be too overwhelming. Bellini was pleased to discover that Compton College’s professors are accepting and supportive; one professor in the STEM program even inspired Bellini to pursue a career in a STEM field. He has supported educational access by helping other students with FAFSA, CADAA, and CalKIDS, and he has also participated in community service efforts, including beach cleanups and the City of Lynwood’s community garden event.
Jessica Flores Bonilla
Jessica Flores Bonilla graduated from Compton College in June with two associate degrees and plans to enter a Nursing Program. She maintained a 3.7 GPA while also working as a certified nursing assistant. A first-generation college student, she has balanced school, work, family responsibilities, and health issues with recurring medical appointments while remaining committed to her goal of serving others in health care. She says Compton College helped her rebuild her confidence and move forward with purpose and determination. “Compton College has helped me rediscover my strength and believe in my future again,” Bonilla said. “It has been a place where I found support, opportunity, and direction.”
Mia Flores
Mia Flores is a Compton College dual-enrolled student who attended Paramount High School. In June 2026, she graduated from both institutions with an associate degree and a diploma, respectively. A first-generation college student, Flores is an administration of justice major who plans to transfer to a four-year university to major in criminal justice. She is a volunteer with seven community service clubs and serves in leadership roles with two of the organizations. Flores maintained a 4.0 GPA at both schools. After being accepted to 11 out of 12 universities she applied to, Flores decided to attend the University of California, Davis in fall 2026 to continue her pursuit of becoming an attorney. Flores said, “I will forever be grateful for the opportunity Compton College has given me and for the outstanding support the college provided throughout my journey.”
Cha’Arveay Ivra
Cha’ Arveay Ivra is a psychology major who returned to college after overcoming significant personal challenges and has earned a 4.0 GPA while making the Dean’s List each semester. Ivra graduated in June with three associate degrees in psychology for transfer, social and behavioral sciences, and arts and humanities. He was active on campus, serving as an English tutor and now plans to transfer to a university to continue his higher education. He says, “I realized education would be the foundation for rebuilding my life and I’m committed to this goal. Compton College has influenced my life by giving me the opportunity to grow, rebuild, and believe in my potential.”
Alexsander Reyes
Alexsander Reyes is a dual-enrolled student who earned his high school diploma and three associate degrees from Compton College in arts and humanities, social and behavioral science, and culture and communication. He plans to transfer to California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, to major in sociology. A few years ago, he and his family overcame housing insecurity. The skills he was forced to develop due to hardship ended up benefiting him when it came to his academic journey, “showing up early, asking for help without embarrassment, using every resource available — carried me through the rest of high school and into college.” He says Compton College helped shape both his academic path and his commitment to giving back to his community. “Compton College didn’t just influence my life; it gave me the foundation to build my legacy.”
Source: Compton College
Cover Art: Two of Compton College’s five 2025-2026 Presidential Scholars were recognized at the June 4 Academic and Scholarship Awards Ceremony. Pictured from left are Dr. Keith Curry, president/CEO of Compton College; Gerson Valle, dean of Student Learning; Dr. Sheri Berger, vice president of Academic Affairs; Jessica Flores Bonilla; Cha’Arveay Ivra; Dr. Rebekah Blonshine, dean of Student Success; and Sam Agdasi, dean of Student Learning. Photo courtesy of Compton College.
