Submitted by The Evergreen State College
Two students from The Evergreen State College were honored with the 2024 Student Civic Award Friday, April 19, 2024, by the Washington Campus Coalition for the Public Good. This award recognizes the outstanding commitment to civic engagement and service these two students have had and the significant impact they’ve had on Evergreen’s campus and beyond.
The two students, Jocelyn Moreno and Drew Bland are being recognized for their work both on and off Evergreen’s campus.
“Being an award winner is a testament to both Jocelyn and Drew’s hard work and compassion, as well as the positive impact they have had on our campus and in your community,” said Dr. John Carmichael, President of The Evergreen State College. “I am proud of the vital role they have played in creating a better future for Evergreen and everyone whose lives you have impacted.”
Jocelyn Moreno is being honored for showing remarkable dedication to community-based learning and action, exemplifying a profound commitment to effecting positive change. Between tirelessly fostering service and collaboration as a leader, intern and work-study participant, Jocelyn is continually bridging the gap between campus and community. Hailing from a Washington Farmworker family, their advocacy extends to Latinx and immigrant learners, demonstrating a passion for inclusive education. Their roles with the Center for Community-Based Learning and Action have notably contributed to initiatives such as Sound Learning in Shelton and Community Schools in Tumwater. Additionally, their internship with Together!, Bilingual Clubhouse and Evergreen’s elementary dual language program underscores their recognition of the importance of native language in education. Co-founding the campus student group La Familia and spearheading the El Camino path of study in Latin American, Latinx and Multilingual education further showcase Jocelyn’s impactful leadership.
Drew Bland’s receipt of the 2024 Student Civic Leadership Award underscores their exceptional service as a Center for Community Based Learning and Action student-worker at The Basic Needs Center. Drew’s steadfast commitment to assisting peers and community members in fulfilling their fundamental human rights aligns with a broader vision of creating a more equitable world. Their integral role at the Campus Food Bank satellite intake processes and food distribution reflects Drew’s deep-rooted experience in food justice, cultivated through work on various farms, including their own family farm. Drew’s community engagement extends beyond campus borders, encompassing involvement with the Lacey Makerspace and an internship with Evergreen’s new Center for Climate Action and Sustainability at the Estuarium, where they facilitate environmental education with school-age students. Notably, Drew’s dedication to academic excellence is evident in their rigorous studies in Psychology Capstone: Clinical and Counseling and Applied Learning at the Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County, all while maintaining a commitment to athletic pursuits.
Congratulations to both Jocelyn and Drew for being recognized for their incredible work.
