Meet the Ellen Pinto Outstanding Students of 2025!

This recognition, awarded annually, is named after a TCC Trustee and civic leader who encouraged students to work towards academic success and service to the TCC community and the larger community. Bios below are drawn from student remarks at the May Board of Trustees Meeting.

Ellen Pinto Outstanding Student of the Year: Charles Schuelke

Introducing himself at the May Board Meeting, Ellen Pinto Outstanding Student of the Year Charles Schuelke said that he came to TCC from Clallum Bay Corrections Center, where he was incarcerated for ten years. While he was there he discovered that he could excel at education, which was something he’d never known he could do before. He also read “The Boys in the Boat” and daydreamed about going to the University of Washington.

“I have recently gotten accepted to the University of Washington Seattle in Computer Science Engineering, and I owe it all to this community here at TCC,” Schuelke said.

Schuelke recalls that Re-Entry Navigator Larry Quintana contacted him, gave him a ride to campus, and introduced him as a “justice-impacted student” as he got him signed up for classes – a term Schuelke has come to like.

“Everyone was so excited to meet me. I felt a lot of self-consciousness, like I didn’t belong – and everyone was so welcoming. It was not at all what I expected,” Schuelke said. “It’s amazing how welcoming this place is for someone like myself, who didn’t feel like I fit in anywhere. Everyone has helped me out along the way, and has helped me reach my goal. Thank you all for it!”

Ellen Pinto Honoree: Fatimeh Redford

Ellen Pinto Honoree Fatimeh Redford told the Board at the May meeting that she came straight to TCC from high school, where she struggled, and wasn’t sure she would graduate. At TCC, she met Professors Jennifer Olson and Latoya Reid, who helped her build confidence.

“They really helped me feel like I had a place here, and I was smart enough,” Redford said.

Next year Redford plans to take a gap year and apply to transfer schools.

Ellen Pinto Honoree: Alex Lee Rogers

Ellen Pinto Honoree Alex Lee Rogers introduced himself at the Board at the May meeting as a justice-impacted student. He was offered a work-release opportunity that involved going to school, and took it. He felt “less than” and “othered” at first, but started seeking out places he could grow and learn.

“I met Tamara Pinero, and I didn’t feel marginalized in Workforce,” Rogers said. “All the challenges, not knowing how to use a computer or a phone – Adam and Tamara and everyone on that team was not just nice, but kind. Every time I kept coming back, Tamara would look at me and say, ‘You got this, kiddo’.”

Rogers soon started wondering if there were any other students like himself, and if he could help them. He started small, connecting other students to people who could help.

“Then my paradigm shifted – everyone is here to support you, you can be part of the community and the team.”

Rogers has since ventured off campus, going to speak at community houses and other places where marginalized members of the community can be found.

“I appreciate every single person here, who is the engine. I’m so grateful,” Rogers said.