What is the ODSA TRiO Achiever Award?

The progress and success of the TRiO programs is personified by the TRiO Achiever Awards.  The strength and determination of TRiO students across the state and the nation is represented by this awardee.  The annual ODSA TRiO Achiever Award is designed to recognize and honor former Oklahoma TRiO participants who have demonstrated exemplary accomplishments in their professional pursuits and for whom TRiO played a fundamental role in their educational achievements.  Each year a former ODSA TRiO participant is selected as the ODSA TRiO Achiever who embodies the TRiO spirit of excellence and achievement.  The ODSA TRiO Achiever is introduced to the membership at the annual conference and represents ODSA at the SWASAP Regional Conference. 

2009 ODSA TRiO Achiever - Representative Anastasia Pittman   

     
I got involved with Student Support Services (called Project Threshold) during my academic endeavor at the University of Oklahoma. There, I met some of the most influential administrators and tutors who have become lifetime colleagues and personal friends. I received hands-on training on how to take exams and was helped on homework assignments.

I am grateful for Student Support Services. It provides an opportunity for students with different educational backgrounds to participate in a positive environment and helps develop students, while preparing them for high education and adulthood.

I completed my undergraduate degree in 1993, but because it took me another six years to completely repay the debts I incurred through the university, my degree wasn’t released until 1999. I had received money through various forms of financial aid, but efficiently managing the money while transitioning into new community and life experiences—as well as learning to limit non-academic expenses—proved difficult. Because of this, I have made it one of my missions to help others in their goal of attaining a higher education degree, and to avoid the financial burdens that I incurred as a college student.

I developed leadership skills during my participation and I will forever cherish the opportunities that were afforded me. I believe that through my participation in the TRIO program, I gained the knowledge and self-esteem to become a state representative.

It is programs such as TRIO that we strive to retain on college campuses in order to help students have access to college and an equal opportunity to succeed in Oklahoma. The return on the investment is priceless.

2008 ODSA TRiO Achiever- Senator Kenneth Corn 
         

Kenneth Corn grew up in Howe, a small rural town in Southeastern Oklahoma.  No one in his immediate family attended college and his parents didn’t have the financial resources to ensure their son would either.  When he was in 6th grade he won an essay contest.  The prize was a full college scholarship.

Even with the promise of paid tuition, he was uncertain how to get to college.  He was accepted into the Carl Albert State College Talent Search program and the staff advised, prepared, and guided him through the college application and admission process.  The influence of this program is demonstrated by a statement made by Kenneth “It’s difficult to explain how such simple things as checking on me at school and talking to me about my future could have such an impact, but for someone who is first in their family to attend college, it can mean the difference in reaching your goals or giving up.”

He attended the University of Oklahoma and graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science.  While an undergraduate student, he was a member of the President’s Leadership Class, a Ruth Norman Scholar, and a United States Senate Youth Scholar.  He is the only person to serve two terms as the State President of Future Business Leaders of America and one term as National President. 

In 1998, at the age of 22, Kenneth Corn was elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives.  He has the distinction of being the youngest state representative in Oklahoma’s history.  In 2002, he was elected to the Oklahoma State Senate.  Twenty-five years old at the time of the election, he is the second youngest individual to serve in that position and is currently the youngest Senator in Oklahoma. 

Among his many accomplishments in the Oklahoma Legislature, he pushed through landmark legislation that provides health insurance benefits to Oklahoma educators, as well as legislation to bring teachers’ salaries to the regional average.  He has also submitted a bill to create Oklahoma’s “Second Century Promise”.  It will expand Oklahoma’s Promise (OHLAP) to include more students and ensure virtually every Oklahoma student has the ability to afford a college education.  The three words he uses to describe “Second Century Promise” are: hope, change, and opportunity.

In 1998, Kenneth received a pencil from the Carl Albert State College Talent Search program.  The pencil was inscribed with this quote “Education is the key to the future and your future begins today.”  He has stated that the message “…is as inspirational for me today as it was for me in high school.  I truly believe that education is the great equalizer…no matter where you come from you can reach your goals through education.  My dream is for every child to believe that motto on the Talent Search pencil is speaking personally to them.”

Previous ODSA TRiO Achievers (link to pic gallery)