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Highlights of lessons learned and rewards for learning exploits took center stage at a summer awards ceremony hosted by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center’s Collinsville Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) program. UBMS held its Zoom Showcase and Awards Banquet on Thursday, July 23. 

“Our summer awards program highlighted the amazing job our students, teachers and staff did this year – and all online,” touted UBMS Program Director Desiree Tyus. “I am extremely proud, and our awards ceremony provided a forum to celebrate the summer accomplishments of our staff and students.” The UBMS summer session was held from Monday, June 15-Friday, July 24. 

Students presented an overview of study from each course – math, STEM, English and foreign language:

• John Easley and America Gutierrez talked about the stock market and personal finance – math instructor Robert Scott.
• Abby Bertubin spotlighted zoology, microbes, chemistry, immunology and engineering – STEM instructor Harben Branco Filho
• Danajah Willis, Juliana Sotelo and Sierra Hoffman outlined readings and poetry, including excerpts from actress and playwright Anna Deavere Smith’s “Fires in the Mirror” – English instructor Dr. Sarah Hobson
• Sandra Delacruz, Anjelica Gonzalez and Ija’Nae Williams and Herica Campos displayed knowledge in Portuguese, Japanese, German and Korean – foreign language instructor Melissa Bidinger 

A total of 40 awards given to UBMS students, including:

• Excellence in Foreign Language – Carly Walden
• Excellence in math – America Gutierrez (upperclassman) and Paulina Gutierrez (underclassman)
• Excellence in science – Donald Thomas (upperclassman) and Paulina Gutierrez (underclassman)
• Excellence in English – Thomas and Gabriela Hernandez (underclassman)
• Most Leadership – Danajah Willis
• Best Prepared – Sierra Hoffman
• Hardest Worker – Anjelica Gonzalez
• Most Initiative – Fatima Gutierrez

“The students enjoyed working together on teams and creating research after collecting many perspectives,” said Hobson, PhD, also president and founder of Community Allies. “They also appreciated learning how to use online digital tools that will streamline their research going into high school, college and different fields.” 

“My favorite part of our summer academy was participating in our STEM workshops,” said UBMS sophomore Tremonte Dickerson. “Mr. Harben made the class interactive and fun. My favorite unit was mechanical engineering week, where we constructed hydraulic robotic arms.” 

“This summer program has taught me some highly important set of skills needed for life,” said Anjelica Gonzalez, a UBMS junior. “I’ve learned about being self-motivation, practicing self-care and how to do taxes!” 

“This program has impacted my life positively,” said UBMS junior Jennifer Carrillo. “I’ve learned new cultures and languages and am glad I know how to communicate with new people. I’ve learned so much this summer.” 

“The summer program has impacted me in a way that I am extremely grateful for,” said UBMS teaching assistant Robert Scott, an SIUE Master of Business Administration graduate student. “It yielded consistent human interaction during a time where that no longer seems common. More than that, it allowed me to work closely with a group of students who are passionate, and teach them topics that will hopefully be useful in their futures.” 

The SIUE Upward Bound Math & Science (UBMS) program helps youth prepare for higher education and serves students from Collinsville. Participants receive instruction in literature, advanced mathematics and science during the school day, homework assistance and hands-on STEM workshops twice a week after school, and cultural, career and college preparation on Saturdays. During the summer, students participate in a six-week residential program that allows participants to reside on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s campus and undergo college preparedness. Services provided prepare students for successful high school completion and entrance into post-secondary programs. The program is designed to serve low-income and/or potential first-generation college students who are currently in grades 9-12. For more information about how you can get involved in our program, please visit us at collinsvilleubms.com. 

Photos:
SIUE East St. Louis Center’s Collinsville Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) program students celebrate during the summer awards ceremony.