National Park College (NPC) student Luis Soto was named student of the month for December.
He is a member of the International Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa, and is pursuing
an Associate of Science in General Technology. Soto is expected to graduate in 2024
and has already secured a job offer in his field.
Soto is a first-generation college student. He graduated from Hamburg High School
in 2022. He came to NPC to play soccer for the Nighthawks and decided to stay because
of the supportive faculty and the quality of education he received.
“I like the faculty at the college, and the classes I have taken for my degree have
given me a foundation on what to expect when I start working,” said Soto.
Soto’s professors praised his academic performance, participation in class, leadership
skills and positive attitude.
“He is always in class, is very respectful to me and his classmates, and engages in
all classroom activities,” said business professor Janetta Ritter.
“Luis Soto is serious about his college, has a good head on his shoulders, and has
a career plan mapped out. He has a good work ethic, good people skills, is honest
and straight-forward, and is just an overall good young man,” said English professor
Roger Fox, who also noted that Soto helped him with a tour for prospective students.
“Luis is a great college student who works hard, participates in class, is curious
to learn more, and manages his time well. Luis is friendly and works well with classmates
and faculty. I see him help others and he makes our college experience positive for
everyone,” said physical education instructor T.J. Griffith.
Dean of students John Tucker added that Soto was well-liked by his peers and his soccer
teammates, who cheered for him during the sophomore day game.
“We are proud that this young man is a part of the Trio program and he is just a really
good citizen,” Tucker said.
Soto expressed his gratitude for the recognition and thanked his parents and his family
for their support.
“I feel very honored to receive this award because I can finally see that my effort
is being recognized by the faculty. I feel appreciated and it pushes me to do better.
Thank you for electing me and being part of my journey in being a good student. I
want to thank my parents for shaping me into the person I am today and all of my family
back home,” Soto said.
