Hundreds Honored Cerritos College's Student Veterans

By Citrus College and Patch Staff

Cerritos College held its third annual Military Ball on Nov. 2. The Associated Students of Cerritos College and the Veterans Resource Center sponsored the event.

More than 200 student veterans and their guests enjoyed the black tie evening with music, dance, good food and camaraderie.

Craig Breit, assistant professor of theatre arts served as master of ceremonies and delivered the welcome. Susaye Greene, a member of the Supremes in the 1970's, sang the National Anthem. The presentation of the colors was conducted by the USC NROTC color guard.

General Peter Gravett, Secretary of the California Department of Veterans Affairs, was keynote speaker. He spoke about his career and stressed the importance of education.

Several student scholarships were awarded during the event. Marie Martinelli from Student Insurance presented the Bill Hooper Memorial Scholarship. Marie created "Bill Hooper Memorial Scholarship" in honor of her late husband and Founder/President of Student Insurance Bill Hooper as he was a WWII and Korean War veteran. Marie donated two scholarship awards of $250 for student veterans chosen by the Veterans Resource Center.

Alfred Velapatino, president of the Student Veterans Club presented the $250 Student Veterans Club  to

Hector Ayala

Billie Araujo

Christian Hernandez

Francis Fernandez

Vanessa Carranza

Jose Carcedo

Daniel Sigala

Christopher SanNicolas

Jacob Linarez

Bryan Palomera

A cake-cutting ceremony was presented at the end of the ceremonial portion of the evening. The highest ranking veteran Major General Gravett cut the cake with a military sword and passed a slice of cake on to the youngest veteran Vanessa Carranza.

This ceremony signifies the passing of experience and knowledge from the highest rank to the young veteran, according to college officials.