GCCC Announces 2025-2027 Ambassador Scholars
[Garden City, KS] March 10, 2025 -- Garden City Community College (GCCC) is pleased to announce the selection of the 2025-2027 Ambassador Scholars: Alizza Castro (Liberal High School), Raegan Mattke (Quinter High School), Jaiden Olvedo (Holcomb High School), and David Vasquez (Garden City High School).
The prestigious Ambassador Scholar program recognizes students for their academic excellence, school and community service, and leadership qualities. Scholars receive a $2,400 annual scholarship for their two-year term and serve as ambassadors for the GCCC President’s Office and the GCCC Endowment Association Office, assisting with campus events and tasks throughout the year.
Ambassador Scholars are selected through a rigorous process open to incoming freshmen recommended by their high school counselors. Applicants submit a comprehensive application and participate in a detailed personal interview. This year, seven area high school seniors were interviewed by a selection panel in mid-February.
Dr. Ryan Ruda, GCCC President, expressed his admiration for the caliber of this year’s candidates: "Each year, I am amazed by the talent, skills, involvement, time management, and leadership these students demonstrate. This year was no exception. We are thrilled to work with such outstanding students in the fall.”
Meet the 2025-2027 Ambassador Scholars:
Alizza Castro, from Liberal, Kansas, will graduate from Liberal High School. She is an active member of the National Honor Society and Rotary Club and serves as a student ambassador. Alizza works at Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and participates on the volleyball team. She is also an intern at Prairie View Elementary School, where she assists students with classwork and encourages them to excel.
Raegan Mattke, from Collyer, Kansas, will graduate from Quinter High School. She is involved in Future Farmers of America (FFA), Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Student Council, Kansas Association for Youth (KAY), and the Network Club. Raegan works as a teacher’s aide at the Early Learning Center and has contributed to numerous school committees.
Jaiden Olvedo, from Holcomb, Kansas, will soon graduate from Holcomb High School. A multi-sport athlete, Jaiden has lettered in football, wrestling, and baseball. He has served as a Student Council member and class officer each year and has earned multiple Longhorn Legacy Academic and Athletic Awards. Jaiden is proud to be a first-generation college student.
David Vasquez, from Garden City, Kansas, maintains a busy schedule between work, school, and community involvement. He graduated from Garden City High School in December, a year and a half early, and began his college journey at GCCC in January. David is pursuing an IT degree and a welding certificate, demonstrating his dedication to his education and future career.
Garden City Community College is proud to welcome these exceptional students as Ambassador Scholars for the Fall 2025 semester.
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Garden City Community College exists to produce positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.
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