TRIO recognizes Class of 2025

The Virginia Tech TRIO Programs recently celebrated their Class of 2025 high school seniors during a special recognition ceremony held as part of a Saturday Session. Nearly 20 students from the Upward Bound and Talent Search programs, representing schools across the region, were honored for their accomplishments — cheered on by younger TRIO participants.

Each senior took a moment to share a favorite TRIO memory and talk about their postgraduation plans — from college and career training to military service. A few of the graduates will attend Virginia Tech in the fall, while others plan to attend other higher education institutions across the state, including Virginia State University, Old Dominion University, Central Community College, and Virginia Western Community College.

As their names were called, they received a certificate of recognition and were proudly pinned with a TRIO alumni button by Tommy Walls, director of alumni relations and career opportunities at the Council for Opportunity in Education — a national organization that advocates for TRIO programs at the federal level.

The ceremony marked their transition: from students to lifelong members of the TRIO community.

Walls, a TRIO alum himself, encouraged students to share their experiences and speak out about the importance of educational opportunity.

“TRIO is at risk of being cut forever. So I urge you to go on social media, make a video, make a post about how much these programs mean to you. We need your voice. TRIO programs are essential,” he said.

Click on a photo below to see a larger version, and click here to read more about Virginia Tech TRIO Programs.

Photos by Diane Deffenbaugh for Virginia Tech.