Bea Martin named 2024 SMCC Student of the Year

Bea Martin has been selected as SMCC's Student of the Year for her outstanding leadership skills, academic excellence, community volunteer work, and unwavering passion for helping others within the SMCC community.

Bea is a dedicated and accomplished student at SMCC, where she recently completed a degree in Communications and New Media Studies with a focus on graphic design. She will graduate in May with a second degree in Liberal Studies with a focus in art. Bea's passion for creativity drives her academic pursuits. Her journey at SMCC began with a desire for a more personalized educational experience, which she found in the supportive environment of the communications program.

She will be formally recognized during a Maine Community College System event on Wednesday, April 24, that pays tribute to Students of the Year at all of Maine's community colleges. Each student will receive a $1,000 John and Jana Lapoint Leadership Award.

Beyond her academic achievements, Bea actively engages in extracurricular activities and community involvement. She is a Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) member and actively participates in volunteering efforts, including her current role at Captain's Cupboard, where she contributes to supporting the community's food needs. Bea also shares her passion for swing dancing, which she has been involved in for over seven years. She volunteers with the Portland Swing Project, showcasing her commitment to personal interests and community engagement.

Bea's journey at SMCC has been dramatically enhanced by her participation in the TRIO program, where she has found invaluable support and guidance, particularly as a nontraditional student navigating the college experience. Her experience with TRIO has inspired her to advocate for greater awareness of the program's benefits within the community.

"Having the support of my program instructors and advisors in the TRIO program made me feel like I was part of something rather than just lost in that sea of people trying to figure it out themselves," Martin said. I feel an obligation to give that support back to other students because my experience has positively impacted my life."

Reflecting on her time at SMCC, she values the opportunities for collaboration and connection with fellow students and faculty, describing SMCC as a place where she truly feels like she belongs. As she prepares to embark on the next chapter of her journey, Bea's dedication to her academic and personal endeavors continues to shape her experience at SMCC and beyond.

After she graduates from SMCC, Bea expects to continue her educational journey.

For more information about SMCC's TRIO program, visit www.smccME.edu/TRIO.