Muskegon Community College students Maxwell Olmstead and Alana Tovar-Pineda have been selected to speak for the Class of 2019 at the college’s 91st Commencement exercises on Wednesday evening, May 8, 2019 in L.C. Walker Arena. The event is free and open to the public.
Maxwell Olmstead
A natural-born leader, Maxwell Olmstead knows from personal experience, including the tragic loss in December of his twin brother, Marcus, that conquering one’s own challenges is a vital part of learning how to guide others.
“I want to deliver the Commencement Address because I feel like my personal anecdotes and my experience at Muskegon Community College can inspire others toward a ‘Bright Future,’” he explained, referring to this year’s Commencement theme. “I have faced much adversity in my life and would like to have the opportunity to share how I overcame and am overcoming that adversity.”
A native of Norton Shores, Maxwell wrestled, ran cross country and track, and was on the National Honor Society at Mona Shores High School. An AP Scholar with Distinction, he was named an Argonaut Gold Card Recipient for maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Active in the Boy Scouts of America, Maxwell attained the rank of Eagle Scout and was inducted into the Order of the Arrow, which is the Boy Scouts National Honor Society. He remains active volunteering in the community,
Maxwell earned a Muskegon Promise Scholarship to attend MCC, where he is president of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s Beta Xi Xi Chapter. He has led both its Honors in Action and College Project’s outreach and organizational efforts. He is a lifeguard at MCC’s Lakeshore Fitness Center, a peer tutor in the MCC Tutoring Center, and participated in the College’s German Exchange Program with Kaufmännische Schule Stuttgart Nord in Stuttgart.
“Not only did he represent himself well, but he was a true ambassador for Muskegon Community College,” remarked MCC Instructor Jennifer Jones. “He was a wonderful frontline person to do presentations about the College and West Michigan to our partner college. He organized joint social events both in Germany as well as in the United States. Maxwell showcased a level of professionalism that was years beyond his chronological age.”
MCC Chemistry Lab Manager Elizabeth Bolen, who worked with Maxwell, observed, “He actively pushes himself to do the best he can and he instills that spirit in fellow students, as well. He embodies the spirit of MCC.”
Maxwell, who will earn an Associate in Health Science degree from MCC, plans to pursue a four-year degree in health sciences and to continue supporting and guiding youth in the community.
Alana Tovar-Pineda
The oldest of seven children growing up in Newaygo, Alana Tovar-Pineda, an Early College-Newaygo County (ECNC) student, embraces the highest ideals of commitment, whether as a role model actively helping to raise her younger siblings or as a 3.7 GPA student balancing the demands of work and study.
“I don’t know many 18 year-olds who approach life like Alana,” noted Cheryl Flannery, the ECNC Dean. “Alana’s level of professionalism exceeds many adults with whom I interact on a daily basis. She strives to reach her full potential and, despite any adversities she faces, she continues to rise above and considers the challenge a learning experience.”
A member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Muskegon Community College, Alana volunteers weekly for Circles, a community program dedicated to ending poverty permanently in Newaygo County. She competes on the Greater Life Pentecostal Church’s Bible Quiz Team and has travelled to Africa on missions. She works with two businesses, Lemongrass Spa and Rodan and Fields, selling their products as an independent consultant.
Delivering the Commencement address fulfills one of Alana’s lifelong dreams. She relishes the opportunity to share her positive message with her graduating classmates.
“I can relate some part of my life to almost every single student,” she said. “Being a student goes far beyond the campus life. The experiences that we’ve had throughout our entire lives are what shape us for future success. MCC is all about starting, staying, and succeeding. Before we can succeed, we must all embrace those experiences that makes us who we are to become.”
Three years ago as she was entering Newaygo County RESA’s Early College program, Alana was not required but wanted to put into writing that she was committed to giving her best effort, to maintaining a positive attitude, and to completing the program, said Flannery.
“She has kept every one of those promises,” she added. “Alana is the most positive and professional young lady that I’ve had the honor of working with over the last five years as part of the program.”
Alana, who will graduate from MCC with an Associate in Science and Arts degree, plans to pursue a four-year degree.