YCCC is pleased to announce Darci Marie Lentz as the 2021 Student of the Year. Lentz was chosen by YCCC faculty and staff because of her outstanding academic achievements and commitment to the college. In addition to being named Student of the Year, Lentz will receive a John and Jana Lapoint Leadership Award in the amount of $1,000. The Lapoints both served as trustees of the Maine Community College System. After John’s death in 1995, Jana Lapoint helped establish the fund for the annual awards.
“Darci started at YCCC in 2019 and never looked back! At first she was shy and introverted, but has truly blossomed here.” said Danielle Ebbrecht, YCCC Student Success Commons Director. “Not only is she an outstanding student, she is also a Math Tutor who deeply comprehends the value and importance of partnering with students to help them realize that they CAN be successful, and that math doesn’t have to be scary.”
Lentz enrolled in YCCC after receiving her GED after leaving high school because of sever bullying. Currently Lentz is a Business Administration major with a 3.5 GPA and will graduate in December 2021. She has been working three jobs while putting herself through school at YCCC – one as a math tutor at the Student Success Commons, one as a groomer and one at a kennel. Her long term goal is to own her own kennel and grooming business. In her free time, she loves being with family and friends and enjoys taking her two French Bulldogs, Otter and Pig, for walks in the woods. She also enjoys some online gaming.
“This school changed my life! The amount of support that the YCCC offers is incredible. EVERYONE cares! I just wanted to make sure I could give back too.” said Lentz “YCCC has given me the courage and confidence I never knew I could have!”
Lentz will be recognized at the Maine Community College System Board of Trustees Annual Student of the Year Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, April 28, 2021 from NOON to 1 p.m. The event will be held via a Zoom webinar. To join the webinar, simply click on this link: https://zoom.us/j/96896248265 just before the event begins. To call in by phone dial: (312) 626-6799 and enter the Webinar ID: 968 9624 8265.