Honorable Mention Winner
Rochelle Popp
Indian River Community College
Sophomore in Criminal Justice
3.46 GPA

By enrolling in Indian River Community College’s Contemporary Leadership Course, Popp attempted to enhance her leadership qualities. Little did she know that the course would enhance other aspects of her life. “There’s always an unexpected moment in life when a door opens to let the future in,” Popp says.

Through this course, Popp has learned ways to become a positive example for her fellow students to follow. She strives to bring students together and hopes to unify their efforts “to achieve common goals and objectives.” By creating an atmosphere of trust and understanding, Popp has helped her college clubs and organizations to participate in more than 100 community service projects in the past year.

Popp currently is secretary of the Campus Coalition Government, winner of Florida Leader ‘s “Best Student Government Award” two years in a row, where her duties include assisting the president by performing clerical duties, participating in all student activities, assisting in leadership workshops, and helping out in community service projects. She’s the CCG representative of her cheerleading squad. As coordinator of STRIKE (Student Tobacco Reform Initiative: Knowledge for Eternity), Popp organizes meetings, schedules events, and promotes STRIKE as a way to encourage anti-smoking among her fellow students. Popp is involved in the college’s Student Leadership Program. “The leadership program is assisting me in my goal-setting techniques, leadership development, effective communication, team-building, motivation, and decision-making,” Popp says.

In addition, Popp is involved in assisting community-service programs. Popp has worked with Martha’s House for Abused Women, the United Way, and “Christmas at the River” in which she helped make toys for needy children. Also, she was part of the Adopt a Beach program in Ft. Pierce where students go and clean once a month.

“Rochelle Popp is one of the finest college students to ever grace the IRCC campus,” says Christina T. Hart, director of institutional effectiveness. “In addition to her student life, Rochelle’s personal life is filled with examples of her leadership, solid judgement, and integrity.”

“She is respected by both her peers and instructors,” says IRCC President Edwin R. Massey. “Strength of character, work experience, and strong leadership skills make her an exemplary student. She is an outstanding student with the drive and determination to successfully complete the course of study.”

Popp has earned such honors as a place on the Dean’s List, Florida Community College Activities Association All-Academic Team award, National Junior College Student Government award, Most School Spirit award, and Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior College.

Popp’s a part-time employee at her college as an institutional aide. Her job helps her pay for 90 percent of her college expenses.  SS

Contact Popp at rochelle596@cs.com