LCCC Students Win Top State Awards

April is Community College Month

by Kim Carrasquillo

Two Lorain County Community College students have been named in the top 10 community college students in Ohio.

Marissa Brigger, 21 from Brunswick, and Isabella Morales, 25 from Amherst, were both named to the 2024 All-Ohio First Academic Team and will each receive a $500 scholarship. The All-Ohio team recognizes high-achieving community college students with rankings of first team, second team and third team.

“I am thrilled to see Marissa and Isabella named to the All-Ohio First Academic Team,” said LCCC President Marcia J. Ballinger, Ph.D. “They are both remarkable and have each made a positive impact at LCCC and in their communities.”

Brigger is on a path to becoming a neurosurgeon, and she chose LCCC as the place to launch her education. In May, she’ll earn both an associate of science and an associate of arts degree. She plans to transfer to continue her studies of neuroscience, and then continue to medical school with a specialization in pediatrics. She previously earned an associate of business degree.

In addition to her courses, Brigger participates in research on the vagus nerve at Case Western Reserve University. She also serves as a teaching assistant for anatomy and physiology at LCCC.

Brigger was an LCCC student-athlete and is active in volunteer work in her community.

“I am beyond grateful to have been selected for this scholarship and for the opportunity to represent LCCC in this way,” Brigger said. “I owe so much of my success thus far to my incredible professors who have worked with me and helped me to realize my own potential.”

At LCCC, Morales is building the foundation for a law enforcement career. In 2022, she earned an associate of applied science in police science. This May, she will earn an associate of arts. This summer, she will begin classes in the Youngstown State University bachelor’s degree program in criminal justice through the LCCC University Partnership. It’s a pathway Morales is creating to build a bright future for her family, which includes her three-year-old daughter.

A college athlete, Morales was a member of the LCCC women’s soccer team and the LCCC cross country team. In cross country, she placed third in the women’s DIII division in the NJCAA Region 12 Championship and competed in the NJCAA National Championships. Additionally, she was named to the US Track and Cross Country Coaches Association All-Academic Team.

“I am incredibly fortunate and blessed to have been considered for this scholarship,” Morales said. “Thank you to my incredible mentors for their wisdom, encouragement, patience, and for continuously pushing me to attain my full potential. And thank you to my daughter, who inspires me to strive for excellence.”

Brigger and Morales will be recognized in a statewide virtual ceremony hosted by the Ohio Association of Community Colleges.