MOSES LAKE — Students from Othello, Royal City, Warden and Moses Lake celebrated the completion of a six-week summer program last week.

A parade through Big Bend Community College Friday commemorated the end of its annual TRiO Upward Bound summer academy.

Friday’s celebration was unique in that due to restrictions put in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic it was the first time most of the participants were able to see their mentors and instructors in person. Students and their families drove through campus to different checkpoints, where they were able to wave to their mentors and instructors.

Students were able to pick up their certificates and awards, and take a photo with their personal mentor.

This year’s TRiO summer academy was the first to be held virtually in the 53-year history of the program. Summer academy participants usually stay in the Big Bend dorms, take classes, socialize and eat meals on campus.

“We really had no idea how we could possibly convert a residential experience into a digital one,” said Big Bend TRiO Upward Bound Director Anita De Leon in a press release. “It was a complete team effort to make this happen. Aside from the four full-time TRiO staff, we had nine outreach mentors and five TRiO teachers who provided instruction, tutoring, and support to the students.”

Many of the classes offered in the TRiO program are worth a semester of high school credit. This year students were able to take English, college prep English, algebra II, pre-calculus, advanced college and career planning, Spanish for native speakers, SAT prep, and personal finance.

Virtual group activities and a six-week career planning and job shadow activity were also a part of the program.

Of the 46 participants, 18 finished the program with a 4.0 GPA.

“All in all, students formed bonds and created lasting memories, even through these unprecedented times,” stated De Leon.