Determined. Resilient. Innovative. Fearless. Inspirational. Meet five extraordinary MiraCosta College students whose academic excellence, leadership, and perseverance have earned them the prestigious Medal of Academic Merit, our highest academic honor. Their powerful journeys exemplify how MiraCosta transforms lives and strengthens communities, one student at a time.

Nominated by faculty, each recipient receives a $1,750 scholarship, a medal to be worn at commencement, acknowledgment in MiraCosta’s commencement program, and a notation on their official transcript. The award is sponsored by the MiraCosta College Foundation thanks to the generosity of donors like the William Foran Medal of Honor Endowment, Carlsbad Rotary Foundation, Rotary Club of El Camino Real "Oceanside,” and the Richard G. Lambert, M.D. Foundation for Education.

To be eligible, students must earn a minimum 3.75 GPA in degree-applicable courses and demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual rigor. The award also reflects the student’s breadth of study and engagement on campus and beyond.

“These students are a powerful testament to how MiraCosta College transforms lives and communities,” said superintendent/president Sunita “Sunny” Cooke, Ph.D. “Through their perseverance, scholarship, and leadership, they have made outstanding contributions to the college—and they inspire us all. I have no doubt they will continue to lead and uplift others in the next chapter of their journeys.”

Meet the Students:

Brandon Quandt is completing his studies at MiraCosta College while also graduating from Pacific Coast Academy, his high school. He has been an active student leader, president of the Associated Student Government, Phi Theta Kappa honor society, the Data Science Club, and the Computer Science for the Common Good Club. Brandon will transfer to either UCLA or UC Berkeley to continue his education in computer science.

Charlotte Crewse chose MiraCosta College for her higher education after her family relocated to Tennessee just before her senior year of high school. Although she faced academic challenges in high school, she found her footing and excelled at MiraCosta. A project in her honors English class—an analysis of political satire in the television series VEEP—was selected for presentation at two research conferences. She also served as Director of Legislative Affairs in the Associated Student Government. Charlotte will transfer to UC Berkeley, where she plans to pursue a career in civil rights and liberties law.

Juan Tapia Lopez decided to enroll at MiraCosta College while working long hours as a cook. Despite initial uncertainty, he found a supportive environment encouraging his academic growth. Juan is majoring in computer science and is especially interested in artificial intelligence. He is currently choosing between UC Irvine and UC San Diego for transfer.

Myshell Thomas overcame housing insecurity and substance use challenges before beginning her journey at MiraCosta College. Originally from Lincoln, Nebraska, she moved to San Diego at age 35 to affirm her gender identity. Since enrolling, she has flourished academically and will be the student speaker at this year’s commencement ceremony. Myshell will transfer to Arizona State University, where she plans to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work.

Quynh Dang enrolled at MiraCosta College as an affordable way to pursue a degree in accounting. Originally from Vietnam, she moved to the United States in 2019 and initially struggled with English fluency. Through support from MiraCosta’s writing and tutoring centers, she overcame these challenges and thrived academically. Quynh will transfer to San Diego State University to complete her bachelor’s degree in accounting.

These five honorees embody MiraCosta College’s commitment to educational excellence and student success. Their stories reflect the power of community colleges to change lives and strengthen communities—one student at a time.

For more information about the Medal of Academic Merit or other student achievement programs, visit miracosta.edu.