Bunker Hill Community College Students Recognized at First Literacy Scholarship Ceremony

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

On August 27, the City of Boston held the 36th Annual First Literacy Scholarship Ceremony at Boston City Hall, honoring 29 adult learners from across Massachusetts for their academic achievements and perseverance.

Among the honorees was Ciro Valiente, a First Literacy Scholar alum who started his college journey at Bunker Hill Community College. Valiente, who came to the U.S. as a political asylum seeker from Venezuela, credited First Literacy’s support with helping him earn a degree in journalism at BHCC. He later became Manager of Marketing and Communications at Latinos for Education and is a two-time New England Emmy Award winner—the first Latino to receive the award for Outstanding Live News Producer.

Valiente’s success story was showcased during the ceremony as an example of how literacy and higher education can transform lives. His journey demonstrates the strength, resilience, and determination of adult learners at BHCC and beyond.

Five current BHCC students received scholarships:

• Ana Maria Garcia
• Anny Sanchez
• Christele St. Jules
• Damitu Tura
• Jorge Enrique Nunez

In addition, four new scholars are starting at BHCC this fall:

• Karen Fernandez
• Natalia Diaz
• Pa Modou Touray
• Ysabel Ledesma Portilla

The annual scholarships, awarded since 1990, help adults entering college or training programs, including many who started their studies at community colleges like Bunker Hill.