Kim Seh

Principal

Kim chose AWC due to its convenience and quality of education.  She was able to complete all her degrees and certifications in the town where she grew up.  She enjoyed all her professors and the support given.

As an educator in the community, Kim felt AWC prepared her for NAU by offering rigorous educational courses.  Her counselors were supportive and helped her map out an educational course plan that was smooth and successful.  She has served Yuma County education in various capacities: 6 years as a teacher, 4 years as an instructional coach, 5 years as district curriculum director, and 10 years and counting as principal.

The biggest lesson learned at AWC was perseverance and taking responsibility for her own education.  Woven into this lesson was the ability to build relationships with the faculty and learning organizational skills that have supported her career to this day.

AWC is a great place to begin and achieve your educational goals!  The faculty and course offerings are supportive to any stage of life you may be in: working parent, high school graduate, or mature student coming back to earn a degree- all are welcomed and can find success at AWC.  The Yuma area is always in need of educators that are passionate for the children in our community and AWC can set you on the right track towards success as an educator.

Bengie Molina

2017 Hall of Fame Recipient

Before Bengie Molina was an Angel, a Blue Jay, a Giant, or a Ranger – he was a Matador. After graduating from high school with honors in Puerto Rico, Molina played shortstop and pitched for Arizona Western College in 1991 and 1992. From there Molina went on to become a catcher in the Major Leagues where he won two World Series rings (Anaheim Angels in 2002, San Francisco Giants in 2010). He was also awarded a Golden Glove as the top defensive player at his position in both 2002 and 2003. Molina’s baseball career includes a rare feat of hitting for the cycle in one game. On July 16, 2010, Molina hit (in order) a single, a double, a grand slam home run, and a triple. He is the first catcher in Major League history to hit for the cycle with a grand slam. After retiring from the majors, Molina went on to coach with the St. Louis Cardinals and the Texas Rangers, and made a third trip to the World Series with St. Louis. Molina is also a published author, having written the New York Times bestselling book “Molina: The Story of the Father Who Raised an Unlikely Dynasty.”

Aurora A. Frost

High School Guidance Counselor

Aurora has been devoted to the education field for twenty-one years. Within the twenty-one years, she has taught elementary school and is currently a high school guidance counselor. Aurora is also a program coordinator for the ASU/Yuma County Early Literacy Project which gives her the opportunity to educate adults. 

Lynne Pancrazi

Yuma County Board of Supervisors District 5

Lynne Pancrazi has helped to change the face of education in Yuma and Arizona for the better. She did this through her work as an elected member of the Arizona House of Representatives (2007–2013) and the Arizona Senate (2013–2017), where she influenced legislation and policy at the state level and beyond on issues related to education, natural resources, public safety, and budget. She’s also known for her dedication to a safe and secure border, managed growth, adequate infrastructure and rural community issues. A product of Yuma public schools, Pancrazi spent 28 years as a teacher, instructor and athletic coach in Yuma Elementary School District One. She studied Criminal Justice at Arizona Western College and received her bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from Point Loma Nazarene College. Pancrazi also received her master’s degree in Elementary Education from Northern Arizona University. She currently serves District 5 on the Yuma County Board of Supervisors after being elected to the position in 2016.

C. Candy Camarena

Attorney

C. Candy Camarena’s determination and consistent efforts to achieve success have firmly established his solid reputation as an attorney and community benefactor.   Camarena has been instrumental in the development and sponsorship of the La Cosecha Banquet at Arizona Western College.  At the La Cosecha Banquet, graduates from all walks of life are recognized for their perseverance in attaining an Associate’s degree, many times in the face of obstacles.  Students are encouraged to transfer to a university to continue their studies toward bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees and to return to this community as professionals.  Over the years, Camarena has planted the seed to raise funds for over 250 scholarships and has made it possible for over 1700 graduates and their families to be recognized at the La Cosecha Harvest Dinner event.  Camarena’s other philanthropic efforts include Gethsemani Food Ministries, Crossroads Rescue Mission, Amberly’s Place, and Young Life.  Because of his own journey, overcoming obstacles to achieve his dream, Camarena resembles many AWC graduates.  He recently celebrated his 25th year of practicing both civil and criminal law in Yuma courtrooms.  Camarena says, “I learned early to work hard to sustain myself, but also to accept help when I needed it, and to help whenever someone else needed it.”