Highline Schools Superintendent John Welch has been named the 2009-10 recipient of the South Seattle Community College Upward Bound Program's Ida B. Wells Award.

The award recognizes an individual who has made major contributions to the success of students in the Upward Bound program.

Upward Bound serves low-income students and students whose parents did not go to college to help them prepare to be successful in college. Upward Bound operates in Health Sciences and Human Services High School (HS3) on the Evergreen campus and at Global Connections High School at the Tyee Educational Complex.

"Your commitment to the academic and personal success of students is an example for all educational professionals," said Sebastian Myrick, Upward Bound Director for South Seattle Community College. "As a first generation college student yourself, we feel you set an example for our students of how far dedication, hard work, and a belief in one's self can take a person."

Welch will receive the award at an awards ceremony in June at South Seattle Community College.