South Seattle Community College's 2007 President's Medal went to Sinath Touch, who graduated with an associate of arts degree (3.99 GPA), and Melcombe Forbes, who graduated with an associate of applied science in landscape management (3.80 GPA).

Both can give voice to the fact that anything is possible when you put your mind to it.

The criteria for selection for the President's Medal include a student's grade point average, rigor of course work, and obstacles that had to be overcome, or other extenuating circumstances. Evidence that the student has provided extra help and service to a college department, division, office, service unit, or the college community in general is also considered in awarding the honor.

Sinath Touch grew up in White Center's Park Lake Housing Project after her family came to the United States as refugees from Cambodia. She struggled in school, felt unchallenged and overlooked. She took on the difficult task of navigating a new culture for both herself and her parents.

One day, it all became too much and she stopped attending high school and never went back but with the help of a high school counselor and her mother, she got back on track and enrolled in South's Middle College program. She earned her high school diploma and enrolled at South in fall 2004.

Touch will pursue a major in film studies at Mt. Holyoke College in South Hadley, Mass., in the fall.

Whether it's a tree or a committee, or an event or a special project, it is clear that Melcombe Forbes loves to make things grow. Forbes co-founded the South Seattle Community College Horticultural Society and served as president last year. In this capacity, he helped plan an Arbor Day Celebration that featured well-known local author Arthur Lee Jacobson. He also served as a student representative on the Landscape Horticulture Technical Advisory Committee, which ensures programs meet current industry standards. As a member of the Arboretum Committee, he worked with Foundation Board Members, community members and college alumni. He participated in the first Arboretum strategic planning retreat in five years, and has been instrumental in making the annual Tour and Tea a success.

The presentation of the medals took place at South Seattle Community College's 37th Annual Commencement on June 14.