Front Range grad gets an early start on success

Longmont sisters killed in Dec. recognized during commencement

LONGMONT -- Mallory Martin will be anxiously awaiting the arrival of her hard-earned diplomas for the next few weeks, but she's not sure which one will come first, high school or college. 

This month, Martin, 18, graduated from high school and received her associate of science degree from Front Range Community College through a concurrent enrollment program that allowed her to take college classes while being home-schooled during her junior and senior years. 

"I was a high school junior and a college freshman at the same time," Martin said. " I have a plan, and taking college classes as a high school student will help me achieve my goals a little faster." 

Mallory Martin receives her degree from Front Range Community College President Andrew Dorsey on Wednesday at Vance Brand Civic Auditorium.  For more photos, visit www.TimesCall.com. 
(
Greg Lindstrom
)

Martin was among the nearly 100 students from Front Range Community College's Boulder County Campus who were recognized Wednesday night during a commencement ceremony for students graduating in the 2012-2013 school year. 

Among those honored at the commencement were Beatriz "Betty" Cintora-Silva and her sister, Maria Cintora-Silva, who were killed Dec. 18 by Betty's ex-boyfriend, Daniel Sanchez, who committed suicide following the murders. 

An associate of arts degree was awarded Maria, who was expected to graduate this spring, and a certificate of good academic standing was awarded to Betty, who was also a student at the campus. 

The sisters' aunt accepted the certificates in front of a standing ovation. 

According to the program, about 700 students will receive degrees from the campus this spring, but an exact number will not be available until final grades are posted, spokesman John Feeley said. 

The jazz quartet Basin Street Blues, including two staff members from the Boulder County campus, welcomed hundreds of friends and family members to a packed Skyline High School auditorium for the ceremony, including Martin's family, who she said played a significant role in her early success. 

The youngest speaker of the evening, Martin talked to her peers about hard work and helping others. 

"It takes at least a little bit of blood, sweat and tears to reach success," Martin said in her speech. 

In the fall, Martin will begin classes at the University of Colorado's Boulder campus as a junior, the next step on her way to medical school. 

"I've never looked at college as a time to fool around," Martin said. " I want to get my degree and move on to my career and being successful.  That's what really matters." 

Eventually, Martin said she hopes to work as a doctor in a developing country where she can focus on helping others.