Gooch graduated with an Associate of General Studies degree during Glen Oaks graduation ceremony in early May. He plans to attend a private college to finish his four-year degree in electrical engineering and someday work in designing and constructing robots.
A home schooled student, Gooch entered the U.S. Marines upon receiving his high school diploma. While in the service, Gooch spent four years in administration and four years as a helicopter mechanic working on attack and utility helicopters.
Gooch served as the secretary to Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for two-year colleges. During his time at Glen Oaks he also served as a tutor in the college’s Tutoring and Testing Center. He is an avid reader and enjoys running in his spare time.
The $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a Glen Oaks student with an outstanding record in mathematics courses. Gooch was recommended for the scholarship by Glen Oaks mathematics instructors.
Under terms of the scholarship created through a donation by Mr. Bernard Swartz, a former professor of mathematics at Glen Oaks Community College, the student must be transferring to a four-year university after graduating from Glen Oaks. The scholarship is intended to assist a student with educational expenses at a four-year institution.