"We chose HCC because of the great community of support."

— Shahrzad and Shawn Zamani, HCC graduates

Born in Iran, Shahrzad and Shawn Zamani moved with their family to the U.S. in 2012. Soon this dynamic brother-sister duo enrolled at HCC, where they became active, successful students who each made their marks in unique ways.

A member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and the American Medical Student Association, Shahrzad earned the great honor of serving as the 2016 Commencement speaker. While at HCC, Shahrzad worked as a math and science tutor, a student ambassador, and in the HCC STEM program. Now she pursues a biology degree at USF. Her personal mission is to make it easier for all students to have a chance in higher education, regardless of their disabilities and socio-economic status.

One of 20 students nationwide named to USA TODAY’s 26th annual All-USA Community College Academic Team, Shawn exemplifies outstanding intellectual achievement, leadership and community service. A graduate of the HCC Honors Institute, Shawn served as president of HCC's Phi Beta Lambda Chapter and a Dale Mabry Campus student ambassador. Each member of the All-USA Team, administered by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society in cooperation with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), receives a $5,000 scholarship.

These two HCC alumni are certainly going places.