Stay Golden: Season 2 Episode 4: Golden Bears to Golden Eagles

In Season 2, Episode 4 of the Stay Golden Podcast, “Golden Bears to Golden Eagles,” Lemoore College President James Preston highlights the powerful connection between Sierra Pacific High School and Lemoore College. He’s joined by three former Sierra Pacific Golden Bears who are now proud Golden Eagles: Lemoore College alumnus and engineering graduate Jonathan Maravilla, second-year student and men’s soccer player Nathan Zarate, and first-year student Joel Avalos.

Jonathan Maravilla reflects on his journey from Sierra Pacific to Lemoore College and into the engineering program, sharing how scholarship opportunities and strong faculty support helped him stay local while pursuing a challenging major. He talks about how Lemoore College made it easy to transfer to Fresno State, preparing him academically and personally for the next step in his education.

Second-year student and men’s soccer player Nathan Zarate offers the perspective of being in the middle of the college journey as a student–athlete with big goals. He discusses balancing soccer with his coursework, how coaches and faculty help him stay on track, and why he’s pursuing a future in nursing so he can make a difference in the healthcare field.

First-year student Joel Avalos brings the fresh viewpoint of someone who has just made the transition from Sierra Pacific to Lemoore College. He shares how attending a STEM bootcamp on campus and getting connected with Lemoore College’s MESA program helped him fall in love with the college, why he chose to become a Golden Eagle, and how he’s beginning to build routines, relationships, and a vision for his future.

Together, Jonathan, Nathan, and Joel emphasize how Lemoore College meets students where they are—offering personal, one-on-one support from faculty, counselors, coaches, and staff who genuinely want them to succeed. They describe a campus culture where people know your name, check in on your progress, and walk alongside you as you navigate classes, transfer plans, athletics, and future careers.

Throughout the conversation, President Preston underscores how Lemoore College provides clear, supportive, and affordable pathways for local students—helping them move from high school to college with confidence while remaining rooted in their community.

This encouraging episode is a must-listen for Sierra Pacific students and families, local high school partners, and anyone curious about how Lemoore College helps Golden Bears become Golden Eagles—and turn hometown opportunity into long-term success.