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Two MSJC Honors Students Selected for Prestigious National Partners in Peace Program in Oslo, Norway

6/17/2026

Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) students Danela Young and Marisa Salazar have been selected to participate in the highly competitive Partners in Peace (PiP) program, a national initiative of the National Collegiate Honors Council in collaboration with the Nobel Peace Center in Oslo, Norway.

The Partners in Peace initiative challenges honors students from across the United States to examine the work and strategies of Nobel Peace Prize laureates and to develop projects that promote peace, understanding, and conflict resolution in their own communities. Guided by the philosophy of “think globally, act locally,” participants engage in meaningful dialogue, leadership development, and community-based action throughout the program.

Young and Salazar were selected through a competitive application process that recognizes academic achievement, leadership potential, and a commitment to creating positive change.

“Being accepted into the Partners in Peace program means a great deal to me,” said Young. “My journey has taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of building bridges between people from different backgrounds. I am grateful for this opportunity to grow as a leader and contribute to creating positive change in my community.”

Salazar expressed her excitement about joining students from across the nation in the program.

“I am truly honored to have been selected for the Partners in Peace program and to represent Mt. San Jacinto College in this once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Salazar. “I am especially excited to learn from Dr. Henrik Syse and collaborate with students across the nation who share a similar commitment to creating positive change. Overall, I am eager to continue expanding my knowledge of the mechanisms by which peace is created and sustained through this collaboration and thoughtful dialogue. I hope to share what I learn throughout the upcoming semester with my college and community, especially through local advocacy that supports and uplifts marginalized communities. Meaningful change may begin with one person, but it ripples out further as each action inspires another, creating a cascade of positive change that can reach far beyond the individual.”

MSJC Superintendent/President Roger W. Schultz congratulated the students on their achievement and recognized the faculty mentors who helped prepare them for this opportunity.

“Danela and Marisa exemplify the curiosity, compassion, and leadership that define our Honors students at MSJC,” said Schultz. “Their selection to the Partners in Peace program is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to their commitment to making a positive impact in the world. We are incredibly proud of them and excited to see how they apply what they learn to strengthen our communities. I would also like to thank Christina Yamanaka-Vu and Erik Ozolins for their outstanding leadership of the Honors Enrichment Program. Their dedication to student success continues to create transformative opportunities that empower our students to thrive both academically and as engaged global citizens.”

The students were nominated and supported through MSJC’s Honors Enrichment Program, led by Christina Yamanaka-Vu and Erik Ozolins. The program provides academically motivated students with opportunities for advanced scholarship, leadership development, undergraduate research, and participation in national and international educational experiences.

The selection of two MSJC students for the Partners in Peace program reflects the college’s ongoing commitment to developing informed, engaged, and socially responsible leaders who are prepared to address the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world.