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Award Winner Returns to Alma Mater

By Kevin Martin

Students were stunned when actor Daniel Rivero, famous for his award-winning role in Horizon's Edge, visited Ashburn College on Monday.

Rivero, a recent graduate of the Theater Arts program, returned to lead an impromptu drama workshop. Students crowded the theater hall, snapping selfies with the star and asking about his journey from Ashburn to Hollywood.

"I skipped lunch just to hear him," said sophomore Lily Chen. Rivero shared stories from his early auditions, including moments of rejection that taught him resilience.

"Embrace failure—it's the doorway to invention," he told students. He also praised Ashburn's faculty for fostering his love of storytelling. "It feels like I never left," he added.

The visit sparked excitement across campus, with social media flooded by photos from the workshop. For many students, it was a reminder that big dreams can start in small classrooms.