2021 All Washington Academic Team Program

2021

Virtual Ceremony April 15, 2021

2021

A Brief History Nearly 28 years ago, an All-USA Academic Team was introduced to recognize and honor two-year college students for their scholastic achievement and community and college service.

In 1994, state academic teams were introduced as a way to provide scholarships and scholastic recognition to Phi Theta Kappa members and promote excellence at two-year colleges. The state academic teams are an international program sponsored annually by Phi Theta Kappa, Follett Higher Education Group, and the American Association of Community Colleges.

In 1996, this program came to life in Washington State. A steering committee, comprised of the community and technical college presidents, Phi Theta Kappa representatives, public information officers from two-year colleges, and representatives from the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges put together the first recognition ceremony in the Governor’s Mansion. The ceremony honored 44 students representing 24 community and technical colleges.

In its 25th year, the All-Washington Academic Team recognizes students from the community and technical colleges in Washington State. The program has become the showcase for Washington’s community and technical colleges because it honors individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to success and achievement in academics and in the communities in which they live. This recognition demonstrates the state’s commitment to scholarship and community service on the part of those attending the state’s public community and technical colleges.

2021

Phi Theta Kappa Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges, symbolizes excellence in higher education and a commitment to students. Phi Theta Kappa has recognized and encouraged scholarship among two-year college students for more than 100 years by providing stimulation and enrichment while promoting the academic integrity of the associate degree program. For these reasons, the American Association of Community Colleges has designated Phi Theta Kappa as the official honor society for two-year colleges.

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2021

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2021

Bates Technical College

Bates Technical College

Bellevue College

Ian Karnas

Breanna Rohde

Debora Nevins

Age: 27 | GPA: 3.78 Field: Civil Engineering

Age: 25 | GPA: 3.63 Field: Advanced Manufacturing

Age: 37 | GPA: 3.9 Field: Associate in Science-Engineering

A South Bend native, Ian joined the Army as a watercraft engineer after high school. After nearly 10 years of service, he researched engineering schools to further his education. He discovered Bates’ Civil Engineering program, enrolled, and became active in the college Phi Theta Kappa chapter. Ian graduated in March and is now employed in the industry at Jacobs Engineering Group. His five-year plan is to obtain a master's degree in coastal engineering, and earn a doctorate.

As a young girl, Bree was fascinated with how things were built and her ultimate career goal is to become a mechanical engineer. Bree moved to Washington with her spouse and wanted a college degree that offered hands-on learning in manufacturing. After graduation, the working mother hopes to secure an automobile design and remanufacturing career.

Debora Nevins has a passion for women’s health. She has volunteered at the Pregnancy Resource Center and Providence Hospital, has worked for a pediatric critical home, and currently works as a CNA at the maternity center.

She will start Bellevue College’s twoyear Diagnostic Ultrasound - General Ultrasound program in September; she has been preparing since 2013. Debora is a first-generation immigrant from Brazil, married, and the mother of two.

Bellevue College

Bellingham Technical College

Bellingham Technical College

Dave Young

Yuliya Derkach

Amy Redfern

Age: 14 | GPA: 4.0 Field: Science

Age: 25 | GPA: 3.74 Field: Dental Hygiene

Age: 30 | GPA: 3.99 Field: Administrative Assistant and Computer Software Support

Dave Young will graduate in June and plans to transfer to UW Seattle in the fall to pursue a Bachelor's degree in biology and double major in neuroscience or psychology. His career goal is to become a doctor. Dave is the president of the Bellevue College PTK Alpha Epsilon Rho chapter. Dave volunteers at Tacoma Rescue Mission, tutors students, and volunteers at a free clinic. Dave is a firstgeneration child of immigrants and has seven siblings.

Yuliya Derkach has worked as a certified dental assistant for over five years. She is enrolled in the Dental Hygiene program at Bellingham Technical College and will graduate in the spring of 2022. She returned to school to pursue her childhood dream of becoming a Registered Dental Hygienist. Her motivation comes from her life experiences as a Ukrainian-American woman. She wishes to continue her professional development and provide a better future for her family.

Amy Redfern is the Director of Administrative Affairs for the Associated Students at Bellingham Technical College and a Lead Peer Coach for TRIO. After graduation Amy aspires to work for the college in a support role that enriches the lives of others. Amy has achieved a 3.99 GPA, is fully MOS certified, and will be graduating in June 2021 with two degrees: Administrative Assistant and Computer Software Support.

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2021

Big Bend Community College

Big Bend Community College

Cascadia College

Shalon N. Gough

Anna Lutsyk

Rola Eltantawy

Age: 31 | GPA: 3.71 Field: Nursing

Age: 19 | GPA: 4.0 Field: Chemistry/Biology

Age: 18 | GPA: 3.94 Field: Mechanical Engineering

At 30 years old, Shalon enrolled at Big Bend Community College, just a few months after suffering a personal tragedy: the loss of her youngest son, Joshua, to a terminal form of Epilepsy. Shalon has the utmost praise for the nurses at Seattle Children’s Hospital and the hospice nurses who cared for her son. Her goal is “to be able to change someone’s life like mine was changed by those around me.”

Anna Lutsyk is excited to complete her associate degree in chemistry this spring at BBCC. In the fall, she will transfer to Whitworth University in Spokane to earn a bachelor’s degree in chemistry/biology.

She has a great love for science, which has been her motivation to discover new ideas as a student. She hopes to contribute to society as a medical doctor, which has been a life-long dream of hers.

Rola Eltantawy is from Egypt but comes from The United Arab Emirates (UAE). She is currently pursuing the pre-engineering associate degree and plans to transfer to a university after she is done with Cascadia College to seek a Mechanical Engineering Degree. She feels that it is an honor to be nominated for this team and she hopes to represent Cascadia in the best way.

Cascadia College

Centralia College

Centralia College

Maria Teresa Solórzano Rodriguez

Jay Caird

Benjamin Corwin

Age: 18 | GPA: 3.89 Field: Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Age: 19 | GPA: 3.85 Field: Criminal Forensics

Jay Caird is a Running Start student at Centralia College. He serves as a Student Ambassador and is the president of Centralia College’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter and his high school’s chapter of Future Farmers of America. In 2019, he started a math tutoring program at his former middle school, and continues to work to help others. His goal is to transfer to Whitworth University fall 2021 and pursue his goal of becoming a doctor.

Benjamin Corwin has dedicated much of his life to service. He is an Eagle Scout and helps his local Boy Scouts chapter.

He volunteers with the local Search and Rescue. He is the vice-president of Phi Theta Kappa and a member of the Students for Life Club at Centralia College. He plans to study criminal forensics at the University of Washington starting in the fall of 2021 with a goal of working in the state crime lab.

Age: 19 | GPA: 3.81 Field: Associate in Integrated Studies

María Teresa Solórzano Rodriguez, or Teresa, was born in Seattle as a first generation Mexican-American but was raised in Morelia, Michoacán. As her Cascadia College journey comes to an end, she is hoping to transfer into USC, to pursue a double major in Cinematic Arts and International Relations. She works towards helping pave futures for women of color, and her cultural identity has led her to this passion.

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2021

Clark College

Clark College

Clover Park Technical College

Erin Lysne

Natalie Worthy

Fawzy Hegazy Youssef

Age: 28 | GPA: 3.82 Field: Geology

Age: 18 | GPA: 3.91 Field: Performing Arts or Communication

Age: 40 | GPA: 3.72 Field: Aviation Engineering Technology

Erin Lysne has always loved the outdoors, which led her to pursue a career in geology. Despite attitudes that geology is a “man’s field,” Erin has excelled in her studies, becoming a geology tutor and starting Clark College’s first Geosciences Club. She volunteers with environmental organizations including Friends of Trees, the Vancouver Water Education Resource Center, and the Cascade Volcano Observatory. She plans to continue her education to earn a doctorate in volcanology.

Natalie Worthy began volunteering at age eight and hasn’t stopped. She recently earned a silver Congressional Award for her community service and was also named Miss Battle Ground's Outstanding Teen in the 2020 Miss Clark County pageant. She balances volunteering with being a Running Start student, working part-time, and performing in musical theater. She plans to continue at a university and achieve her lifelong dream of being a professional performer.

Youssef emigrated to the U.S. from Egypt in 2015. The challenge of improving his English, working a full-time job at night, and taking classes full-time has not held him back. Youssef has earned a spot on the President’s List five times. His plans after graduation include working with commercial air brands in the Puget Sound area, being the best technician he can, and traveling the world.

Clover Park Technical College

Columbia Basin College

Columbia Basin College

Brandon Lee

Julie Maria

Hannah Wolfe

Age: 20 | GPA: 4.0 Field: Aviation Maintenance

Age: 19 | GPA: 3.8 Field: Nursing

Age: 25 | GPA: 3.78 Field: Multi-Occupational Trades

Spanaway native Brandon Lee worked a part-time job after high school for six months before realizing that he wanted a career in aviation. College inspiration came from a relative who went through the same program then got a job inspecting planes after completing the program. After graduating, Lee hopes to land a job working on helicopters.

Julie is a first generation college student pursuing a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing. Her family moved to the United States after living in a refugee camp in Thailand. Julie is motivated by the idea of serving hospital patients who are unable to understand or speak English, connecting them to better care through language translation. She also serves as a teacher assistant for early childhood education at Tri-Tech Skills Center.

Hannah is a first generation college student pursuing an associate degree in multi-occupational trades. She learned of the opportunity to advance her academic career through an apprenticeship program, training to become a millwright with Local 96, with experience at Grand Coulee Dam. Hannah’s experiences at CBC have helped strengthen her resolve to continue in her chosen career and to pursue, in time, a supervisory role.

Hannah lives with her wife in Mattawa.

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2021

Edmonds College

Edmonds College

Everett Community College

Kelsey Dunlap

Brian Matson

Joshua Hancock

Age: 25 | GPA: 3.89 Field: Nursing

Age: 29 | GPA: 3.98 Field: Landscape Design Specialization, Associate of Technical Arts Degree

Age: 42 | GPA: 4.0 Field: Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services

Kelsey entered the field of health care at 17 years old, as an apprentice doula. She has since attended over 80 births, volunteered in the emergency department at Swedish Edmonds, and served as a medical coordinator for Jewish Voice Ministries International in Zimbabwe. She earned her associate degree in pre-nursing from Edmonds College and plans to get her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing.

Brian has loved the forests of the Pacific Northwest since he was a child, and he has always wanted to make a career out of that passion. He has a bachelor’s degree in ecology from the Evergreen State College and is currently working towards his associate degree in landscape design at Edmonds College.

He plans to start a landscape design company that utilizes native plants and produces environmental change on a local level.

Joshua and his wife attend college full time while running a small business and raising an 8-year-old daughter. As Phi Theta Kappa Fellowship Officer, chapter President, and Regional Officer, Joshua created a Discord server to connect PTK members. He plans to earn a master’s degree and establish an organization to compile and compare public officials’ and organizations’ statements with their actions and make the information available to the public.

Everett Community College

Green River College

Green River College

Elizabeth Tucker

Ashley DiLoreto

David Nyambura

Age: 35 | GPA: 3.8 Field: Nursing

Age: 19 | GPA: 3.96 Field: Nursing

Age: 32 | GPA: 4.0 Field: Aviation

By age 17, Elizabeth was the guardian for her younger sister and brother. While completing her own education, she serves as a Boy Scout den mother, PTA volunteer, and an Everett Community College peer navigator for firstgeneration students. Her life’s purpose is to help others heal. She plans to earn her bachelor’s degree then become an intravenous therapy nurse. Elizabeth advocates for providing more nurses with training in the communities they serve to better understand patient needs.

Ashley DiLoreto is a Renton nursing student who was born in Guangzhou, China. Ashley was taken into an orphanage at an early age and then adopted into a loving family. Ashley wants to pursue a career in nursing in order to help serve others. After graduating from Green River, she plans to transfer to the University of Washington, taking the next steps toward becoming a nurse practitioner.

David Nyambura is a 32-year-old Aviation student who was born in Kenya. David moved to the US after finishing high school. Shortly after his enlistment started, David was injured and honorably discharged from the military. David already holds a private pilot certification and is working toward his associates in Aviation Technology. After graduating, David hopes to serve in the US Peace Corps before becoming an airline pilot.

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2021

Highline College

Highline College

Lake Washington Institute of Technology

Purity

Heidi Major

James Carlisle

Age: 34 | GPA: 3.98 Field: Network Security Engineer

Age: 42 | GPA: 4.0 Field: Business, Management, Marketing and Administration and Related Support Services

Age: 22 | GPA: 4.0 Field: Design

When Purity, 34, emigrated from Africa a few years ago, she had hopes and dreams that her life would be changed forever. But Purity, a sibling of seven to a single mother, found herself living in a shelter with her child after surviving domestic violence a short time after.

After receiving transitional housing and enrolling in college, Purity’s strong work ethic and drive is evident in her high achievement at Highline College.

After advancement limitations in her 21year career at a major airlines company, Heidi Major knew the only way to keep growing was to get her college degree.

Heidi not only went back to school, but she persisted in her education during a time when her husband lost his job during the COVID-19 pandemic. Heidi’s robust volunteerism and commitment to her learning is indicative of her success at Highline College.

Growing up in South Africa, James Carlisle never dreamed that he would be able to study in the U.S. After working in England at a primary school, he got a job working in the film industry, and realized the role design played. After looking for programs that could help him develop his skills, he found courses at LWTech, and shifted his focus to design. His goal is to work in the film industry.

Lake Washington Institute of Technology

Lower Columbia College

Olympic College

Diandra Dunham

Dawson Wheeler

Jeff Grant

Age: 24 | GPA: 3.98 Field: Business

Age: 21 | GPA: 3.9 Field: Criminal Justice

Age: - | GPA: 3.93 Field: Human Services

As a first-generation college student, Diandra Dunham has been motivated to be the first in her family to graduate from college. Focused on getting her degree, Diandra is involved in leadership of the college’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter and served as president. She has a great interest in digital accessibility, and currently is a member of the college’s Digital Accessibility Committee. Her goal is to pursue a career in IT Management.

Dawson Wheeler is an active member of Phi Theta Kappa and has volunteered in her community for many years. After earning her associate in criminal justice in June, she intends to transfer to Seattle University in the fall to pursue a Bachelor’s of Science degree in criminal justice with a specialization in forensic science. Her career goal is to become a forensic scientist and assist in solving crimes.

Jeff Grant has worked full time at a Substance Use Disorder treatment facility.

His own struggles with a substance use disorder fueled his desire to work in the treatment field and aid others on their journey to recovery. A strong work ethic and compassion for others enable him to succeed in school and his career.

Jeff will continue his studies at Western Washington University beginning in the fall of 2021.

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2021

Olympic College

Peninsula College

Peninsula College

Emma Wallace

Vanessa Affandy

MeL Gyth

Age: - | GPA: 3.73 Field: Social Work

Age: 19 | GPA: 3.96 Field: Associate of Science

Age: 34 | GPA: 3.75 Field: Multi Media Communications- Web

After she graduates from Olympic College, Emma Wallace plans to keep following her passion for helping children by pursuing a degree in social work at Grand Canyon University. She’s excited to learn more about the field and start her career journey while also meeting new people. Emma hopes to use her energy and joy to affect people in a positive way.

Vanessa Affandy is a 19-year-old student from Indonesia with a 3.96 GPA. She is pursuing an Associate of Science at Peninsula College. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and is the President of the STEM club. She has a passion to learn, share her knowledge and become a blessing for everyone around her. One of her career goals is to work for NASA as an electrical engineer.

MeL is a Queer, non-binary, trans, neurodivergent, disabled, nerdy, geeky, creative, silly, and curious person. They’re a media student attending Peninsula College while also building a business.

MeL’s skills have grown in graphic design, web and interactive design, 3D design, immersive engagement, marketing, and networking. They enjoy social media, shows, cats, clovers, photography, music, and learning new skills. There's always a variety of projects MeL’s dabbling in.

Pierce College Fort Steilacoom

Pierce College Fort Steilacoom

Pierce College Puyallup

Constanza Macarena Valencia Lopez

Justin Tran

Terrance Williams

Age: 25 | GPA: 3.84 Field: Engineering

Age: 32 | GPA: 3.93 Field: Physical Sciences

Justin Tran has overcome a great deal of adversity to earn his welldeserved position on Pierce College’s All-Washington Academic Team. He has worked incredibly hard to earn his 3.84 grade point average, in spite of experiencing adversities with basic necessities throughout his educational journey. With strong determination and resolve, Justin is well on his way to earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering as he pursues his dream career as a software engineer.

As a military veteran, Terrance Williams has long served his community with dedication and strong leadership. He continues to give back to the community today through coaching youth sports.

His goal is to lead by example, providing his young athletes with a positive example of what it takes to be a good leader. Terrance is pursuing a career in physical therapy and plans to continue his education to eventually earn his doctorate.

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Age: 22 | GPA: 3.78 Field: Veterinary Medicine

As an international student from Chile, Constanza Macarena Valencia Lopez came to the United States to pursue a better future for herself. Inspired by her love of animals, Constanza is working hard toward achieving her dream of earning her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, with the ultimate goal of specializing in wildlife and exotic animal management. She plans to continue her educational journey at Washington State University.

2021

Pierce College Puyallup

Seattle Central College

Seattle Central College

Slava Peshkilev

Ilhan Ibrahim

Raina Caron Scherer

Age: 18 | GPA: 3.5 Field: Graphic Design

Age: 18 | GPA: 3.5 Field: Diagnostics Ultrasound

Age: 26 | GPA: 4.0 Field: Informatics

After growing up in Russia, Slava Peshkilev taught himself English by watching YouTube videos at the age of 16 with the goal of studying at an American college. Only one year later, Slava finds himself working toward his associate degree in digital design at Pierce College.

Although it is not easy to study alone in a foreign country, Slava is looking forward to completing his degree before entering the work force to pursue his dream career.

Ilhan Ibrahim is a first-generation student and Seattle native pursuing her associate of science transfer degree at Seattle Central College. She is a Running Start student and plans to transfer to Seattle University. Ilhan plans to open a clinic using ultrasound technology to support cardiovascular, reproductive, and general health in low-income communities. She enjoys paddle boating and volunteering at her local Mosque with a group of women who come together to heal from traumatic experiences.

Raina Scherer, born in Saskatoon, Canada, is a first-generation college student. She was raised by a single mother and moved to Seattle to pursue a college degree.

Raina plans to transfer to the University of Washington or the University of TexasAustin to pursue a degree in informatics.

She enjoys hiking, playing independentvideo games, and reviewing games on her blog. Raina hopes to work in urban planning and wants to improve public transportation options for low-income communities.

Shoreline Community College

Shoreline Community College

Skagit Valley College

Y Tran Nhu Nguyen

Mashaal Shameem

Sydney Sharp

Age: 17 | GPA: 4.0 Field: Computer Science

Age: 19 | GPA: 3.9 Field: Business

Age: 23 | GPA: 3.83 Field: Bioengineering

Eudemonia is a beautiful term: the state of happiness. Tran’s eudemonia comes from the passion for computer programming. It is the motivation to continue their education. At age 16, Tran left Vietnam to attend college in the US. Tran is nurturing the dream harbored by personal experiences and eudemonia: the pursuit of a career in tech to foster technological advancement, to implement technologies to support global education as a software engineer and a professor.

At 17, Mashaal left Pakistan to attend college in the U.S. Family support and the community found within Shoreline renewed a passion for knowledge and community service. Mashaal’s dedication shines through in her work as an Honors Student Council President and Resident Assistant by promoting positive inclusivity within her peers. Mashaal’s career goal is to become a lawyer and serve marginalized communities by advocating for equity and social justice.

Sydney is an active member of PTK, serving as the Theta Upsilon Chapter President and the Greater Northwest Region President. She is also one of two Legislative Interns for the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges for the 2021 Legislative Session. In addition, Sydney works as a STEM tutor for Skagit Valley College. In her free time, she likes to cook, bake, go bird watching, and listen to music.

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Mt. Vernon

2021

Skagit Valley College Whidbey Island

South Puget Sound Community College

South Puget Sound Community College

Sarah Head

Zeyad Abdelrehim

Desirée Chantal Toliver

Age: 18 | GPA: 3.92 Field: Biology

Age: 21 | GPA: 4.0 Field: Engineering

Age: 29 | GPA: 3.6 Field: Nursing

Sarah Head is enrolled at Skagit Valley College as a Running Start student.

Sarah loves to go hiking and explore the outdoors with her family and dog.

She also enjoys staying inside to read a good book or working on one of her crafts or hobbies. Sarah enjoys working and hanging out with animals, and that has inspired her to pursue a Bachelor’s in Science in Biology.

Zeyad was born and raised in Port Said, Egypt and came to the U.S. with a dream to study in college and enjoy the freedoms that only America could offer him. It has been his dream since he was young to work for NASA or a company like SpaceX. His long term goals are to become an expert in his field of study, find a job he loves, and contribute to the scientific advancement of mankind.

After Desirée experienced incredible compassion from a nurse during a hospital stay she knew that nursing was a field she wanted to enter. Motivated to become a better version of herself to set an example for her daughter, Desirée’s career goal is to become either a psychiatric nurse or a midwife to advocate for Black women’s health and help dismantle inequities that BIPOC patients experience.

South Seattle College

South Seattle College

Spokane Community College

Cam Bernal Brand

Thomas Williams

Theresa Moore-Wheeler

Age: 26 | GPA: 39 Field: Biology and Forensic Sciences

Age: 31 | GPA: 3.9 Field: Automotive Technology

Age: 55 | GPA: 3.91 Field: Natural Resource Management

Cam Bernal Brand has always had a strong affinity for science and hopes to begin a career in STEM research. After years of working multiple jobs to fund her education, Cam enrolled at SSC in 2017. As PTK Honor Society President, Cam helped plan many student-focused events. Cam will transfer to the University of Washington in 2021 to pursue a degree in biology and forensic sciences and go on to obtain her doctorate.

Thomas Williams has excelled in his studies despite facing homelessness during the pandemic. He is engaged as the student government Diversity and Inclusion Officer, member of the Black Student Union, and South Men of Color group. In 2021 he will earn his degree in Automotive Technology. After graduation, he plans to work at a repair shop while saving to open his own business and provide job opportunities to disadvantaged community members.

Theresa Moore-Wheeler of Spokane describes herself as a lifelong learner.

She hopes to obtain a bachelor’s degree in public safety administration and work in water quality management. She is married with many years of work experience but now attends community college full-time.

She has a work-study student job and has been a volunteer with the Greater Spokane Emergency Management 911 database project for more than two years. She joined PTK because of the opportunities it provides.

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2021

Spokane Falls Community College

Spokane Falls Community College

Tacoma Community College

Sarah Horn

Elisa Vigil

Gina Marie Jones

Age: 22 | GPA: 3.5 Field: Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Age: 18 | GPA: 3.9 Field: Education

Age: 26 | GPA: 4.0 Field: Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Sarah Horn of Post Falls, Idaho, hopes to someday earn a doctorate in biology and become a scientist. Her interest in studying bees, sea life, and other animals dates back to childhood when she created a bee hospital from a mason jar and had an animal identification book she took with her on trips. She is PTK chapter president and the group is planning a Bystander Intervention Training to teach ways to deescalate highly charged situations.

Elisa Vigil of Spokane will receive a high school diploma and an associate degree in June. She has served as vice president of the Latinos Unidos Club and assisted the president in growing the club. This year she has been an outreach programmer for the Associated Student Government and has organized events centered on community service, activism, education, and social justice. Elisa hopes to earn a doctorate in education.

Gina Marie Jones finds joy in learning, noting that “You can’t buy knowledge; you have to pursue it with an open mind.” She plans to major in biomedical science so she can pursue a career as a geneticist, researching genetic diseases and treating people living with them.

Meanwhile, she supports her fellow TCC students as Head Math Tutor, and she helped the Math Advising Resource Center transition to online tutoring in the spring of 2020.

Tacoma Community College

Walla Walla Community College

Walla Walla Community College

Katrina Wangen

Dallin Hawkins

Haeli Johnson

Age: 16 | GPA: 3.84 Field: Engineering

Age: 18 | GPA: 4.0 Field: Associate in Arts

Age: 18 | GPA: 4.0 Field: Communication and Speech Disorders

After graduating from the Running Start program with her high school diploma and associate degree, Katrina Wangen will study chemical engineering. She plans to work for the Food and Drug Administration, ensuring that drugs are safe and thoroughly tested. Volunteering for the Tacoma Rescue Mission and the Pierce County Library system has taught Katrina about leadership: “A leader should be the team member working the hardest and trying to set the standard for the group.”

Dallin Hawkins is graduating from high school and Walla Walla Community College through the Running Start program. He is involved in track and cross country sports at his high school and is a member of many school clubs and programs. Dallin comes from a large family of ten and loves to work hard every day at commitments.

Haeli Johnson is graduating from Walla Walla High School and Walla Walla Community College through the Running Start program. She spends most of her time doing schoolwork, working, and volunteering at a local horse ranch. In the fall, she will attend Western Washington University to study Communication and Speech Disorders. She hopes to become an audiologist in the future to help other people who struggle with hearing loss be a part of everyday life.

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2021

Wenatchee Valley College

Wenatchee Valley College

Whatcom Community College

Heather Coffman

Kaila Harmier

Nathalie Belmore

Age: 34 | GPA: 3.9 Field: Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Age: 30 | GPA: 3.7 Field: Nursing

Age: 42 | GPA: 3.83 Field: Computer & Electrical Engineering

After waitressing for years, Heather made the decision to switch careers to something she is passionate about. By earning her Bachelor of Applied Science in Nursing, Heather hopes to provide a more comfortable life for her children while showing them the importance of doing work that is meaningful to them.

Heather hopes to help mothers deliver and comfort new mothers by becoming continuing her education and becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife.

When Kaila dropped out of college eight years ago, her mother was disappointed.

Her mother had always been highly supportive and wanted Kaila to get her education. Four years later, her mother died of cancer and Kaila made a commitment then to get her degree.

By keeping the promise she made to her mother, Kaila hopes to show her two daughters that they can accomplish anything they set their mind to.

Nathalie Belmore is studying to be a computer and electrical engineer at Whatcom Community College. She leads WCC’s AWSEM Club (Advocates for Women in Science Engineering and Math) where she serves to help minority students succeed in rigorous STEM courses and advocates for those who are traditionally underrepresented in STEM careers. She has also worked on campus as a math tutor and engineering peer mentor.

Whatcom Community College

Yakima Valley College

Yakima Valley College

Vi Nguyen

Miguel Blancas-Alejo

Chance Goodwin

Age: 18 | GPA: 3.97 Field: Graphic Design

Age: 36 | GPA: 3.72 Field: Law

Age: 20 | GPA: 3.55 Field: English language and literature

Vi Nguyen is an international student from Vietnam working on her transfer degree at Whatcom Community College.

She serves as an Associated Students of WCC Senator, advocating for students and helping her peers meet, connect, and engage with new people. Vi is very interested in art and technology, and plans to major in graphic design and minor in business at Penn State University.

Miguel Blancas-Alejo’s passion for public service emerged while volunteering at a local food bank. The desire to help others has continued to drive him. He enrolled at YVC in January 2019 and was elected to serve on the student government. He has helped establish a food pantry on campus as well as worked to create a more unified student government. He plans to transfer to a four-year university and pursue a law degree.

Chance Goodwin was born in North Bend and moved to the Yakima Valley at the age of five. He enrolled at Yakima Valley College to pursue a degree in English language and literature after completing high school. He credits his single mother who worked hard to provide for her family with motivating him to succeed. He plans to transfer to Heritage University and pursue a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature.

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2021

Thank You Scholarship Sponsors For 25 years, KeyBank has served as a major sponsor of the All-Washington Academic Team. KeyBank has made $250 scholarships available to each member of the 2021 All-Washington Academic Team.

Now in its 10th year supporting the celebration, the Washington State Employees Credit Union has offered $750 scholarships to the top 16 students of the All-Washington Academic Team.

We are deeply grateful for the ongoing generosity and support of KeyBank and WSECU; major sponsors of the All-Washington Academic Team.

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2021

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2021

Bates Technical College

Highline College

South Seattle College

Dr. Lin Zhou, President 1101 S. Yakima Avenue Tacoma, WA 98405

Dr. John Mosby, President 2400 S. 240th Street Des Moines, WA 98198-9800

Dr. Rosie Rimando-Chareunsap, President 6000-16th Avenue SW Seattle, WA 98106

Bellevue College

Lake Washington Institute of Technology

Spokane Community College

Dr. Kristen Jones, Acting President 3000 Landerholm Circle SE Bellevue, WA 98007

Dr. Amy Morrison, President 11605-132nd Avenue NE Kirkland, WA 98034

Dr. Kevin Brockbank, President 1810 N. Greene Street Spokane, WA 99217

Bellingham Technical College

Lower Columbia College

Spokane Falls Community College

Dr. Kimberly Perry, President 3028 Lindbergh Avenue Bellingham, WA 98225

Chris Bailey, President 1600 Maple Street Longview, WA 98632-3010

Dr. Kimberlee Messina, President W. 3410 Ft. George Wright Drive Spokane, WA 99224

Big Bend Community College

North Seattle College

Tacoma Community College

Dr. Terry Leas, President 7662 Chanute Street SE Moses Lake, WA 98837

Dr. Warren Brown, President 9600 College Way N Seattle, WA 98103

Dr. Ivan Harrell, President 6501 S. 19th Street Tacoma, WA 98466

Cascadia College

Olympic College

Walla Walla Community College

Dr. Eric W. Murray, President 18345 Campus Way NE Bothell, WA 98011

Dr. Marty Cavalluzzi, President 1600 Chester Avenue Bremerton, WA 98337-1699

Dr. Derek Brandes, President 500 Tausick Way Walla Walla, WA 99362

Centralia College

Peninsula College

Wenatchee Valley College

Dr. Robert Mohrbacher, President 600 W. Locust Street Centralia, WA 98531

Dr. Luke Robins, President 1502 E. Lauridsen Blvd.

Port Angeles, WA 98362

Dr. James Richardson, President 1300 Fifth Street Wenatchee, WA 98801

Clark College

Pierce College – Ft. Steilacoom

Whatcom Community College

Dr. Sandra Fowler-Hill, Interim President 1833 Fort Vancouver Way Vancouver, WA 98663

Dr. Julie White, President 9401 Farwest Drive SW Lakewood, WA 98498-1999

Dr. Kathi Hiyane-Brown, President 237 W. Kellogg Road Bellingham, WA 98226

Clover Park Technical College

Pierce College – Puyallup

Yakima Valley College

Dr. Joyce Loveday, President 4500 Steilacoom Blvd. SW Tacoma, WA 98499

Dr. Darrell Cain, President 1601 39th Avenue SE Puyallup, WA 98374

Dr. Linda Kaminski, President S.16th Ave & Nob Hill Blvd.

Yakima, WA 98902

Columbia Basin College

Renton Technical College

Community Colleges of Seattle

Dr. Rebekah Woods, President 2600 N. 20th Street Pasco, WA 99301

Dr. Kevin McCarthy, President 3000 N.E. 4th Street Renton, WA 98056

Dr. Shouan Pan, Chancellor 1500 Harvard Avenue Seattle, WA 98122

Edmonds College

Seattle Central College

Community Colleges of Spokane

Dr. Amit Singh, President 20000-68th Avenue W Lynnwood, WA 98036

Dr. Sheila Edwards Lange, President 1701 Broadway Seattle, WA 98122

Dr. Christine Johnson, Chancellor 501 N. Riverpoint Blvd.

Spokane, WA 99217

Everett Community College

Shoreline Community College

Pierce College District

Dr. Daria Willis, President 2000 Tower Street Everett, WA 98201

Dr. Cheryl Roberts, President 16101 Greenwood Avenue N Shoreline, WA 98133

Dr. Michele Johnson, Chancellor 1601-39th Avenue SE Puyallup, WA 98374

Grays Harbor College

Skagit Valley College

Dr. Jim Minkler, President 1620 Edward P. Smith Drive Aberdeen, WA 98520

Dr. Thomas Keegan, President 2405 East College Way Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Green River College

South Puget Sound Community College

Dr. Suzanne Johnson, President 12401 S.E. 320th Street Auburn, WA 98092

Dr. Timothy Stokes, President 2011 Mottman Road SW Olympia, WA 98512

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2021

Thank You To Those Offering Transfer Scholarships Central Washington University

Seattle University

Eastern Washington University

Seattle Pacific University

Offering a $1,000 scholarship to any member of the All-Washington Team who enrolls at the university.

Offering a $2,000 scholarship to one member of the All-Washington Team who enrolls at the university.

The Evergreen State College

Offering a $1,500 scholarship to any member of the All-Washington Team who enrolls at the college.

Gonzaga University

Up to $24,000 scholarship to any member of the All-Washington Team who enrolls at the university.

Additional $3,000 scholarship for Phi Theta Kappa members.

Pacific Lutheran University

Offering $1,000 scholarships to up to five members of the All-Washington Team who enroll at the university.

Saint Martin's University

Offering varied scholarships to any member of the All-Washington Team who enrolls at the university.

Offering up to $12,000 scholarship to any member of the All-Washington Team who enrolls at the university.

Additional $2,000 and $3,000 scholarships for direct transfer and Phi Theta Kappa may be available.

University of Puget Sound

Offering $2,000 scholarships to up to three members of the All-Washington Team who enrolls at Puget Sound.

University of Washington

For information about University of Washington transfer scholarships, please visit spscc.edu/AllWA

Walla Walla University

Offering a $1,000 scholarship to any member of the All-Washington Team who enrolls at the university.

Offering a $5,000 scholarship to any member of the All-Washington Team who enrolls at the university.

19–– ––19

Washington State University

Offering $2,000 scholarships to ten All-Washington Team members who transfer to any of the university’s campuses.

Western Washington University

Offering a $2,500 scholarship to any member of the All-Washington Team who enrolls at the university.

Whitman College

Offering $1,500 scholarships to up to three members of the All-Washington Team who enrolls at Whitman.

Whitworth University

Offering $1,500 scholarships to up to three members of the All-Washington Team who enrolls at Whitworth.

Team members must meet the four-year institution’s transfer qualifications. For transfer scholarship details, visit spscc.edu/allwa.

2021

In Appreciation of the Washington State Association of College Trustees The Trustees of Washington’s community and technical colleges provide a $1,000 scholarship to the top three members of the 2021 All-Washington Academic Team.

The scholarship is offered on behalf of those who have made presentations at ACT events this year.

Robert Ryan, ACT President & Trustee Tacoma Community College Greg Dietzel, ACT Legislative Action Committee Co-Chair & Trustee Bellevue College Tom Eckmann, Trustee, Olympic College Dona Ponepinto, Trustee, Tacoma Community College Holly Siler, Trustee, Columbia Basin College Pat Shuman, ACT Member-at-Large & Trustee,Tacoma Community College Christine Johnson, Chancellor, Community Colleges of Spokane Luke Robins, President, Peninsula College Rebekah Woods, President, Columbia Basin College Carl Zapora, ACT Immediate Past President & Trustee, Edmonds College Joe Piscatella, Founder & CEO Institute for Fitness and Health Doug Mah, ACT President-Elect & Trustee, South Puget Sound Community College Daniel J. Phelan, President, Jackson College Eric Murray, WACTC President & President, Cascadia College Christine Johnson, Chancellor, Community Colleges of Spokane Carol Landa McVicker, SBCTC Chair Jay Reich, SBCTC Vice-Chair Jan Yoshiwara, SBCTC Executive Director Glenn Johnson, ACT Legislative Action Committee Co-Chair & Trustee, Community Colleges of Spokane Arlen Harris, SBCTC Legislative Director Choi Halladay, Vice Chancellor of Finance & Operations, Seattle Colleges Dr. Tia Brown McNair, Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Student Success and Executive Director for Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation (TRHT) Campus Centers at the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) Anant Agarwal, Founder and CEO of edX and Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at MIT Preston Pulliams, President & CEO Gold Hill Associates Chuck Underwood, President, Generational Imperative

– 20 –

Program Sponsors Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges (WACTC) Washington State Association of College Trustees (ACT) State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) Phi Theta Kappa, the International Honor Society of the Two-Year College

Special Thanks To Jay Inslee, Washington State Governor Jan Yoshiwara, Executive Director, The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges Carol Landa-McVicker, Chair, The Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges Dr. Eric Murray, President, Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges Bob Ryan, President, Washington State Association of College Trustees Brian Marlow & Cassandra Mitchell, South Puget Sound Market President, KeyBank Ann Flannigan, Vice President of Public Relations, Washington State Employees Credit Union Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, Phi Theta Kappa Nadaa Elbarbary, SPSCC ASB President