March 20, 2007
2007 All-Washington Academic Team recognizes top students
At noon on March 22, Gov. Christine Gregoire and higher education officials from around the state assemble in Olympia at the South Puget Sound Community College campus to honor the 2007 All-Washington Academic Team, a collection of top students from Washington's community and technical colleges.
"The All-Washington Academic Team showcases the caliber and diversity of students attending community and technical colleges in this state," said Charles Earl, executive director of the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. "Our students are not only academic achievers, they are committed, active members of their communities."
The governor, who is the keynote speaker, has already declared March 22 All-Washington Academic Team Day. This year, the academic team includes 62 students, at least one from each of the state's 34 community and technical colleges. A reception follows the awards ceremony.
2007 marks the 12th year of the academic team. Students were nominated for recognition through a state program patterned after the national All-USA Today Academic Team, which Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges, initiated. By acknowledging students who demonstrate commitment to success in the classroom and in their communities, the program brings attention to Washington's community and technical colleges. Contributions from KeyBank and the Northwest Education Loan Association (NELA) will provide each team member with a $750 scholarship, and four-year colleges and universities from all over the state offer scholarships to attend their institutions. The Trustees Association of Community and Technical Colleges (TACTC) also provides two $1,000 scholarships to top-ranking members of the team. In addition, each team member is a state nominee for the national team, which will be announced in April.
Along with Phi Theta Kappa, KeyBank, NELA, and TACTC, the Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges and the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges sponsor the All-Washington event.
For more information contact Kellie Purce Braseth at 360-596-5214 or visit www.spscc.ctc.edu/allwa