0 Shares

Submitted by South Puget Sound Community College

South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) will host the 22nd annual All-Washington Academic Team ceremony on Thursday, March 22, 2018.  The top students from each of Washington State’s 34 community and technical colleges will be honored in this annual recognition ceremony.

The keynote will feature a message from Washington Secretary of State Kim Wyman. SPSCC will honor two of its top students, Rashida B. Mohamed Ibrahim and Brendan Jewell, at the ceremony.

Rashida (Shaddy) grew up in a one-room house in Malaysia with five siblings. Although her hardworking parents could barely afford school tuition and books, they cultivated a “beautiful family”. Shaddy found a personal escape from a challenging adolescence through reading. She came to SPSCC for an “experience”, but leaves with big intentions. Shaddy will attend the University of Washington to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology so she can work to connect people in different countries and cultures through her work.

South Puget Sound Community College All Washington Academic Team
SPSCC will honor two of its top students, Rashida B. Mohamed Ibrahim and Brendan Jewell, at the ceremony on March 22, 2018. Photo courtesy: SPSCC

Brendan finally found success— and himself—during his fourth attempt at college at SPSCC. He did not value education when he was young but learned a lot about commitment during his post-high school jobs in restaurants and door-to-door sales. While at SPSCC, Brendan has founded the RocketStudent club, focused on helping new students navigate college and find success. He also volunteers at his church. Brendan plans to transfer to Saint Martin’s University to earn a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in business and finance.

The All-Washington Academic Team program recognizes and honors our state’s finest higher education students. The 78 students who make up this year’s All-Washington Team reflect the diversity of the state, maintain high standards of excellence, and contribute positively to the community. They reflect students with goals to transfer to four-year colleges and universities and goals to enter the workforce upon graduation.

To qualify for the All-Washington Academic Team, students must be part of the Phi Theta Kappa international honor society for two-year colleges.  Phi Theta Kappa has recognized and encouraged scholarships among two-year college students for more than 90 years by providing stimulation and enrichment while promoting academic integrity of the associate degree program.

Each All-Washington team member will receive a Phi Theta Kappa medallion and a $250 scholarship from KeyBank. The top-qualifying students will also receive scholarships from Washington State Employees Credit Union (WSECU) and the Washington State Association of College Trustees.

Additionally, those students who choose to attend Washington State four-year colleges and universities are eligible to receive additional scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $12,000.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
0 Shares