Submitted by South Puget Sound Community College
South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) today announced its two students being recognized as members of the All-Washington Academic Team. The March 24 event hosting students from each of the state’s 34 community and technical colleges was canceled, but SPSCC plans to celebrate SPSCC students Deena Benmouloud and Ashley Diaz in other creative ways. Gov. Jay Inslee proclaimed March 24, 2020, the All-Washington Academic Team Day.
Deena Benmouloud is a 17-year-old Running Start student pursuing a transfer degree. Deena has a passion for working with kids and has volunteered with the Hands-On Children’s Museum. She plans to transfer to nearby Saint Martin’s University to get one step closer to her dream of being a pediatrician.
Ashley Diaz is a Healthcare Pathway student whose primary motivation for furthering her education is her children. Ashley has found a successful balance between motherhood and her studies. She attended class throughout the pregnancy of her third child, and even brought her newborn to class lectures. Ashley plans to transfer to Saint Martin’s University to complete a degree in nursing and hopes to work as a delivery nurse when she’s finished her education.
Scholarship Sponsors
Each All-Washington Academic Team member will receive a Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) medallion and a $250 scholarship from KeyBank. The top 16 students, as ranked by PTK, will receive an additional $750 from Washington State Employees Credit Union (WSECU) and the top three will receive an additional $1,000 from the Washington State Association of College Trustees.
Additionally, those students who choose to attend Washington State 4-year colleges and universities are eligible to receive additional scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $12,000.
About the All-Washington Academic Team and Phi Theta Kappa
The All-Washington Academic Team program honors our state’s finest higher education students. The 65 students who make up this year’s All-Washington Academic Team reflect the diversity of the state, exhibiting high standards of excellence and positive contributions to their communities. The team is comprised of students with goals to transfer to 4-year colleges and universities as well as those who will 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 the academic integrity of the associate degree program. All-Washington Academic Team members will also be ranked at a national level, with a chance to be included in the All-USA Academic Team.
