Two Skagit Valley College students, Lucy Kesterson and Li Cheung Hung Kelly were named to the 2019 All-Washington Academic Team. Both were honored at the 24th annual ceremony that was held March 21st at South Puget Sound Community College.
With more than 300 people in attendance, the ceremony provided an opportunity for community and technical college students to be recognized for their academic achievements and community involvement. This year’s team was made up of 59 students representing 34 community and technical colleges. Many legislators, college trustees, and family members also attended the celebration. Governor Jay Inslee provided the keynote address to honor the team for their achievements and signed a proclamation naming March 21, 2019 as All-Washington Academic Day. National Phi Theta Kappa President and CEO, Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, also shared remarks. During the ceremony, each student received a medallion from his or her college president. SVC’s team members were honored by SVC President Dr. Tom Keegan and Washington State Representative Dr. Dave Paul (10th District).
Dr. Tom Keegan, Lucy Kesterson, and Rep. Dave Paul
Lucy Kesterson is 41 years old and is a Human Services Generalist major with a 3.97 GPA. Lucy will graduate this spring with an Associate’s degree in Human Services and serves as President of her Phi Theta Kappa Chapter. After graduating from SVC, she plans to pursue a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in public policy. In all of her work, Lucy has a commitment to social justice, equity, supporting and advancing marginalized groups, and promoting human rights. She is a first-generation college student, a widow, and mother of three.
The All-Washington Academic Team program is sponsored by: Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges, Washington State Association of College Trustees, State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, and Phi Theta Kappa. Longtime major sponsor KeyBank provided $250 scholarships to all 59 students on this year’s team.
Li Cheung Hung Kelly
Although she was unable to attend the ceremony, Li Cheung Hung Kelly, a 17-year-old international student from Hong Kong, started college during her junior year of high school. Kelly has a 4.0 GPA and is majoring in Business Accounting. She currently serves as Vice President of Scholarship of her PTK chapter. Kelly will graduate from SVC this spring and plans to transfer to a four-year institution to continue her studies. In the future, she would like to become an accountant or work in the real estate industry.
The All-Washington Academic Team has become the showcase for Washington’s community and technical colleges because it honors the academic high achievers who have demonstrated a commitment to success in the classroom and in the communities where they live. In addition, it demonstrates the state’s commitment to scholarship and community service on the part of those attending the state’s public community and technical colleges.
Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges, supports excellence in higher education and a commitment to students. PTK has recognized and encouraged scholarship among two-year college students for over 90 years by providing enrichment while promoting the academic integrity of the associate degree program. For these reasons, the American Association of Community Colleges has designated PTK as the official honor society for two-year colleges.
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