Four Chandler-Gilbert Community College students were recognized for their outstanding academic achievement, commitment to service, and distinguished leadership at the 2018 All-Arizona Academic Recognition Ceremony on March 1 at the Hilton Phoenix/Mesa Hotel.
Students Amanda Acuña, Lauren Allison, Kimberly Redding, and Heather Robinson were among the 79 Arizona community college student recipients to be honored for their academic success.
“On behalf of the faculty and staff at CGCC, I would like to congratulate this year’s All-Arizona Academic Team recipients Amanda, Lauren, Kimberly, and Heather on receiving this notable honor,” said William Guerriero, interim president at CGCC. “We know you will go on to achieve great success in your academic and professional careers and represent CGCC positively in the community for years to come.”
To be considered for the All-Arizona Academic Team, students must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, be in good academic standing, be working towards completion of an associate degree, demonstrate leadership, and actively volunteer on campus or within their communities.
In addition to being recognized, each student winner received an academic scholarship and tuition waiver to one of Arizona’s three universities: Arizona State University, University of Arizona, and Northern Arizona University. The scholarships and tuition waivers are made possible by Phi Theta Kappa, American Association of Community Colleges, Arizona Community Colleges, Arizona Board of Regents, and USA TODAY, all of whom aim to help these exceptional students reach their educational goals.
Judging to select the recipients consisted of three rounds. In the first round, a group of local businesses, civic, education, and government leaders reviewed applications and chose the recipients of the award. Only two students were selected from each college campus. The selected recipients’ applications were then forwarded to Washington, D.C., for second and third rounds of judging and scoring by representatives from various federal agencies and national education associations. Those scores were used to rank the students for first, second or third state teams. First Team members received a $1,000 scholarship, Second Team members a $750 scholarship and Third Team members a $500 scholarship to one of Arizona’s state universities.
Chandler Gilbert Community College, Pecos Campus Recipients
Amanda Acuña-Third Team
Major: Psychology
Amanda plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Biology at Arizona State University. Following her bachelor’s, she plans to pursue a PhD in Neuropsychology and use that to further current understanding and treatment of neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders through research and clinical practice. Amanda is a certified CPR and drowning prevention instructor for free community outreach classes, a PBS Eight and Blake’s Miracle volunteer, and mother of two. She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, an Otto and Edna Neely Scholarship recipient and CGCC Academic Scholarship recipient.
Kimberly Redding-First Team
Major: Fine Arts
Kimberly is working towards a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts with a minor in behavioral psychology at Arizona State University’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. She will leverage her education to create art therapy programs for patients in medical institutions as a Certified Art Therapist, while continuing to volunteer for organizations such as Free Arts for Abused Children, and dance classes through her church. Kimberly is an organizer of CGCC’s Tunnel of Oppression for Phi Theta Kappa’s Honors in Action Contribution, a high school student mentor with the Sِi Se Puede Organization, a Maricopa County Global Leadership Retreat representative, and a volunteer at Free Arts for Abused Children.
Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Williams Campus Recipients
Major: Aviation
Lauren plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in Applied Science Aviation at Arizona State University. Following graduation, she plans to attend the American Flyer’s mechanic/pilot cross training internship program and obtain private, instrument, and commercial flight ratings.
She currently serves as a student tutor, a member of the CGCC Student Activities Board, a volunteer with Coyote Cupboard, and a member of the Presidential Search Committee.
Major: Nursing
Heather is working on a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Northern Arizona University and hopes to become a Labor and Delivery nurse at Mercy Gilbert Hospital. It was there, several years ago as a labor and delivery patient, where she encountered the compassionate and competent nurses who set the bar for the kind of nurse she wants to be. Heather plans to continue to fill her life with service in the community through her church and many other organizations.
She is currently a member of Student Nurses in Action, a Block 2 Focus Group Leader, and United Way Valley of the Sun volunteer.
Congratulations to this year’s 2018 All-Arizona Academic Team recipients!
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