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Skagit Valley College students, Jessica Hill, Megan Smith, and Kjrstie Baumgardner were named to the 2024 All-Washington Academic Team. They were honored at the 28th annual ceremony that was held on April 25 at South Puget Sound Community College.

The annual All-Washington Academic Team Ceremony provides an opportunity for community and technical college students to be recognized for their academic achievements and community involvement.

This year’s team included 91 students from the transfer and workforce pathways representing Washington state’s 34 community and technical colleges.

In his proclamation, Gov. Jay Inslee invited everyone in our state to observe April 25, 2024, as All-Washington Academic Day.

Jessica Hill of the Mount Vernon campus received a Medical Billing and Coding Associate in Applied Science degree, all while maintaining an impressive 3.94 GPA. As a first-generation college graduate in her family, Hill not only excels academically but also actively participates in her community through organizations like Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the SVC Allied Healthcare Committee, and her daughter’s Girl Scout troop. Despite a busy schedule, Hill managed to secure employment in her field before graduating. She hopes to exemplify her strong work ethic and determination to her three children.

Kjrstie Baumgardner of the Mount Vernon campus is a Nursing major and maintains a 3.92 GPA. Baumgardner states that she was driven by an inclination to help others from a young age, which gradually evolved into a passion for healthcare. She chose to attend SVC to pursue a career in nursing, in hopes of impacting the lives of others. Baumgardner’s ultimate professional goal is to specialize in pediatric nursing. Throughout her journey, she hopes to serve as an inspiration to her three children.

Megan Smith of the Mount Vernon campus is a biology major student who maintains a 3.80 GPA. She currently serves as the president of the Theta Upsilon Chapter of PTK. She acknowledges the role of PTK in advancing her leadership skills, which she recognizes as essential for her future endeavors. Smith plans to transfer to Washington State University Global Campus to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Environmental and Ecosystem Science starting Fall 2024. Smith hopes to pursue a career in environmental consulting aimed at addressing environmental issues.

During the All-Washington ceremony, Hill, Baumgardner, and Smith were recognized with $217 scholarships from KeyBank.

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.

PTK, the international honor society for two-year colleges, symbolizes excellence in higher education and a commitment to students. PTK has recognized and encouraged scholarship among two-year college students for more than 100 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.

The All-Washington Academic Team program is sponsored by the Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges, Washington State Association of College Trustees, State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, and PTK. Longtime major sponsor KeyBank provided $250 scholarships to all of the students on this year’s team.

For more information about the All-Washington Academic Team program, visit spscc.edu/allwa.