By: Kayla Friedrich
[SPOKANE, Wash.] Four students from Community Colleges of Spokane were recognized for their academic excellence and contributions to their communities on Thursday at the All-Washington Academic Team Ceremony hosted by South Puget Sound Community College in Seattle.
Representing Spokane Community College and Spokane Falls Community College were Helen Melake (SCC), Jennifer Fields (SFCC), Molly Fox (SCC) and Hsu Wai Hnin Kyaw (SFCC) who received a scholarship as a Top 16 scholar on the team.
The All-WA team is composed of 88 individuals from 34 different community and technical colleges across the state. Academic team members maintain a high standard of excellence and are dedicated to positively impacting their communities.
Public and private institutions across Washington state have acknowledged the commitment of this team by presenting scholarships to selected students transferring to four-year institutions including Gonzaga University, University of Washington, Washington State University and Seattle University.
All-WA is a part of Phi Theta Kappa, the International Honor Society for two-year colleges, to honor two-year college students for being outstanding in academics and community service.
Helen Melake
Melake is a student at SCC pursuing an AA-DTA in Biology. Beyond her academics, Melake enjoys drawing and volunteering at local hospitals and other organizations that align with her interests. Upon completing her transfer degree at SCC, Malake hopes to attend Gonzaga University where she’ll continue her studies in biology, and later gain acceptance into the University of Washington Medical School to achieve her goal of becoming a pediatrician.
Hsu Wai Hnin Kyaw
Kyaw is always searching for ways to use her skills and education to spark change in the community. Kyaw is studying Computer and Information Science and Support Services at SFCC to later contribute to crisis support of her Burmese community and fight for democracy. By understanding that obstacles are an opportunity for personal and intellectual development, Kyaw’s resilience and perseverance will continue to shine as she tackles her long-term goals.
Jennifer Fields
Fields sought out higher education to improve her circumstances. A couple years later, she is graduating from SFCC with her AA-DTA in Psychology/Sociology/Social Science and will pursue a master’s degree in clinical mental health where she’ll focus her work on trauma therapy. With wild determination and perseverance, she was able to change her narrative and become the first in her family to receive a college degree.
Molly Foxx
Foxx is pursuing two AAS degrees in Electronics Engineering at SCC. When presented with an opportunity to return to school, she went all in to begin the path towards her goal of becoming an engineer. Outside of her academics, Foxx holds the position of secretary of SCC Phi Theta Kappa, treasurer of School of Engineering Club and her local church to continue the pursuit of academic excellence and community outreach.