An aspiring mechanical engineer, a future inventor, a new nursing graduate, a future college professor, a traumatic brain injury survivor, a former missionary in India—all come to Yavapai University to do more and do more. Learning to grow is the winner of 2023. 24 members of the All-Arizona Academic Team will be recognized by the Arizona Board of Regents.

The six students, representing YC's three campuses and centers, were chosen based on their academic success, leadership, and community service on and off campus. Each student will receive tuition waivers and be eligible for additional scholarships and national recognition when transferring to an Arizona university.

The six award winners are:

YC Career and Technical Education Center

george smith

Isaac Smith

verde valley campus

April Beltran

keisha francis

Prescott Campus

chasity bryant

colin newberry

“These outstanding students exemplify resilience, courage, compassion, and dedication in pursuing their career dreams, adding to the diversity of our student body and improving lives and students. This is a testament to the power of community colleges to foster success,” said YC President Dr. Lisa. Rhyne spoke about the latest All-Arizona Academic Team honorees representing Yavapai College. “I am extremely proud of these students and know that each of them will leave an indelible mark on the university, the community, and the world.”

YC student winners will join All-Arizona Academic Team winners from other Arizona community colleges at a celebratory luncheon hosted by the Arizona Board of Regents on February 28 in Tempe.

Below is a detailed look at each of Yavapai College's representatives on the 2023-2024 All-Arizona Academic Team.

George Smith:

A lifelong motorsports enthusiast from Winslow, George plans to channel his passion into his goal of becoming a mechanical engineer and transfer to Arizona State University. He said he wants to succeed, paying tribute to his mother, his nurse, who raised him and his twin sister single-handedly. George currently serves as a resident assistant in the YC Residence Hall and is a member of both the University Honors Program and the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the YC Chapter. He is a volunteer with his YC Food His Pantry and on behalf of CHP he organized the Chalk for Change project.

Isaac Smith:

Isaac from Prescott is simultaneously pursuing his science knowledge and technology skills at YC. An aspiring engineer, designer, architect, and inventor, Isaac helps build and operate the university's 3D Concrete House, his printer, and assists with the welding and machine shop at the university's Career and Technical Education Center. I did. A musician, Isaac is also a sound engineer for the church, a member of the performing arts club YC, and is a member of the CAST club, and is the treasurer of the juggling club. Isaac, who received the President's Award for Excellence at YC, plans to continue his studies in science and engineering at Northern Arizona University.

Chasity Bryant:

Chasity grew up in Cottonwood and graduated from YC's nursing program in the fall. She will continue her nursing education at Northern Arizona University, where she plans to earn both her master's degree and doctoral degree on her way to landing her dream job as a pediatric oncology nurse and nursing professor. While at YC, Chasity founded and led the University's Pride Club, served on the University Council, was active in the Student Nursing Association, served on the board of the award-winning local and regional chapters of PTK, and received the President's Excellence Award. was awarded. Chasity, a former honors student and Learning Center instructor, currently serves as YC's resident assistant.

Colin Newberry:

Colin is studying both psychology and philosophy at YC and plans to transfer to ASU to earn his PhD and teach social sciences at the university level. He is the founder and president of his YC Psychology Club, an honor roll student, a full board member of PTK, a volunteer with YC Admissions, and a member and officer of the university's Juggling Club and Philosophy Club. He coordinated the university's participation in his events in the Teen Maze community.

Keisha Francis:

A traumatic brain injury survivor, Keisha grew up in the Verde Valley and has been active in both the Clarkdale and Cottonwood communities as a volunteer at events, youth groups, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. She describes herself as a full-time mother and a part-time student who will continue her science studies at NAU and fulfill her dream of becoming a dental hygienist.

April Beltran:

April is a nursing student from Cottonwood. She transferred to NAU to pursue her medical career after 10 years of missionary work in India where she helped run a vocational school for orphans and impoverished youth and adults. intend to do something. Her career goal is to become a nurse or midwife. She serves as a health aide and after-school instructor for the Cottonwood Oak Creek School District and is also active in promoting the arts in the Verde Valley. She is a member of her PTK in her YC.

Yavapai College operates six campuses and centers in Yavapai County, offering more than 100 degrees and certificates, baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities.

For more information about YC, please visit: www.yc.edu