Walla Walla Community College is proud to announce its 2023–2024 nominees for the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All-Washington Team. Each year, WWCC nominates four students—two from transfer pathways and two from workforce pathways—for consideration in the prestigious national scholarship competition.
This year’s nominees include students Kyle Bailey (transfer), Michael Cantu (workforce), Cameron Johnson (workforce) and Sam Kubishta (transfer).
Each nominee is guaranteed a small scholarship and is automatically advanced for consideration for national scholarships, including the All-USA Academic Team, the Coca-Cola Academic Team, and the New Century Pathway Scholarship.
WWCC’s PTK All-Washington Team members will be honored during a special recognition ceremony on April 25, 2024, at South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia, Washington. PTK is a national honor society that recognizes the academic achievements of students at two-year colleges nationwide.
The nominees were chosen from an impressive number of high-quality applications reviewed by the PTK Scholarship Review Committee.
“We are so proud to have these exceptional individuals representing our college,” says Honors Committee Chair Marley Olson, PhD. “We commend all of this year’s applicants for their commitment to academic excellence and community service.”
Kyle Bailey is an Honors student studying Political Science at WWCC. He plans to transfer to Western Washington University in fall 2024 to finish his bachelor’s degree. While attending school, he works with his local county Auditor’s Office during elections and hosts voter registration drives. He also works part-time and volunteers in the local community.
Michael Cantu is in the Cosmetology/Barbering program at WWCC. Upon completion, he plans on entering the workforce as a hairstylist with dreams of one day owning his own businesses and brand. He intends to inspire positive change in his community through leadership, integrity and ethical business decisions.
Cameron Johnson had never experienced any type of welding prior his enrollment in the Welding Technology program at WWCC. While in the program, he was elected Welding Club President by his peers. He is very proud to be the first individual in his family to attend and complete a college education. Upon completing his degree, his career goals include traveling to Alaska to pursue a career as a pipefitter welder and later owning a business.
Sam Kubishta is currently working toward a bachelor’s degree in Marketing. He has been at WWCC for two years and is planning to transfer to Portland State University in fall 2024. When Sam is not studying, they enjoy perfecting their latte art, editing videos, and browsing thrift stores and libraries.