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WALLA WALLA, WASH. – Walla Walla Community College (WWCC) students Elisha Johnson and Milo Cleveland were selected as All Washington Scholars, and each has been nominated into a highly coveted national scholarship competition.
Johnson, a Culinary Arts student, was nominated for Phi Theta Kappa’s New Century Workforce Pathway Scholarship, directed toward student leaders in workforce, career and technical education programs. Her scholarship application recognized her as a leader among her peers. Formerly a veterinarian, Johnson is using her WWCC education to turn her love for making beautiful and tasty cakes into a new culinary career.
“As a mom, my focus in life has become creating moments of joy and growth,” Johnson said. “When I realized that my career as a veterinarian would not allow me to achieve those moments as consistently as I needed to feel fulfilled, I began searching my life for what would serve that need. Realizing the profound joy each well-prepared meal brought to my family and myself, I decided that this was an area I could grow, thrive and find fulfillment.”
Cleveland, an Associate in Art for Transfer student, was nominated for Phi Theta Kappa’s All-USA Academic Team. She cares deeply about social justice, equity and education. Cleveland is engaged in bringing programs to WWCC that increase awareness about sexual assault and healthy relationships. Her ultimate goal is to travel so she can hear people’s stories and share them with others.
“I like to think of myself as someone who is always willing to learn and try anything at least once,” Cleveland said. “I love learning about new things and meeting new people, and hearing stories about their experiences, culture, and passions.”
Both students are recognized as All Washington Scholars and will be honored at a celebration in Olympia with other statewide nominees. Each receives a scholarship and medal, and they are also nominated for their respective Phi Theta Kappa scholarships. An All Washington Scholar honor can open doors to other scholarships as well.
Phi Theta Kappa recognizes the academic achievement of college students and provides opportunities for its members to grow as scholars and leaders. Established in 1918, Phi Theta Kappa has a presence on almost 1,300 community college campuses in 11 nations. The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) recognized Phi Theta Kappa as the official honor society for two-year colleges in 1929.
Each applicant was asked to share an essay on one endeavor that utilized their college education to improve the community or college, as well as a letter of reference. Judges look for innovative, creative, original, and lasting achievements or undertakings. Students do not need to be a member of Phi Theta Kappa to apply for scholarships.
For more information about Walla Walla Community College, visit wwcc.edu. Those wishing to view information about the scholarships available through Phi Theta Kappa should visit ptk.org/scholarships.
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