WVC students named to 2014 All-Washington Academic Team

Media Contact: Libby Siebens, community relations executive director, 509.682.6436 (Mon.-Thurs.)

April 3, 2015

Sam Hooper and Tyler Jackson with family and friends at the All-Washington Academic Team recognition ceremony in Olympia.

Wenatchee Valley College students Tyler Jackson and Sam Hooper were recently named to the All-Washington Academic Team and were recognized at a ceremony in Olympia. The program recognizes and honors students who reflect the diversity of the state, maintain high standards of excellence and contribute positively to the community.

Jackson is working on a degree in sustainable and organic agriculture at WVC. He was exposed to organic agriculture and sustainable issues through a job at an organic pizza franchise. In 2010, he decided to pursue a career and education in agriculture and community service. After earning his transfer degree at WVC, he hopes to earn a bachelor's degree and then apply to the Peace Corps Masters International Program. Through the Peace Corps, he would be able to work with rural communities in poor countries to develop sustainable agriculture systems while also earning a master's degree in International Agriculture Development.

Jackson is the president of the WVC Phi Theta Kappa honor society and the Beyond Recycling club. He also volunteers at the Newberry Elementary School Garden, where he helps teach the students about pollinators, vegetables, composting and weeding.

Prior to attending WVC, Sam Hooper had begun skipping school in order to help care for his niece and nephew. After moving to East Wenatchee during his junior year of high school, he was able to complete four years' worth of work in two years. He is now enrolled in the WVC Nursing Program. Hooper plans to complete his licensure to become an LPN and work in that field while earning his associate degree in nursing. His long-term goals include completing his bachelor's degree and then joining the Navy, so that he can take part in the Navy's medical program.

Hooper works as a caregiver to a high-functioning quadriplegic and as a tutor.

The program is sponsored by the Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges, the Trustees Association of Community and Technical Colleges, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and Phi Theta Kappa. Scholarship sponsors include KeyBank of Washington and the Washington State Employees Credit Union.