Four BBCC Students on All-Washington Academic Team

Four BBCC Students on All-Washington Academic Team

MOSES LAKE — Four Big Bend Community College students were recently selected the All-Washington Academic Team, an honor that recognizes academic achievement, leadership accomplishments and community involvement.

Adalee Bauer, Alejandra Cerna, Leslie Estrada Vera and Yuridia Jaurez were honored during a ceremony at South Puget Sound Community College last week, where they heard from Gov. Jay Inslee and other speakers.

Ninety-one students, representing the state’s 34 community and technical colleges, were named to the 2024 All-Washington Academic Team. The program is in its 28th year.

Adalee will be graduating with an Associate in Arts transfer degree this spring. She plans to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering at Eastern Washington University.

Alejandra is a student in Big Bend’s Early Childhood Education program. She said being selected for the All-Washington Academic Team meant a lot to her as a first-generation college student.

“It validates my hard work, perseverance, and dedication to excellence, affirming I’m on the right path. This recognition honors not only my academic achievements but also underscores the significance of education within my family and community,” she wrote to the committee. “It symbolizes overcoming barriers and motivates me to further contribute positively to academia and society.”

Leslie will earn her Accounting Technician AAS degree this spring and plans continue with the college’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Management program.

“I am a wife and mother of three boys. They are my greatest motivation in everything I do,” she said. “I hope to meet my goals for a better future not only for myself, but for my family.”

Yuridia is currently in the Dual Enrollment program at Big Bend. She plans to pursue a degree in Architecture and Interior Design.

The annual All-Washington recognition program is sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa—the honor society for two-year colleges. Other sponsors include the Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges, the Washington State Association of College Trustees, and the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.

For more information, visit the All-Washington Academic Team webpage.