Two students from Verde Valley; two students from West side of Mingus receive scholarships
Four Yavapai Community College students have earned prestigious 2018-2019 All-Arizona Academic Team 
scholarships. The scholarships enable them to continue pursuing their academic and career dreams tuition-free at any Arizona university. The four honorees are:
Shanandoah Sterling of Sedona; Amanda McCloud of Cornville, Ashlynn Bice of Prescott Valley, and Kiva Keith of Prescott.
The scholarships were awarded by the Arizona Board of Regents from nominations submitted by a local committee that reviewed applications based on three things: academic achievement, leadership, and community service. The All-Arizona Academic Team winners will be recognized at a statewide celebration in late February 2019.
Denise Woolsey, director of the Community College Honors Program and advisor to Phi Theta Kappa honor society, said each of the All-Arizona Academic Team honorees represent a cross section of the student population. “Shanandoah is a returning student, Amanda is a working mom pursuing a degree as an example to her children. Ashlynn and Kiva chose college over other opportunities. They are all very motivated and all four give back to the community above and beyond their school work and work obligations,” she said.
Yavapai Community College students pursuing academics or career training perform well every year in the All-Arizona Academic Team scholarship competition, Woolsey said. “Having recipients each year shows a commitment to quality education and the support we give to our students to thrive in an academic setting.”
Information about the winners (as provided by the Community College):
Ashlynn Bice. Ms. Bice is an aspiring pediatric trauma physician. She plans to transfer to the University of Arizona and major in biology en route to a medical degree. She works as an emergency medical technician for Lifeline Ambulance and as a yoga instructor. She is also a volunteer for Teen Maze and is a peer mentor. She is a member of both CHP and PTK and was named to the President’s List.
Kiva Keith. Ms. Keith plans to transfer to the University of Arizona College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture, ultimately earning a graduate degree in sustainable design. She looks forward to a career in architecture or city planning. Kiva organized the college “Warm for winter” charity drive and is a volunteer with the YC emergency food pantry. She is also a member of both CHP and PTK and a recipient of an academic honors award.
Amanda (Mandie) McCloud. Ms. McCloud plans to pursue degrees in history and linguistics from the University of Arizona College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. She aspires to one day teach history at the high school or college level. She serves as a writing and history tutor at the YC Verde Valley campus Learning Center and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa. She was also named Outstanding Student in History and Humanities at the Verde Valley campus.
Shanandoah Sterling. Ms. Sterling plans to transfer to Northern Arizona University and eventually pursue a master’s degree in English and a certification to teach English as a Second Language. She aims to one day teach English to children and adults internationally. Currently she is a volunteer ESL teacher at the Sedona Public library. She is also vice president of Phi Theta Kappa and the English Club at the Verde Valley campus and served on the Community College presidential search committee.