Students were recognized at the 2024 All-Oklahoma Academic Team and Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges President's Tuition Waiver Awards Ceremony at the Oklahoma State Capitol on March 26. The All-Oklahoma Academic Team Program provides statewide recognition to outstanding two-year college students each year.
Western Oklahoma State College students named as part of the 2024 All-Oklahoma Academic Team include Keegan Kyser and Mallory Orick. Receiving an OACC President's Tuition Waiver were Duke High School senior Esperanza Cruz and Altus High School senior Alejandro Resendiz.
Kyser is a Sophomore at WOSC with the career goal of becoming a Parks and Recreation Director. At Western, he is involved in the Western Ambassador program, Science Club, Phi Theta Kappa, and is the Student Senate President. His awards/ honors include the President's Honor Roll, George and Donna Nigh Leadership Academy.
Orick is a sophomore at WOSC with the career goal of becoming a dental hygienist. At Western, she is involved in the Western Ambassador program, Student Senate, Phi Theta Kappa, and is the Science Club President. Her awards/ honors include the Ambassador Scholarship, Western's General Scholarship, President's Excellence Award Committee, and President's Honor Roll.
Cruz is a high school senior from Duke, Oklahoma, with the career goal of becoming a Graphic Designer. She is involved in Skills USA, Ambassador, Student Council, and Graphic Designer Community Project. Her awards/ honors include NTHS, Student of the Quarter 2023/2024, Principal's Honor Roll, and Yearbook.
Resendiz is a high school senior from Altus, Oklahoma, with the career goal of working in family, nutrition, and sports medicine. He is involved in the Altus Band (5 Years), the Altus Powerlifting Team, and the National Technical Honor Society. His awards/ honors include Superintendent's Honor Roll Sophomore Year and Principal's Honor Roll Junior Year.
The State Academic Teams were introduced in 1994 to provide scholastic recognition to community college students. The All-Oklahoma Academic Team celebrates college students who excel academically, demonstrate leadership, and contribute to their communities. This program acknowledges exceptional individuals from two-year colleges across the state. To qualify, students need a nomination from their college president, a minimum GPA of 3.5, and eligibility for graduation in the 2023-2024 academic year. Oklahoma is among 39 states involved in this initiative, which is supported by Phi Theta Kappa, USA TODAY, and the American Association of Community Colleges. Every team member receives recognition through medallions and certificates.
The OACC Tuition Waiver Award is also given at the ceremony. The selection of OACC Tuition Award recipients is solely determined by the college president or their representative. Annually, presidents choose deserving students statewide to receive a $1,000 tuition waiver, which can be used towards tuition for the upcoming academic year, with $500 allocated per semester. Nominees may include graduating high school seniors or current community college attendees.