By Shawn Jennison, Director of College Relations
Ernie Ransom, Phi Theta Kappa, Human Services program, and Benjamin Wells, Environmental Science & Technology program, have been named to the 2011 All Washington Academic Team.
Both students are excellent representatives of the College and were nominated because of their academic achievement, community service, and strong work ethic.
In her letter of recommendation, Human Services Instructor, Kathleen Hathaway described Ernie Ransom as an outstanding student who maintains a consistently high level of quality work in the classroom. “He demonstrates a good work ethic and is an organized team player who takes an active role in the leadership of the classroom,” said Hathaway.
Ransom is in the last quarter of the Chemical Dependency Specialist Certificate and his third quarter of his associate’s degree program.
“As a role model for other students, he never fails to have a positive attitude and a kind word for others. He has a background in working with the mentally ill and brings a wealth of real-world experience to the classroom,” she said.
Ernie Ransom, Phi Theta Kappa, Human Services program
“Ben Wells is a natural leader who demonstrates his leadership with a calm demeanor,” said Kathryn Smith, Environmental Science Instructor. Wells is a member of the EcoClub at Clover Park. Wells also devotes his time and energy to a variety of habitat restoration projects in the Puget Sound area including performing salmon counts and invasive species eradication.
Wells plans to transfer to the University of Washington – Tacoma where he will pursue a degree in Environmental Studies with a focus in Urban Planning specific to water treatment/delivery.
Benjamin Wells, Environmental Sciences & Technologies program
Members of the 2011 All-Washington Academic Team will be honored in a recognition ceremony Thursday, March 24 at noon. Honorees will receive medallions from their college presidents and Gov. Christine Gregoire. The Governor will deliver the keynote address.
In 2011, the All-Washington Academic Team project includes 63 students representing 33 community and technical colleges in Washington state. The program has become the showcase for Washington’s community and technical colleges because it honors the academic high achievers, the men and women who have demonstrated a commitment to success in the classroom and in the communities in which they live. This recognition demonstrates the state’s commitment to scholarship and community service on the part of those attending the state’s public community and technical colleges.