Local WOSC Students Honored at All-Oklahoma Academic Awards Ceremony

The 2024 All-Oklahoma Academic Team and Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges (OACC) President's Tuition Waiver Awards Ceremony took place at the Oklahoma State Capitol on March 26. The event honored top two-year college students in the state. Western Oklahoma State College (WOSC) students Keegan Kyser and Mallory Orick were among the honorees.

Kyser, a WOSC sophomore, plans to become a Parks and Recreation Director. He participates in several programs at Western, including the Western Ambassador program, Science Club, Phi Theta Kappa, and serves as the Student Senate President. He has received the President's Honor Roll and the George and Donna Nigh Leadership Academy. Orick, also a WOSC sophomore, aims to be a dental hygienist. She is part of the Western Ambassador program, Student Senate, Phi Theta Kappa, and serves as the Science Club President. She has received the Ambassador Scholarship, Western's General Scholarship, President's Excellence Award Committee, and President's Honor Roll.

High school seniors Esperanza Cruz and Alejandro Resendiz received the OACC President's Tuition Waiver. Cruz, from Duke High School, wants to be a Graphic Designer. She participates in Skills USA, Ambassador, Student Council, and a Graphic Designer Community Project. She has been honored with NTHS, Student of the Quarter 2023/2024, Principal's Honor Roll, and Yearbook. Resendiz, from Altus High School, aims to work in family, nutrition, and sports medicine. He is part of the Altus Band, the Altus Powerlifting Team, and the National Technical Honor Society. He has received the Superintendent's Honor Roll Sophomore Year and Principal's Honor Roll Junior Year.

The All-Oklahoma Academic Team Program, started in 1994, recognizes top two-year college students. To qualify, students need a nomination from their college president, a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and eligibility for graduation in the 2023-2024 academic year. Oklahoma is one of 39 states participating in this initiative, supported by Phi Theta Kappa, USA TODAY, and the American Association of Community Colleges.

The OACC Tuition Waiver Award, also given at the ceremony, is chosen by the college president or their representative. Each year, selected students statewide receive a $1,000 tuition waiver, which can be used towards tuition for the next academic year, with $500 allocated per semester. Nominees can be graduating high school seniors or current community college students.

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