CAC Students Selected for 2026 All Arizona Academic Team
By Angela Askey, Executive Director Public Relations and Marketing
Five Central Arizona College (CAC) students have been selected to the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society All-Arizona Academic Team.
All-Arizona students demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual rigor combined with leadership and service, that extends beyond the classroom to benefit society. Students are nominated by their community college and submit their application to be considered for this prestigious award through the Phi Theta Kappa International Honorary organization. Phi Theta Kappa conducts three rounds of judging. The Arizona Board of Regents awards scholarships and tuition waivers to those selected for Arizona’s three state universities: Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University or the University of Arizona. Scholarships cover resident tuition for 10 consecutive undergraduate semesters or 60 credits (whichever the student meets first).
All-Arizona Academic Team Scholars from CAC include Deryn Henry and Diamond Todman from the San Tan Campus, Janice Smith from the Superstition Mountain Campus, and Naya Tapia Chavez and Nneka Ubosi from the Signal Peak Campus.
Scores from the national competition are used to rank students for the state team with scholarships being awarded by the college they attend. CAC first team members, who each received a $1000 scholarship include Deryn Henry, Diamond Todman and Janice Smith. Naya Tapia Chavez was named a second team member and receives a $750 scholarship and Nneka Ubosi was awarded third team honors along with a $500 scholarship.
Additionally, Henry has been named a 2026 Hites Scholar by Phi Theta Kappa and will receive a $7,500 scholarship to assist with costs associated with her future baccalaureate studies.
Naya Tapia-Chavez is a graphic design major at the Signal Peak Campus. She plans to transfer to Arizona State University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Information Technology (Full-Stack Web Development). Her goal is to be accepted into Barrett, The Honors College and study abroad to ultimately become a digital media planner. While at CAC she served on the Campus Activities Board, was vice president for both TRIO and the Common Cultural Connections club and Phi Theta Kappa Public Relations Officer.
Deryn Henry plans to transfer to University of Arizona College of Engineering to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Her career goal is to create and develop products for communities in need. As a student at the San Tan Campus, she was a Phi Theta Kappa Chapter/Regional Officer, Campus Activities Board Vice-President and STEM Engine Intern. Being a Pinal Promise recipient, she was selected to share her experience as student speaker at CAC’s A Night of Stars event.
As a student at the Superstition Mountain Campus, Janice Smith worked as a student services assistant and was instrumental in starting the CAC LIDER Club. She began her studies in Biomedical Science at Northern Arizona University this spring and plans to attend graduate school to become a biomedical scientist and research professor focused on advancing scientific discovery, improving human health and conducting impactful research. She aims to teach, mentor and work at a Hispanic-Serving Institution, expanding access to STEM and inspiring future scientists.
As an early childhood education major at the San Tan Campus, Diamond Todman served as Phi Theta Kappa Chapter Co-President, Phi Theta Kappa Regional Public Relations Officer and Campus Activities Board President. She was A Night of Stars Pinal Promise student speaker at this year’s event. Diamond plans to transfer to the University of Arizona to earn a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. Her career goal is to become an Elementary Teacher.
Nneka Ubosi is transferring to Northern Arizona University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing while exploring different specialties including obstetrics, women’s and infant services and community health. While at CAC she participated in annual health fair events and was a mass casualty drill participant. She is an Earn to Learn and Naomi McDonald Nursing scholarship recipient.