CAC Students Selected for All Arizona Academic Team
By Angela Askey, Executive Director Public Relations and Marketing
Eight 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 Kenzie Allen and Jasmine Martinez from the Maricopa Campus, Carina Tapia and Michal Sadilek from the San Tan Campus, Langston Donald and Crystal Varney from the Signal Peak Campus, and Jared Carbajal and Fiona Pulma from the Superstition Mountain Campus.
Kenzie Allen is a history major at the Maricopa Campus. She plans to transfer to Northern Arizona University’s Honors College to pursue a Doctorate in History, specializing in Social History. Her focus will be to uncover the lived experiences of marginalized individuals throughout the past. She aspires to become a History Professor and Phi Theta Kappa advisor, combining her passion for history with her commitment to inspiring the next generation of college students. While at CAC she served on the Council of Student Advisors/Campus Activities Board and Phi Theta Kappa Vice President of Honors in Action. Kenzie volunteers for the Friends of the Maricopa Library, serving as their Instagram Manager and is a Maricopa Historical Society member.
Jasmine Martinez plans to transfer to Arizona State University to earn a degree in counseling. Her career goal is to work at a high school where she can foster an environment in which all students feel valued, seen and supported. As a mentor and advocate, she will guide students to navigate their academic and personal lives to reach their full potential. As a student at the Maricopa Campus, she was a Phi Theta Kappa public relations officer and served on CAC’s Council of Student Advisors/Campus Activities Board. She is a volunteer at Feed My Starving Children and Mission Heights Preparatory.
As a student at the San Tan Campus, Carina Tapia was an assistant in the Central Arizona College library. In her community she serves as a chiropractic clinic supervisor and trainer and lead teacher at various school district preschools and elementary after school programs. Additionally, Carina is a business owner in the pet grooming and veterinary industry. Carina plans to transfer to Northern Arizona University to earn a master’s degree in clinical social work. Her goal is to open her own practice working with patients who have obsessive compulsive disorders as well as those suffering from trauma. Making mental health care more accessible and affordable for all is her greatest focus.
As a nursing major at the San Tan Campus, Michal Sadilek works as a student employee in the Makerspace, assisting with 3D printed and laser engraved projects. Michal plans to transfer to Arizona State University, ultimately earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice. His career goal is to work as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at Kaiser Permanente.
Langston Donald is transferring to Arizona State University to earn his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology before entering a doctorate program to become a Doctor of Physical Therapy. His career goal is to be a Physical Therapist. Langston is a member of National Society of Leadership and Success and was a CAC 2024 Commencement student speaker. He serves as a Sunday school teacher and participated in a Physical Therapy Mission Trip.
Also a nursing major, Crystal Varney attends classes at the Signal Peak Campus. She will transfer to Northern Arizona University to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Ultimately, she is interested in pursuing a Master of Science degree in Nursing. Her career goal is to put her skills to use, saving lives and making a positive impact on all those who are around her. Crystal is a TRIO Student Support Services Assistant, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honors Member, TRIO Club President and Central Arizona College Campus Activities board member
A student at the Superstition Mountain Campus, Jared Carbajal is pursuing a Medical Assistant Associate of Applied Science. She plans to transfer to Arizona State University to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Science, to further her education. Her career goal is to begin working as a Medical Assistant to gain experience in the healthcare field. As a student she assists with the Campus Activity Board and is a Phi Theta Kappa Special Events officer. She also volunteers at Mission Heights Preparatory and Feed My Starving Children.
Fiona Pulma is a biology major at the Superstition Mountain Campus. She plans to transfer to Arizona State University to earn a bachelor’s degree in medical studies. Her career goal is to work as a Cardiologist. While at CAC Fiona has been involved with Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and National Society of Leadership and Success.