Three outstanding students from Glendale Community College (GCC) were celebrated for their exceptional academic endeavors, distinguished leadership and community service at the 2025 All-Arizona Academic Team Recognition Ceremony on February 19 in Gilbert, Arizona.
The event, honoring 68 students from 19 community colleges across Arizona, was hosted at Doubletree by Hilton in Gilbert with event emcee, Ian Schwartz, morning meteorologist and reporter for KPHO-TV CBS 5 and KTVK-TV 3/AZFamily.com. The keynote speaker was Derrick Espadas, a 2017 first team All-Arizona/USA honoree and Pima Community College graduate currently pursuing a doctorate in business administration from Case Western Reserve University.
“These honorees have not only distinguished themselves in the academic realm but have also dedicated themselves to public service in their communities,” said Tiffany Hernandez, president of GCC. “I predict that their future path will be nothing short of extraordinary. These remarkable student honorees illustrate the success community colleges have in expanding a student’s secondary education in addition to providing workforce training.”
Glendale Community College Honorees
George Chimon plans to transfer to ASU’s Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering, on the Tempe campus, to ultimately earn a bachelor’s in computer science. His career goal is to work as a software engineer in Arizona government, contributing to innovative solutions and improving public services through technology.
Rachel Stigsell plans to transfer to ASU’s New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences to continue her bachelor’s degree in biology with the intention of pursuing a graduate degree. Her career goal is to work as a wildlife conservationist with a specialization in herpetology.
Ella Smith plans to transfer in Fall 2025 to NAU through the 2NAU program offered at Glendale Community College. She ultimately desires to complete her bachelor's degree in exercise science. One of her career goals is to coach athletes specifically in strength and conditioning.
All-Arizona Academic Team members are eligible to be selected as one of 22 named to the All-USA Community College Academic Team, receiving an additional $5,000 scholarship, medallion, obelisk and certificate during the American Association of Community Colleges annual convention scheduled April 12-16 in Nashville, Tenn.
All-Arizona honorees were selected based on their GPA of 3.50 or higher, good academic standing while working toward an associate degree and involvement in volunteerism and service on their campus or in their community that extends their education beyond their classes to benefit society.
Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society of two-year colleges and academic programs, the American Association of Community Colleges, Arizona Community Colleges, Arizona Board of Regents and Follett Higher Education Group assist these phenomenal students reach their educational goals by awarding scholarships and issuing tuition waivers for Arizona’s three state universities: Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and The University of Arizona.
Learn more about the All-Arizona Academic Team program at azregents.edu/programs/all-arizona-academic-team.