Local Students Honored at Statewide Awards Ceremony

Two Seminole State College students and three area high school seniors were recognized at the All-Oklahoma Academic Team and Oklahoma Association of Community Colleges Presidents’ Tuition Waiver Awards Ceremony on March 26 at the Oklahoma State Capitol. SSC students Benjamin Parker, of Shawnee, and Ryan Carlisle, of Foss, were named to the All-Oklahoma Academic Team. Prague High School student Ethan Rich, Bowlegs High School student Dillon Sullivan and Seminole High School student Hannah Upchurch were recipients of the OACC President’s Tuition Waiver. Parker is a sophomore at SSC, majoring in History and Government. He is the President of the Student Government Association and a member of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society. Upon graduation, he plans to pursue a degree in Political Science at the University of Central Oklahoma. Carlisle is a sophomore at SSC, majoring in Business. He is a member of the men’s golf team, President’s Leadership Class and the PTK honor society. When he completes his bachelor’s degree, he plans to coach and teach with the ultimate goal of becoming a school administrator. Rich will graduate from Prague High School this May. He plays baseball and is a member of the National Honor Society and the Vice President of Prague’s FFA chapter. He also was a member of Banc-First’s Student Board, a HOBY leadership camp delegate and a Boys State Delegate. After completing his bachelor’s degree, he plans to have his own cattle operation. Sullivan is a senior at Bowlegs High School. He is active in athletics and drama. He was named Salutatorian of his class. His career goal is to become a teacher and coach. Upchurch is a senior at Seminole High School. She is the captain of the tennis team and has served as a Goddard Youth Camp counselor for four years. Her career goal is to become a teacher. The honorees’ families and other guests were welcomed to the House Chambers for the ceremony by Oklahoma Speaker of the House Charles McCall (R-District 22). They also were congratulated by Oklahoma State Chancellor of Higher Education Dr. Allison Garrett. The All-Oklahoma Academic Team recognizes high achieving college students who demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual rigor combined with leadership and service. The All-Oklahoma Academic Team Program provides statewide recognition to outstanding two-year college students. To be eligible, students must be nominated by their college president. Nominees must be eligible to graduate during the 2023-2024 academic year and have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.5. Oklahoma is one of 39 states participating in the State Academic Team Program. The program is sponsored annually by Phi Theta Kappa, USA TODAY and the American Association of Community Colleges. Medallions and certificates were presented to all team members. The OACC Tuition Waiver Award is a separate award from the All-Oklahoma Academic Team and has been a part of the student award ceremony for more than 10 years. The selection process for the OACC Tuition Award winners is at the sole discretion of the college president or their designee. Each year presidents select deserving students from across the state to receive a $1,000 tuition waiver, which may be applied to tuition for the upcoming academic school year at $500 per semester. Nominees may be a graduating high school senior or attend a community college.