Centralia College faculty and staff have selected five students out of 21 nominees to receive the 2022 Outstanding Student Award.
“The Outstanding Students are chosen for overcoming obstacles in the pursuit of their degree, for achieving their educational goals, and for being an active and engaged member of the college community,” Centralia College stated in a news release.
Students are nominated by faculty and staff. The winners are chosen by a selection committee.
“This year we had 21 nominations — a new record,” said Robert Cox, vice president of student services. “We had so many deserving students! The five we selected each embody the Centralia College mission and it’s an honor to recognize them as Outstanding Students.”
The students are listed below along with descriptions of their achievements provided by Centralia College. They will receive special recognition with their degrees at the commencement ceremony June 17 and are honored in the commencement program and on the college’s website.
• Lauren Burnett represented Centralia College on the 2022 All-Washington Academic Team and in the Washington state championship for public speaking, where she placed in the top five for her inspirational speech. She has been an active member in the Speech Club, Phi Theta Kappa, YoungLife and varsity cheer at Morton High School, where she is the class president and valedictorian.
• Joshua Christensen has persevered through numerous personal and college challenges to finish his degree at Centralia College with nearly a 4.0 GPA. Christensen received support through many important people on campus as he proceeded through his degree and decided to give back by serving as a peer mentor in Blazer Central. He is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and the Gender and Sexuality Alliance Club.
• Ana Encina-Estrada is the perfect representation of a non-traditional student balancing life while excelling in college. Encina-Estrada is a mother of three who has provided support to numerous other family members all while completing her bachelor’s degree. She serves as the Veteran’s Center coordinator, president of the Veteran’s Club, president of the Latino Unidos Club and vice president of the Medical Assistant Club. She is also a peer mentor in Blazer Centralia and a member of the Art Club and Phi Theta Kappa.
• Isaac Pope is a very accomplished young man who has excelled as a Running Start student at Centralia College. While completing his degree and preparing to transfer to Colorado School of Mines, he has received numerous awards, including being recognized as part of the All-USA Academic Team, as a Lemke Scholar and for numerous scholarships. He has also been on the President’s List many times. In addition to his exceptional academic performance, Pope serves as the secretary of the Speech Club, president of Phi Theta Kappa and as a STEM tutor.
• Jun Wang started at Centralia College as an international student from China pursuing an associate in arts degree and leaves Centralia College as the first international student to receive a bachelor’s degree. While Wang successfully completed her degrees, she was involved in the cultural café events, represented her country at student events and club fairs and volunteered at her children’s school.
