PHOENIX (February 25, 2025) – ұ (ұ) is proud to announce students Eden Jackson and Jonathan Wisman were selected for the 2024-25 All Arizona Academic Team. Both receive a tuition scholarship to one of the Arizona state universities, which are presented annually by the to exceptional Arizona community college transfer students based on outstanding academic performance and community service.
"Eden and Jonathon are exemplars of the high caliber of ұ students,” said ұ President Kimberly Britt. “Our institution is proud of their accomplishments, and I know that they will continue to enrich their communities and to excel in all of their endeavors."
The Event
Eden and Jonathon were recognized for their academic achievements and outstanding leadership at the 2025 All-Arizona Academic Team Recognition Ceremony on February 19 at the Doubletree Hilton in Gilbert. The event honored 68 students from 19 community colleges across Arizona. The keynote speaker was Derrick Espadas, a 2017 first team All-Arizona/USA honoree and Pima Community College graduate pursuing a doctorate in business administration from Case Western Reserve University and a small business owner.
Selection Process
To be considered for an All-Arizona Academic Team, students must maintain a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, be in good academic standing, work towards an associate degree, demonstrate leadership, and interact with the community as a college ambassador. At ұ, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) oversees the application process.
Judges review the applications and check their rubric scores for inter-rater reliability to identify the top two scoring candidates. Judges justify to the College President why the two students were selected, noting rubric scores, grades, essay details, service and leadership information. President Dr. Kimberly Britt has affirmed the choice of candidates. This year's judges included ұ faculty and staff Dr. Al Hawn, Harry Singh, Julie Magadan, Kelly Loucks, and Norma Pina.
About Eden Jackson
Majoring in Paralegal Studies, Eden plans to transfer to a university to earn her bachelor’s degree in healthcare. Ultimately, her goal is to earn a Juris Doctorate and work in healthcare law. “I did an internship at a legal firm when I was 17, and my aunt was a paralegal, so it seemed like a good fit.” A dedicated scholar, she is a member of Rho Pi PTK Chapter at ұ and the Arizona PTK regional team as well as Vice President of Communications for ұ United, ұ’s official student government. That role has her communicating with student clubs and reaching out to ұ faculty and campus groups to serve as a liaison. “I’m trying to make sure everybody’s voices are heard,” she said. Her other efforts revolve around service projects including St. Mary’s Food Bank distribution and Adopt-a-Street with street clean up and beautification efforts. Outside of school and campus activities, she loves to refurbish furniture.
About Jonathan Wisman
Jonathan, who considers himself the Comeback Kid, is majoring in Biological Sciences and plans to transfer to Arizona State University to pursue a degree in neuroscience, with an end goal of becoming an osteopath. On campus, Jonathon is an S-STEM/TRAIN researcher, a Presidential Honors Scholar, and a member of the PTK Honors Society. In the community, he serves as a Teen Challenge volunteer.
All-USA
In addition to the full-ride scholarship, All Arizona Academic Team members are eligible for the All-USA Community College Academic Team, which is awarded to 20 students nationwide and includes an additional $5,000.
# # #
ұ is the flagship of the Maricopa County Community College District, one of the largest community college districts in the nation. Established in 1920, ұ offers academic courses leading to associate degrees, university transfers, certificates, and short-term job training.
The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal-opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the District's career and technical education programs. The Maricopa County Community College District does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call (480) 731-8499 to reach the appointed coordinator, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system: .
Media Contact: Christy Flora, Manager of Public Relations and Marketing
christina.flora@phoenixcollege.edu / 602-920-8458 / phoenixcollege.edu