Highline Community College student Steve Simpkins from Des Moines has been named a member of the 2008 All-Washington Academic Team for his scholastic achievement and community service.
The honor comes with a $250 scholarship from KeyBank, a $500 scholarship from the Northwest Education Loan Association and a $250 scholarship from the Highline Foundation, giving him more than one quarter's worth of tuition.
Simpkins was recognized recently during an event at South Puget Sound Community College honoring 55 students representing each of Washington's 34 community and technical colleges.
The students were nominated for recognition through a state program patterned after the national All-USA Today Academic Team, initiated by Phi Theta Kappa, the two-year college international honor society.
KeyBank of Washington is the primary program sponsor.
Co-sponsors are Phi Theta Kappa; the Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges; the Trustees Association of Community and Technical Colleges; and the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
For Simpkins, it has been a long, uphill road to recreate his dreams and aspirations. He enrolled at Highline at the age of 40 to take prerequisites for a nursing program. Four quarters later, his dreams have grown. Next year, he will begin his Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, and plans to pursue a double masters in Nursing and Public Health.
He has maintained a 3.99 grade point average, and in 2007 was selected as a Coca-Cola National Scholar, NELA Academic Scholar and Foundation Academic Merit Scholar, as well as a Highline Academic Achievement Scholar.
"The most wonderful aspect of returning to school has been my involvement in school activities," said Simpkins.
"I've had the opportunity to be involved with numerous clubs, many leadership events, Highline's Phi Theta Kappa Pi-Sigma chapter, and most recently, was elected student body president."