Summary:
Four students from Bellevue College have been selected for the 2026 All-Washington Academic Team, a statewide recognition honoring top-performing community and technical college students for academic achievement and community involvement. The program highlights the role of community and technical colleges in expanding access to higher education, particularly for students from diverse backgrounds and nontraditional pathways.
Four Bellevue College students have been selected for the 2026 All-Washington Academic Team, a statewide recognition honoring top-performing community and technical college students for academic achievement and community involvement.
Silena Calentine, Annie Cassel, Luana Marcela Da Silva Sousa and Wen Yin were recognized at a ceremony April 23 at South Puget Sound Community College in Lacey. The students also received scholarship support as part of the honor.
The All-Washington Academic Team program recognizes high-achieving students from Washington’s 34 community and technical colleges who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to serving their communities.
The program is part of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges, and has been recognizing students at the state level since the mid-1990s.
Programs like the All-Washington Academic Team highlight the role community and technical colleges play in expanding access to higher education, particularly for students from diverse backgrounds and nontraditional pathways.
Each of the Bellevue College honorees is pursuing a different academic path while contributing to campus life and planning for future careers.
Calentine, of Shoreline, is studying radiologic technology and plans to work in a local hospital while continuing her education in advanced imaging.
Cassel, of Seattle, is working toward an associate transfer degree and plans to study philosophy, psychology and neuroscience at a four-year university. She has served as president of both the philosophy and psychology student clubs.
Da Silva Sousa, of North Bend, is preparing to enter Bellevue College’s Bachelor of Applied Science program in molecular biosciences. She serves as vice president of both the Brazilian student club and the Phi Theta Kappa chapter and plans to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
Yin, of Kirkland, is studying software development with a focus on artificial intelligence and serves as president of the TechBiz student club. She plans to pursue a career developing technology aimed at improving community well-being.
The All-Washington Academic Team highlights students who not only excel academically but also contribute to their campuses and communities, reflecting the broader role of community colleges in supporting educational access and opportunity across the state.