PHX Reporter

Paradise Valley Community College has announced that Honors students Jeremy Walk and Catherine Nguyen have been recognized for their academic and community service achievements by earning places on the 2025 All-Arizona Academic Team. This honor includes a two-year scholarship to Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, or the University of Arizona.

Walk and Nguyen were acknowledged during the All-Arizona Academic Team Reception Luncheon in Mesa last month. They received scholarship awards for their dedication to leadership, scholarship, and community impact. Walk was honored with a Second team award, along with a $750 scholarship, while Nguyen was named to the Third team, receiving $500.

The process to be selected for the All-Arizona Academic Team involves demonstrating academic excellence and detailing a service project that positively impacts PVCC or the larger community. Final selections are made through an adjudication process that may include interviews with a college committee. Walk and Nguyen stood out among 68 Phi Theta Kappa students with grade point averages of 3.50 or higher, all in good academic standing, who are working toward associate degrees and are involved in campus or community volunteerism.

Jeremy Walk is recognized for his advocacy in social justice and housing solutions. Overcoming significant personal challenges, including experiences in the foster care system, Walk has maintained a 4.0 GPA while managing full-time work and family duties. His commitment to social change is demonstrated through his Honors research on housing insecurity, exploring the Housing First model as a solution to homelessness. His active participation in college search committees and community initiatives underscores his dedication.

Catherine Nguyen arrived in the U.S. from Vietnam and faced the challenge of learning English. As a mother of two young children, Nguyen maintains a 4.0 GPA in business and accounting. Her leadership and community service are evident through her founding of the "Help Protecting Arizona from Coronavirus" initiative during the pandemic. The project raised $20,000 to provide 20,000 masks to frontline workers. Nguyen also continues her cultural engagement by teaching Vietnamese, aiming to become a Certified Public Accountant.

Brian Goegan, overseeing PVCC’s Honors Program, expressed admiration for the students: “Seeing the passion, resilience, and hard work of these students has been truly inspiring. I am deeply impressed by the dedication and achievements of the college’s students. Their commitment to excellence and service is a testament to what makes PVCC such a special community."

The All-Arizona scholarship requires a strong academic background and evidence of using learned knowledge for community benefit. Top-ranked Arizona students move on to national competitions for additional scholarships. Students should consider their involvement in community projects early during their time at PVCC. Those interested in participating can contact the PVCC Honors program for guidance.