A Blue Mountain Community College student with dreams of becoming a veterinarian was honored on Tuesday as one of just 36 community college students from around the state to be named to the All-Oregon Academic Team.
Elizabeth Olsen received her honor during a luncheon this afternoon at the Oregon State Capitol with Gov. Kate Brown. The award is sponsored by the Oregon Community College Association, Phi Theta Kappa honor society and the 17 Oregon community college presidents.
Olsen, 17, first enrolled in classes at BMCC to work towards her transfer degree at age 14. She’ll graduate from BMCC in June with her Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree, as well as her high school diploma, and plans to major in biology at Eastern Oregon University this fall, followed by veterinary school. Olsen is the president and regional vice president of communications for Phi Theta Kappa (honor society), president and ambassador of the 4-H Club, a volunteer for College Community Theatre, a violinist for the Northwest Inland Orchestra, an animal care attendant at Pendleton Veterinary Clinic and a council member at Peace Lutheran Church. She was also a Umatilla County Fair princess in 2015.
Despite her busy schedule, Olsen has a 3.83 GPA, making the honor roll and president’s list.
BMCC President Cam Preus attended the luncheon with Olsen, who will receive an annual scholarship towards furthering her college education as a member of the All-Oregon Academic Team.
The Phi Theta Kappa honor society, community college presidents, and community college state associations sponsor the All-State Community College Academic Team ceremonies in 37 participating states. Students nominated to the national All-USA Community College Academic Team are automatically named to the All-State Community College Academic Teams.
