A Federal Way resident has made it onto the All-Washington Academic Team, and on top of that, out of 34 colleges picking between one and four students each, she is in the top 16.
In addition to making it onto the team, Federal Way resident Grace Gachie received a $450 cash prize from KeyBank and Highline College. Next, Gachie will be recognized at a ceremony in Lacey where students will have lunch and listen to a keynote speech from Washington State Lt. Gov. Denny Heck.
According to Highline College Vice President for Institutional Advancement Josh Gerstman, the All-Washington Academic Team is a program that honors students from the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, an international honor society for two-year colleges. Gerstman said students are invited into society by earning a high grade point average.
Gerstman said that after students join Phi Theta Kappa, they are nominated to be part of the All-Washington Academic Team. Gerstman said the top 16 students are the highest-achieving students who then go on to be nominated for the national Academic Team program. He said even getting nominated to be considered for the All-Washington Academic Team is competitive.
“It’s one of those pieces that you can have on your academic resume when these students are intending to transfer to four-year institutions, and having a recognition like this often can open the doors to additional scholarship support,” Gerstman said. “It gives you that competitive edge when you’re entering into those programs.”
Gerstman said that for Gachie, who is currently working to get into a competitive nursing program, having this feather in her cap is the kind of recognition that will help her advance.
Gachie said she chose to study nursing because she’s always had a deep desire to help others, especially in their most vulnerable moments. Gachie said that nursing isn’t just a career for her, but it’s also a calling. She said, despite the difficulties that are to come, every life she touches will make it worthwhile.
“My father told me that education is something that can’t be taken away from me because it’s a personal asset that I carry throughout my whole life,” Gachie said.
To help with her future nursing career, Gachie said she sees academic excellence as something that will shape her future, and importantly, can help her earn scholarships to ease financial stress. Gachie said academic excellence can create job opportunities that align with her passions.
Gachie said it’s an honor to be part of the 2025 AWAT, and it means a lot to see that there are people who see how hard she is working and want to acknowledge it. Gachie said to people who also want to excel academically to stay focused and work hard, even if no one acknowledges them.
“Being a first-generation student comes with the notion of setting a good example for the younger generation, especially in the African culture, for those who look up to me, but more so to those whom I look up to,” Gachie said. “God has been and still is my pillar and provider, always opening doors I never thought possible. I can’t forget to highlight the unwavering support from my family and friends.”
