Payson Roundup | Payson, AZ

Two Gila Community College students (GCC), Jackie Ballam and Hannah Henderson, along with 75 other Arizona Community College students, earned spots on the 17th Annual All-Arizona Academic Team.

As part of the honor, the two students received a citation from Gov. Jan Brewer, a commemorative medallion, and an in-state tuition waver for two years (60 credits) to the Arizona university of their choice.

The All-Arizona Academic Team award program is sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society of two-year colleges, USA Today and the American Association of Community Colleges.

Ballam and Henderson were chosen based on their academic achievement, leadership and service to the community.

Ballam is a General Studies major and intends to transfer to the University of Arizona.

She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, a student leader from the TeenPact Leadership Schools and is a pianist for her church’s worship team.

While at GCC, she has been on both the Dean’s List and the President’s List.

Henderson is a Business Administration major and plans to attend Arizona State University to complete a degree in Business Communication.

Henderson works as a gymnastics coach at Triangle Academy, is a Gila County Fair organizer, and works on the Agricultural Awareness Program with the University of Arizona.

She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and has been on the Dean’s List.

Each student named to the All-American Academic Team maintains at least a 3.5 grade point average, is in good academic standing, is working toward an associate degree, and is involved in campus or community.