Four Lake Washington Institute of Technology Students Named to Phi Theta Kappa All-Washington Team

Pictured from left to right: Tabitha Arellano, Jonathan Lee, Benjamin Rawald, Gabriela Sanchez

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One Student Also Named to All-USA Academic Team

KIRKLAND, Wash. – Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) students Tabitha Arellano, Jonathan Lee, Benjamin Rawald, and Gabriela Sanchez have been named to the 2022 Phi Theta Kappa All-Washington Academic Team. Rawald was one of 20 students from around the country who was also named to the All-USA Academic Team.

Arellano is a student in the Accounting Associate degree program. When her oldest son confided in her that he was nervous about being the first college student in the family, she decided to change that and start a degree of her own. Her experience at LWTech has helped show her three sons that anything is possible. Her goal after completing her degree is to advance her career in the school district where she works.

Lee is working towards an Associate degree in Engineering. He is most interested in the aviation and automobile industry because even though there have been many technological advancements, there is still a lot of work to do, especially in mitigating climate change. Lee plans to transfer to Washington State University after completing his Associate degree and hopes to become a leader in the Engineering industry. Lee was also named as one of Washington State Employee Credit Union’s (WSECU) Top-16 scholars and received a $750 scholarship. 

Rawald is a student in the Engineering Transfer program. He knew he wanted to be an engineer from the first time he felt a current run through his fingers during a second-grade science project. Over time, his interests evolved from PC part assembly to hardware Engineering because he wants to reduce the world's toxic tech footprint. After completing his Associate degree, Rawald will be transferring to UW Seattle or UW Bothell. Rawald is one of 20 students from around the country who was named to the All-USA Academic team. Additionally, he was named as one of Washington State Employee Credit Union’s (WSECU) Top-16 scholars and received a $750 scholarship, was named one of this year’s New Century Transfer and Workforce Scholars, and he received the Jan Yoshiwara All-WA Scholar Award.

Sanchez is working toward her Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) degree. As a first-generation college student whose mother and grandmother were not allowed to attend school, she feels a sense of responsibility to make the most of her opportunities at LWTech. She hopes to work as an OTA, helping to serve underserved communities. After completing her Associate degree, she will continue her education and pursue a BAS in either mental health or public health. Sanchez was also named as one of Washington State Employee Credit Union’s (WSECU) Top-16 scholars and received a $750 scholarship. 

“Tabitha, Jonathan, Benjamin and Gabriella are incredibly hard working students,” commented Dr. Amy Morrison, president of LWTech. “I am so proud of all they have accomplished while at the college and I look forward to seeing what they do next.”

The All-Washington Academic Team program showcases Washington’s community and technical colleges by honoring academic high achievers who have shown a commitment to success both in the classroom and the communities in which they live. This recognition also demonstrates the state’s commitment to scholarship and community service on the part of those attending the state’s public community and technical colleges. To qualify, recipients must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and community engagement, and be nominated by their college.