Four Yavapai College students with big dreams and academic prowess have earned the prestigious All Arizona Academic Team Scholarship from the Arizona Board of Regents, enabling them to continue their studies at a state university of their choice tuition-free.

The four honorees, Anastasia Lobo, Simona Poulsen, Aidan Skoch and Austin Tosh, will celebrate their achievements alongside YC leaders and fellow All Arizona Academic Team scholars from around the state on Feb. 22 in Tempe. As a result of their selection, each scholar also is eligible for additional national-level scholarships, including the All-USA Community College Academic Team Scholarship, which will be announced later this year.

YC’s representatives on the All-Arizona Academic Team for 2022-2023 have similar academic achievements, extra-curricular activities, leadership experience and career goals. Three of the four are College Honors Program members. Three are YC Phi Theta Kappa honor society chapter members. Anastasia and Simona are aspiring attorneys while Aidan and Austin both are pursuing engineering careers.

“All four are exemplary in every way and very deserving of this lucrative scholarship,” said Denise Woolsey, director of the college’s honors program and an advisor for the YC PTK chapter. “I’ve seen what they can do in the classroom and in the community and I know they’ll continue to shine at their chosen universities and in their chosen fields.”

YC President Dr. Lisa Rhine also expressed pride in the four YC scholars and said she has no doubt they’ll show the world that community colleges are wonderful places to launch, build and propel dreams. “Anastasia, Simona, Aidan and Austin brought their hearts and minds to YC, found a place – a home—where they were supported, encouraged and ultimately thrived. I can’t wait to watch them carry what they have acquired here to new and rewarding heights,” she said.

More about each YC All-Arizona Academic Team Scholar for 2022-23:

Anastasia Lobo

A Prescott campus Administration of Justice student, Anastasia plans to transfer to Arizona State University to study public policy and later law. She is pursuing a career as a defense attorney. A YC honors student, Anastasia is active in PTK and the college’s Pride Club. She is a PTK Edge award winner and has earned academic honors while at YC.

Simona Poulsen

A Prescott Campus Administration of Justice student, Simona plans to transfer to Northern Arizona University to continue her criminal justice studies. She is pursuing a career as a prosecutor. Simona is a member of YC’s 2022-2023 Students of Leadership cohort, is a member of the YC Law and Justice Club and PTK. She helped lead the 2022 Teen Maze project.

Aidan Skoch

A pre-engineering student at YC’s Career and Technical Education Center, Aidan is a graduate of YC’s Culinary Arts Program. After finishing his associate degree, he plans to transfer to Arizona State University to continue his engineering studies enroute to a career as a mechanical engineer. Aidan is a YC honors student and is vice president of the YC chapter of PTK.

Austin Tosh

A pre-engineering and Electrical Instrumentation Technology student at CTEC, Austin plans to continue his studies at an Arizona university and pursue a career in industrial technology. He is a YC honors student and was named Outstanding Student in the Electrical Instrumentation program last spring. He spends his free time serving the community and fellow students.