An aspiring mechanical engineer, a future inventor, a new nursing grad, a future college professor, a traumatic brain injury survivor and a former missionary in India – all of them learning to do more and be more at Yavapai College -- have won 2023-24 All-Arizona Academic Team honors from the Arizona Board of Regents.

The six students, representing three YC campuses and centers, were selected based on their academic success, leadership and community-service endeavors inside and outside of college. Each will receive a tuition waiver upon transferring to an Arizona university and are eligible for additional scholarships and recognition on a national level.

The six winners are:

YC Career and Technical Education Center

George Smith

Issac Smith

Verde Valley Campus

April Beltran

Caysha Francis

Prescott Campus

Chasity Bryant

Collin Newberry

“These remarkable students exemplify resilience, courage, caring and commitment in the pursuit of their career dreams and are a testament to the diversity of our student body and the power of community colleges to lift lives and empower student success,” YC President Dr. Lisa Rhine said of the latest All-Arizona Academic Team honorees representing Yavapai College. “I am exceedingly proud of these students and I know each of them will leave an indelible mark on their universities, their communities and the world.”

The YC student winners will join the All-Arizona Academic Team winners from other Arizona community colleges Feb. 28 in Tempe for a celebratory luncheon hosted by the Arizona Board of Regents.

Following is more about each of the Yavapai College representatives on the 2023-2024 All-Arizona Academic Team.

George Smith:

A lifelong motorsports enthusiast from Winslow, George is parlaying his passion into his goal of becoming a mechanical engineer with plans to transfer to Arizona State University. George currently serves as a Resident Assistant in the YC residence halls, is a member of both the College Honors Program and the YC chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. He is a YC Food Pantry volunteer and on behalf of the CHP, organized the Chalk for Change project.

Isaac Smith:

Isaac of Prescott is pursuing science knowledge and technology skills simultaneously at YC. An aspiring engineer, designer, builder and inventor, Isaac helped build and helps operate the college’s 3D concrete house printer and assists in the welding and machine shops at the college’s Career and Technical Education Center. A musician, Isaac also serves as the sound engineer at his church, is a member of the C.A.S.T Club at YC, a performing arts club, and is treasurer of the Juggling Club. A President’s Award of Excellence winner at YC, Isaac plans to pursue science and engineering studies at Northern Arizona University.

Chasity Bryant:

Chasity grew up in Cottonwood and graduated from YC’s nursing program in the fall. She plans to continue her nursing education at Northern Arizona University, earning both a master’s and a doctorate enroute to her dream jobs as a pediatric oncology nurse and/or nursing professor. While at YC, Chasity founded and led the college’s Pride Club, served on the College Council, was active in the Student Nursing Association,  was an award-winning local and regional chapter officer for PTK and was a President’s Award of Excellence winner. A former Honors student and Learning Center tutor, Chasity currently serves as a Resident Assistant at YC.

Collin Newberry:

Collin is studying both psychology and philosophy at YC and plans to transfer to ASU, pursue a doctorate and teach social sciences at the college level. He is the founder and president of the YC Psychology Club, is an Honors Student, a PTK officer at large, a volunteer for YC Admissions and is a member and officer with the college’s Juggling and Philosophy Clubs. He coordinated the college’s participation in the Teen Maze community event.

Caysha Francis:

A traumatic brain injury survivor, Caysha grew up in the Verde Valley and has been active in both the Clarkdale and Cottonwood communities as a volunteer with events and youth organizations and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. She describes herself as a full-time mom and a part-time student who plans to continue science studies at NAU and fulfill a career dream of becoming a dental hygienist.

April Beltran:

April is a pre-nursing student from Cottonwood with plans to transfer to NAU in pursuit of a healthcare career following a decade-long missionary adventure in India where she helped operate a vocational school for orphans and impoverished youths and adults. Her career goal is to become a nurse practitioner and/or a midwife. She serves as a health aide and after-school instructor for the Cottonwood Oak Creek School District and is active in promoting the fine arts in the Verde Valley. She is a member of PTK at YC.

Yavapai College operates six campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, a baccalaureate degree, student and community services, and cultural events and activities.

To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu