Six top Yavapai College students have been rewarded for their stellar academics and college and community contributions with selection to the prestigious All-Arizona Academic Team.
The six All-Arizona Scholars representing Yavapai College on the 2026 All-Arizona Academic Team are pursuing a variety of career paths, from law to nursing and creative writing to engineering. 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 students are:
Prescott Campus: Sarah Khalil and Eric Jackson
CTEC: Robert "Porter" Blakeley and Patric Sipes
Verde Valley Campus: Tristan Schreiner and Laura Waltrip
"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," said Yavapai College President Dr. Lisa Rhine. "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."
Added Professor Denise Woolsey, an advisor to both the College Honors Program (CHP) and the Yavapai College chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) international college honor society, "This year's group of All Arizona Academic scholars is an excellent example of the high-achieving students within our Yavapai College campuses."
More about Yavapai College's six 2026 All-Arizona Academic Team winners:
Robert "Porter" Blakely: An electrical engineering student, Blakely plans to continue his engineering studies at ASU and also study automation, robotics, radio, audio and theater. Blakely enjoys acting in community theater and political activism. He is the president of the college’s PTK chapter and is a member of CHP and Students of Leadership.
Eric Jackson: A fire science student working as a firefighter and EMT for the Verde Valley Fire District while renewing his state credentials, Jackson was a firefighter in Australia during the Black Summer Bush Fire in that country. He plans to transfer to Northern Arizona University (NAU) and pursue a career in wildfire management. He is a member of PTK and is on the College Honors Dean’s List.
Sarah Khalil: After earning her associate degree at Yavapai College, Khalil plans to study psychology at ASU. She serves on the Yavapai College Student Government Association Senate, is an officer in both PTK and Future Business Leaders of America. She is College Honors student and a member of Students of Leadership.
Tristan Schreiner: A father of three who works full time as a bartender in Sedona, Schreiner plans to transfer to the University of Arizona after earning his associate degree at Yavapai college this spring. A creative writing and interdisciplinary studies student, he aspires to be an author as well as write digital screenplays. Schreiner is a Yavapai College Honors student and a member (PTK). He enjoys spending time in the outdoors in the Verde Valley with his fiancé and daughters.
Patric Sipes: An aspiring nurse and graduate of the Yavapai College Fire Academy and EMT program, Sipes plans to transfer to NAU and pursue a career with a medical/life-saving focus. His college honors and activities include, Students of Leadership, CHP, PTK and the Sustainability Club.
Laura Waltrip: A paralegal studies student, Waltrip plans to continue her justice studies at Arizona State University. A former stay-at-home mom now working in the justice system, Waltrip’s career goal is to become a legal paraprofessional with endorsements in criminal law, family law and juvenile dependency.
Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, six baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about Yavapai College, visit yc.edu.
