The tradition of scholarly success continues at Yavapai College, with seven students representing a variety of disciplines and five different campuses and centers earning the prestigious All-Arizona Academic Team scholarship for 2021.
The transfer scholarship to an Arizona university of the student’s choice is awarded to academically successful community college students who also excel outside the classroom by leading or participating in community service.
YC President Dr. Lisa Rhine applauded the latest winners of the valuable scholarship, calling them an exemplary group of future leaders and professionals in their respective fields. "These seven students found their purpose at Yavapai College and a springboard for achieving their personal and career goals. All of us at YC are exceedingly proud.”
Added Denise Woolsey, a YC Business Professor who directs the College Honors Program and advised the Phi Theta Kappa honor society chapter: “This year's group of All Arizona Academic scholars is an excellent example of the high achieving students within our Yavapai College campuses.”
The seven YC representatives on the 2021 All-Arizona Academic Team will be feted at a statewide celebration in February and will compete for additional scholarship awards in the All-USA Academic Team competition.
Following are the All-Arizona Academic Team scholars (listed in alphabetical order):
Gabrielle Baker
“Brie” is a Prescott Campus performing arts student who plans to transfer to an Arizona university in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, with a concentration in performing arts. Her career goal is two-fold, both professional performance and art education. Brie was named YC’s Outstanding Student in the Performing Arts last year, is an Honors student and member of PTK. Her extra-curricular activities include serving as a living history interpreter at Sharlot Hall Museum, serving as president of YC’s performing arts club and acting in Shakespeare plays with Laark Productions.
Jennifer Bergstad
Jennifer graduated from YC’s nursing program in fall 2021. She studied nursing at YC’s Verde Valley Campus, where she served as the president of the Student Nurses Association. She plans to continue her nursing education at Arizona State University and ultimately become a psychiatric nurse practitioner in the Verde Valley. Jennifer was a member of the YC Students of Leadership 2021 cohort, was a member of PTK and was awarded the Jewish Community Foundation’s Pathways to Careers scholarship.
Anna Componovo
Anna is an animal science student at YC’s Chino Valley Agribusiness and Technology Center. She plans to transfer to the University of Arizona to pursue an agriculture degree with an equine emphasis. Her career goal is to be an equine nutritionist. Anna is a member of PTK and is a volunteer with Stepping Stones Agencies and Spring Ridge Academy. She is the recipient of the Deb McCasland Endowed Scholarship.
Justin Hysom-Call
A U.S. Navy veteran and Honors student, Justin is studying science at the YC Prescott Campus where he serves as a tutor in the Learning Center, is president of the Juggling Club, is a member of the PTK leadership team and PTK Honors in Action. He plans to continue his science studies at the University of Arizona Honors College. His career goal is to direct an independent research laboratory tackling marine rehabilitation and sustainability.
Erin Markham
Erin is a YC Verde Valley Campus Nursing student who is concurrently enrolled at Northern Arizona University and expects to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing this fall. She aspires to a career in geriatric care. Erin is the founder and president of the Yavapai College Love for Our Elders chapter. She is a member of PTK and serves on the chapter’s Fun Run marketing team. She volunteers with Student Nurses Association blood drives and was named to the YC President’s List.
Justin Ritzenthaler
Justin is a pre-engineering student at YC’s Career and Technical Education Center and a member of the College Honors Program. He plans to study aerospace engineering at ASU’s Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering. His career goal is to work for NASA or SpaceX. Among other activities, Justin is a member of PTK, lifeguards at the YC Pool and is an organizer of the college’s Fun Run scholarship fundraiser.
Paul Schachtner
A U.S. Coast Guard veteran, Paul studies unmanned aircraft systems at YC’s Career and Technical Education Center. He plans to transfer to ASU and study conservation science enroute to a career tackling drinking water sustainability. Paul teaches algebra at AAEC High School, coaches the school’s mountain bike team and is a Prescott Valley performing arts construction volunteer. He was named CTEC’s Most Outstanding Aviation student in 2021 and is a member of PTK.
