Astoria, Oregon— Clatsop Community College proudly announces the high achievements of its students this spring term, with several being recognized for their academic excellence and community service.
Kris Reid and Taylor Falconer have been chosen for the All USA Academic Team due to their outstanding academic achievements, leadership qualities, and commitment to community service. As part of the All USA Academic Team, Kris and Taylor will attend a reception in Salem on April 19th as the Oregon Community College Associations honors the scholars from throughout the state.
Taylor Falconer is receiving her Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree in Business and will be transferring to Linfield University with a full-ride scholarship. She has been the President of CCC’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Treasurer of the Associated Student Government of CCC and also works at the college bookstore. “The community that I have created within the campus has changed my life. It has helped my confidence skyrocket with making new friends and acquaintances, being successful within my classes, and being recognized for the hard work that I have poured into my studies and clubs during my time at CCC. The last two years have changed every aspect of who I am for the better and I couldn’t be more grateful for what the college has given me on that level. It was through these connections that I felt like I could keep excelling within my classes and was constantly challenged and encouraged by my advisors and instructors to rise to the challenges,” said Taylor.
Kris Reid will be graduating this spring with an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree and is studying English Literature and Writing. Kris has been a Student Ambassador for the CCC Foundation, the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society Vice President, and volunteers with the Scouts of America in Seaside. “My journey through Clatsop Community College has been the most pivotal I have ever undertaken. It is changing everything about how I understand and relate with the world. When I think of community and family, I think of Clatsop Community College. I will miss ever person I have had the pleasure of getting to spend time with and learn about here. Walking these halls has been an honor. I hope I have been successful in my efforts to give back to this amazing environment in return,” stated Kris.
Additionally, Kris Reid has been honored as a 2024 Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar, receiving a $1,000 scholarship along with a commemorative medallion. Administered by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, the Coca-Cola Academic Team program recognizes the top scholars across the nation, with Kris standing out as an exemplary recipient. This prestigious award underscores Kris’s dedication to academic excellence and community engagement.
Moreover, Clatsop Community College celebrates the selection of Asher Finch and Kris Reid as semifinalists for the Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship, a highly competitive national scholarship competition aimed at supporting outstanding community college students in their pursuit of higher education. The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation selected 459 semifinalists from a pool of over 1,600 applicants nationwide, with Asher and Kris representing 2 of the 5 semifinalists from Oregon colleges.
Asher Finch is graduating this spring with an Associates of Arts Oregon Transfer degree and will be studying Creative Writing at OSU next year. Asher is the current Student Body President, the president of the LGBTQ+ and Allies Club, a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and was editor in Chief of Rain Magazine. They also served as president of the English Club and was a CCC Foundation Student Ambassador. “The overwhelming support of staff and instructors has made a world of difference in my time at CCC. There is an evident love of academia and care for the students that makes a huge impact here at Clatsop. My goal is to return to the community college world and work as an instructor in either literature or writing. I believe that education should be accessible to all people, and that community college is the best way to increase the accessibility of higher education. Knowledge is power, and it belongs in the hands of the people,” stated Asher.
The Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship provides significant financial support, up to $55,000 per year for two to three years, to assist recipients in completing their bachelor’s degrees at accredited four-year institutions. This esteemed scholarship reflects the dedication and potential exhibited by Asher and Kris as they strive for academic excellence and leadership. The semifinalists will hear final results of who is awarded the scholarships in May.
And last, but not least, Asher Finch and Taylor Falconer are both finalists to the Ford Family Foundation’s Transfer Scholars Program which could assist with up to $40,000 annually to complete their four-year degree at the college of their choice in their home state. They will find out who is awarded these scholarships in May as well.
“We are immensely proud of our students’ remarkable accomplishments and their commitment to academic excellence, leadership, and community service,” said Teena Toyas, Interim President of Clatsop Community College. “Kris Reid, Taylor Falconer, Asher Finch, and all our outstanding scholars embody the spirit of excellence that defines our college community.”
Clatsop Community College extends its heartfelt congratulations to Kris Reid, Taylor Falconer, Asher Finch, and all students recognized for their exceptional achievements. As they continue their academic journey, they serve as inspiring examples of excellence and dedication to the entire college community.
