Meet SPSCC’s 2024 All-Washington Scholars

South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) today announced its four students being recognized as members of the All-Washington Academic Team: Madison Hehemann, Pushpinder (Artemis) Kaur, Richard Beckman, and Tracie Hagest. They will be honored at the All-WA Ceremony where students from the state’s 34 community and technical colleges are recognized for their academic achievement and commitment to success. The ceremony will be hosted at the SPSCC Lacey Campus in Building 1 and livestreamed on the college’s YouTube channel on April 25, 2024, at 12:30 p.m. 

Madison Hehemann is driven by her passion for helping others. As a Running Start student, she is actively involved in both her high school and college communities, including being a member of the National Honor Society and committing over 300 hours to volunteering at her high school library. Madison has also earned a place on both the Dean's and President's List in her first year at SPSCC. After graduating, she aspires to pursue a career in the sonography field.

Pushpinder (Artemis) Kaur is passionate about technology and the spiritual aspect of existence. She moved to the U.S. from India to pursue her degree in cybersecurity and build a better future for herself. Artemis has competed in various national cybersecurity competitions to bring positive representation for women in tech. She serves as Vice President of Service & Fellowship for SPSCC's PTK Chapter, reflecting her commitment to community and academic excellence.

Richard Beckman holds the motto “you can do anything you set your mind to” close to heart. From leading a thriving robotics team to excelling as an international DECA competitor, Richard embodies versatility and determination. Fascinated by the mechanics of motion, he is pursuing a career in engineering and is currently involved in SPSCC's Undergraduate Research program. Outside of the classroom, Richard volunteers at Sound Learning, where he teaches English to Latinx community members.

Tracie Hagest was diagnosed with mouth cancer for the second time at 28 years old when she found herself at a crossroads. She was unable to settle on a new career path after treatment. Introduced to the trades by her partner, Tracie enrolled in SPSCC's Welding program and truly believes she has found her calling. Tracie currently works as a welder and craftswoman, creating her own art and custom work as she continues to hone her craft.

Scholarship Sponsors 

Each All-Washington Academic Team member will receive a Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) medallion and a $217 scholarship from KeyBank. The top 16 students, as ranked by PTK, will receive an additional $750 from WSECU and the top three will receive an additional $1,000 from the Washington State Association of College Trustees. 

Additionally, students who choose to attend Washington State four-year colleges and universities are eligible to receive additional scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $12,000. 

About the All-Washington Academic Team and Phi Theta Kappa 

The All-Washington Academic Team program recognizes and honors our state's finest higher education students. The students who make up the All-Washington Team reflect the diversity of the state, maintain high standards of excellence, and contribute positively to the community. Their stories are often inspiring, sometimes surprising, and always reflective of the larger story of the state's community and technical college students.

To qualify for the All-Washington Academic Team, students must be part of the Phi Theta Kappa international honor society for two-year colleges. Phi Theta Kappa has recognized and encouraged scholarships among two-year college students for more than 90 years by providing stimulation and enrichment while promoting the academic integrity of the associate degree program. All-Washington Academic Team members will also be ranked at a national level, with a chance to be included in the All-USA Academic Team.