Pierce College is excited to announce that eight outstanding Pierce College students were recently named to the 2026 All-Washington Academic Team. Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges, introduced the All-USA Academic Team to honor students for their high academic achievements and community service efforts.
The Pierce College students who make up this year's All-Washington Academic Team reflect the diversity of our Pierce College community and our world. Each of them maintains high standards of academic excellence and contributes positively to our community.
Pierce College Fort Steilacoom has selected Edward Riker, Fritzlanzia Botex-Vernisier, Jennifer Wambui, and Jared C.. Pierce College Puyallup has selected Julissa Grossman, Daria Novotarska, Deborah Kariuki, and Michelle Morales.
Julissa Grossman
Julissa Grossman is pursuing an associate degree in early childhood education at Pierce College Puyallup. She plans to become a preschool teacher where she can help her students develop communication and problem-solving skills that prepare them for success. In 2018, she earned a Certificate of Personal Training. In addition to her academic accomplishments, Julissa has experience working in before and after school care and is passionate about advocating for access to early learning opportunities for children.
Daria Novotarska
Daria Novotarska is currently pursuing an associate degree in science at Pierce College Puyallup. Daria moved to the United States after the start of the war in her home country, Ukraine. She has spent time volunteering to collect donations and supplies for Ukrainian soldiers and volunteers her time with her local church. After graduation, she intends to pursue a career in dental hygiene and later earn her bachelor's degree.
Deborah Kariuki
Deborah Kariuki is currently a pre-nursing student at Pierce College. She plans to transfer to pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing before becoming a registered nurse. In addition to her academic accomplishments, she has volunteered with Equator House, Rose Place, and Beyond Barriers Ministries, where she serves as Youth Secretary on the leadership committee.
Michelle Morales
Michelle Morales is an alumna of Pierce College, having already earned associate degrees in arts and in pre-nursing. For the last 10 years, she has worked as a medical assistant developing her passion for patient care, and she currently works as an Ambassador on Duty where she helps support clinic operations at an urgent care clinic, though her dream has always been to become a nurse. She is currently applying to multiple nursing programs and looks forward to continuing her journey in healthcare.
Fritzlanzia Botex-Vernisier
Fritzlanzia Botex-Vernisier is first-generation pre-nursing student at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom. She grew up in Haiti caring for her great-grandmother - an act of love and a challenge which ultimately inspired her to pursue a career in nursing. She holds certifications in CPR, AED, and first aid, and speaks Haitian Creole and French. She plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing at a four-year university and ultimately become a registered nurse.
Jennifer Wambui
Jennifer Wambui is a nursing student at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom. Already a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Jennifer enrolled at Pierce College to advance her career and ultimately reach her goal of becoming a nurse. A native of Kenya, Jennifer was inspired to pursue nursing because of the nursing shortage in her home country. She hopes to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives through her work.
Edward Riker
Edward Riker has completed his Associate of Applied Science in Accounting. He previously worked in education, where he developed a strong interest in math and data analysis, which led him to pursue a business career.
Through his studies, Edward developed a genuine passion for accounting and understanding how businesses operate. He’s now focused on gaining real-world experience in the field, with a long-term goal of starting his own bookkeeping business. He also plans to pursue his CPA in the future.
Jared C.
Jared C. will graduate this June with an associate degree in early childhood education from Pierce College. He has maintained a 4.0, placing him on the college chancellor's list. During his time as a student at Pierce College, Jared supported our community as a volunteer at the Pierce College Veterans Center and the Milgard Child Development Center. He plans to earn a bachelor's degree in education, and later, a master's degree. In the future, Jared hopes to give back to his community by becoming a teacher of the visually impaired and provide quality education for individuals with vision impairments.