MESA, Arizona -- Feb. 18, 2025 -- Three academically accomplished Mesa Community College students, Micayla Berglund, Melanie Perez Saenz and Riley Weathersbee, will be recognized for their exceptional achievements and distinguished leadership at the 2025 All-Arizona Academic Team Recognition Ceremony from noon-2 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Doubletree Hilton in Gilbert.

“I applaud these phenomenal students who have distinguished themselves and honored MCC with this recognition,” said MCC President Dr. Richard Daniel. “With the dedication they have shown to their chosen careers and their community, I have no doubt that they will be successful in whatever path they choose to pursue.”

The prestigious event, honoring 68 students from 19 community colleges across Arizona, will be livestreamed on mesacc.edu/live. The keynote speaker is Derrick Espadas, a 2017 first team All-Arizona/USA honoree and Pima Community College graduate currently pursuing a doctorate in business administration from Case Western Reserve University. He is the owner of Tucson-based Spade Business Services, LLC, offering outsourced bookkeeping, accounting and operations services. Espadas serves on the boards of Differently Abled Entertainment and TMM Family Services located in Tucson and Business Networking International. In 2026, he plans to campaign for a seat on the Arizona Corporation Commission.

All-Arizona honorees demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual tenacity combined with leadership and service that expand their education beyond the classroom to benefit their communities and society. Each is working toward an associate’s degree, maintains a GPA of 3.5 or higher (4.0 scale) and is involved in campus and community volunteer activities.

Organizations such as Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for two-year colleges and academic programs, the American Association of Community Colleges, the Arizona Community Colleges Coordinating Council, the Arizona Board of Regents and Follett Higher Education Group help these extraordinary students reach their educational goals by awarding scholarships and issuing tuition waivers for Arizona’s three state universities: Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University and The University of Arizona.

Majoring in environmental science at MCC’s Red Mountain Campus, Berglund will transfer to NAU where she plans to major in environmental science with a minor in biology. Her career goal is to work at a conservation agency to study animals.

Perez Saenz, who is majoring in psychology at the Southern and Dobson Campus, plans to transfer to ASU to earn a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in sociology. Her career goal is to become a clinical psychologist who provides public and private counseling for chronic mental illnesses.

Weathersbee is majoring in journalism and new media studies at the Southern and Dobson Campus and will transfer to NAU to earn a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Her career goal is to work as a public relations specialist to help build a bridge between communities and companies.

All-Arizona Academic Teams are judged in three rounds. First-round judges consist of local businesses and civic, education and government leaders. The second and third round judging occurs in Washington, D.C. by representatives from federal agencies and national education associations. Scores from the national competition are used to rank the students for the state team. First Team members will each receive a $1,000 scholarship, Second Team members a $750 scholarship and Third Team members a $500 scholarship. The national team rankings are anticipated later this spring.

All-Arizona Academic Team members are eligible to be selected as one of 22 named to the All-USA Community College Academic Team, receiving an additional $5,000 scholarship, medallion, obelisk and certificate during the American Association of Community Colleges annual convention scheduled April 12-16 in Nashville, Tenn.

Visit azregents.edu/programs/all-arizona-academic-team to learn more about the All-Arizona program.

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Media contact: Dawn Zimmer, dawn.zimmer@mesacc.edu or 480-461-7892

Mesa Community College (MCC), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary during 2025, is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving over 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. For nearly 60 years, MCC has been a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services and is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges. The MCC American Indian Institute supports students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. MCC's diverse student body includes hundreds of international students. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education and training. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, on the traditional lands of the O'odham, Piipaash, and Yavapai Peoples, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.