Meet TCC's All-Washington Scholars

Each year, Washington’s 34 Community and Technical Colleges select outstanding students to represent them as All-Washington Scholars. Scholars from around the state are recognized at an event held at South Puget Sound Community College in April.

TCC’s 2026 All Washington Scholars

Julia Cater

Julia Cater will complete a business certificate this spring, then work full-time in her chosen field. She spent many years as a caretaker, caring first for her parents and then for her husband. When her husband died of cancer, it motivated her to not take her time for granted. Six months later, she enrolled at TCC to pursue her goal of staring a bookkeeping business.

Fidelah Celestine

Fidelah Celestine earned a pre-nursing degree at TCC, starts a Nursing degree at the Milwaukee School of Engineering this fall, and plans to earn a Doctorate in medicine. Fidelah became interested in nursing when she helped a friend navigate a new medical condition in high school. A math and science tutor while at TCC, she learned to balance her introspective nature with active engagement, fostering meaningful connections while allowing herself to recharge when needed.

John Gaiti

After nursing student John Gaiti completes TCC’s Nursing program, he plans to work in health care before returning to college for a BSN. Gaiti became interested in nursing when he worked at a hospital as a bookkeeper. After wishing he could do more for his dying father who was undergoing dialysis, his interest became determination. He he looks forward to advocating for better nurse to patient ratios and outcomes when he begins his nursing career.

Dat Phan

After Dat Phan completes his Associate degree in Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services this spring, he plans to complete his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Washington. An interest in problem-solving and collaborative development, plus a Microsoft internship, led to his choice of field. As a Peer Mentor at TCC, he learned that effective leadership demands emotional agility and prioritizing immediate human needs over technical tasks, an approach which will inform his career.