Two EvCC students named to All-Washington Academic Team

Press Release

Date: May 17, 2023

Contact: Jenny Marin, Director of Public Relations, 425-388-9203; jmarin@everettcc.edu

Everett Community College students Emily Backstrom, left, and Halema Salim, right, attend the All-Washington Academic Team ceremony with Interim President Darrell Cain April 27 in Olympia.

EVERETT, Wash. – Everett Community College students Emily Backstrom and Halema Salim were honored April 27 at a ceremony in Olympia as members of the 2023 All-Washington Academic Team.

The two are among the state’s top scholars representing Washington’s 34 community and technical colleges. The award recognizes outstanding students who have a demonstrated commitment to success in the classroom and in the communities where they live.

Backstrom, 26, of Everett, wants to earn a master’s degree in library science and work in a library and as a writer. She is involved with honor society Phi Theta Kappa and EvCC’s Students for Environmental Action club. At EvCC, she worked with a team to research and plan an event to engage local elementary students in learning.

“College is for everyone to grow their skills and potential, and for all we know, we may plant some seeds that inspire our kids to pursue higher education,” Backstrom said.

Salim, 18, of Mukilteo, is a Running Start student who wants to attend medical school and become an OB-GYN. Her parents were refugees from Afghanistan, and their experience inspired her to volunteer at two local food banks researching, growing, and supplying culturally relevant produce to immigrants. She said she is motivated to carry out her educational dreams to make her family proud and pay them back for all they have done for her.

Backstrom and Salim each received a $250 scholarship and are eligible for additional scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $20,500 at a variety of Washington state public and private schools. For more information about the 27th annual All-Washington Academic Team ceremony held at South Puget Sound Community College, visit SPSCC.edu/AllWA.