Nikolas Alexander and Vanessa Stangil are this years’ Rogue Community College recipients of the 2014 All Oregon Academic Team Scholars.
Both students will be honored with a trip to Salem in April with other All Oregon Academic Team Scholars, meet Governor John Kitzhaber, and be presented with a medallion recognizing their achievement.
All Oregon Academic Team Scholars also receive an Oregon transfer scholarship of at least $1,000 and are also nominated for national recognition as a member of the “All USA Academic Team” and the “Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team.”
Academic Team Scholars are selected annually from each of Oregon’s 17 community colleges based on excellence in the classroom, intellectual curiosity, service to the college and community, and their ability to share their talents with others.
Born in Trail, where he still resides, Alexander taught elementary English for two years at an inner-city school in Managua, Nicaragua. While there he directed and produced a film documentary about his experiences, which he’s since shared in presentations at Rogue Valley schools and churches. Alexander also is the girls’ basketball coach at White Mountain Middle School.
After completing an associate’s degree at RCC, he plans to attend Southern Oregon University to complete a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and cinematography.
Stangil was born in Charlottesville, Va., and currently lives in Williams. She served as the secretary of the RCC Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and was a student midwife in Grants Pass at a birthing center. She also taught organic gardening to students at nearby Williams Elementary School.
After completing an associate’s degree at RCC, Stangil plans to attend either Bastyr University or the Metropolitan State University of Denver, where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in alternative medicine. She hopes to become a naturopathic physician.