Last Updated on April 21, 2025 by Jordan Monaco
PENDLETON, Ore. – Blue Mountain Community College is proud to recognize four outstanding students named to the 2025 All-Oregon Academic Team (AOAT), an honor awarded to top-performing community college scholars across the state.
This year’s BMCC honorees are:
- Darla Holden of Helix
- Amelia Durning of Wallowa
- Ashley Henry of Mt. Vernon
- Nikaela Higley of Pendleton
These students were selected based on their exceptional academic achievement, leadership abilities, and commitment to community service. Many members of the AOAT are also part of Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for community college students.
“We are incredibly proud of Darla, Amelia, Ashley, and Nikaela for earning this recognition,” said Dr. Mark Browning, BMCC President. “Their hard work, perseverance, and dedication to both academics and service reflect the very best of BMCC, our standards, and the communities we serve.”
The AOAT is a statewide program coordinated by the Oregon Community College Association (OCCA) and is part of a national effort to honor academic excellence in community colleges. This year, 55 students from Oregon’s 17 community colleges were named to the team.
The scholars will be honored at the 2025 All-Oregon Academic Team Luncheon on April 18 at Chemeketa Community College’s Eola Center in Salem. The event included remarks from State Representative Ricki Ruiz (D-Gresham) and stories from featured student speakers across the state.