Sophia Saldana Photo/EAC: Gavin Bryce, of Thatcher, and Grant Palmer, of Flagstaff, were part of an elite group of Arizona community college students who earned spots on the 2024 All-Arizona Academic Team. Pictured are, from left, Palmer, EAC President Todd Haynie, Grant, and EAC Phi Theta Kappa advisor, Craig Smith.

By Lori Dugan/EAC

THATCHER — Eastern Arizona College (EA) proudly recognizes the exceptional achievements of two of its students, Gavin Bryce of Thatcher and Grant Palmer of Flagstaff, who were honored at the 27th Annual All-Arizona Academic Team luncheon in Mesa last month.

Amidst a gathering of over fifty scholars from various community colleges across Arizona, Bryce and Palmer stood out for their extraordinary academic accomplishments, leadership abilities, and community service efforts, earning them coveted spots on the 2024 All-Arizona Academic Team. Their impressive credentials have also positioned them as contenders for the prestigious All-USA Academic Team, to be decided later in the year.

Their accolades include a citation from Governor Katie Hobbs, a commemorative medallion, and the significant privilege of a two-year in-state tuition waiver to any Arizona university of their choosing. In recognition of their respective placements, First Team member Palmer received a $1000 scholarship, while Second Team member Bryce was granted a $750 scholarship.

Bryce, aspiring to a medical career, intends to pursue medical studies at Arizona State University and eventually become a physician. His journey is already marked by hands-on experience as a certified emergency medical technician and by leadership roles such as the vice president of EA’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter. Off-campus, Bryce devotes his time to serving the San Carlos Apache Reservation as an EMT, while also being an active member of his church and a passionate football enthusiast.

Palmer also shares the aspiration to practice medicine, aiming to specialize in emergency medicine. As a distinguished EMT, chemistry tutor, and active Phi Theta Kappa officer, Palmer’s dedication to his studies and to his community is evident. His academic excellence has led him to be named EA’s Advanced Chemistry Student of the Year and to serve as an EA Student Ambassador. A recent joy in Palmer’s life is the birth of his son, Henry, with his wife Aneron, as they plan to root their future in rural Arizona where he aspires to make a significant impact as an ER Physician.

Adding to his accolades, Palmer has also been named a Coca-Cola Academic Team Gold Scholar, which comes with a $1500 scholarship and a commemorative medallion, courtesy of the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation. This distinction is a first for an EA student and highlights the caliber of the institution’s student body and faculty.

The All-Arizona Academic Team awards, sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa, USA Today, and the American Association of Community Colleges, require candidates to maintain at least a 3.5 GPA, be in good academic standing, pursue an associate degree, and demonstrate active involvement in community service.

EAC extends heartfelt congratulations to Bryce and Palmer for their hard work and for bringing honor to their college and community.

Eastern Arizona College is an institution committed to academic excellence and fostering student success in a supportive and inclusive environment.

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