Two students from Green River Community College won top honors at the 2011 All-Washington Academic Team celebration today in Olympia.

Jared Schiff, a 20-year-old engineering student from Enumclaw, was named the state’s top scholar by Gov. Christine Gregoire. Schiff will graduate this spring from GRCC with a 3.98 GPA and transfer to Eastern Washington University in the fall. As the state’s New Century Scholar, Gov. Gregoire noted that Schiff has the remarkable combination of leadership, scholarship, and service to his community. The Governor highlighted Schiff’s involvement with Green River’s award-winning Human-Powered Paper Vehicle design team and his volunteer effort with Washington Trails Association.

As the state’s New Century Scholar, Schiff received a $2,000 scholarship from Coca-Cola and will be honored at the American Association of Community Colleges convention in New Orleans next month, where the New Century Scholars from the other states will compete for the All-USA Academic Team.

Green River’s other All-Washington team member, 20-year-old Jordon Bokov, was recognized as one of eight WSECU Scholars. Bokov, who came to Green River from Bulgaria, received a $250 check from Washington State Employees Credit Union. He will graduate this spring with a 3.88 GPA and is looking to attend the University of Chicago to major in business and plans one day to open up a restaurant.

This is the first time in the 16-year history of the All-Washington Academic Team celebration that both students from Green River were singled out for special recognition. The ceremony honored 63 students from 33 of the state’s 34 community and technical colleges. Each college had the opportunity to nominate two students to the academic team. The All-Washington team members received a $750 scholarship check from Key Bank of Washington and NELA, the Northwest Education Loan Association.