Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) in Kirkland has named students Tiffany Ruiz and Marc Allen to the 2016 Phi Theta Kappa All-Washington Academic Team. Phi Theta Kappa, the International Honor Society for two-year colleges, recognizes 20 college students for their scholastic achievements each year. To qualify, recipients must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or higher, demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and community engagement, and be nominated by their college.

Ruiz is earning her associate degree in nursing at LWTech and plans to work with children and adolescent patients diagnosed with cancer or blood disorders through pediatric oncology. In addition to being a student, she is also raising a three-year-old daughter and coordinates events for the LWTech chapter of the Student Nurses Organization.

Allen, a father of three, is working toward an associate degree in diesel and heavy equipment technology, a certificate in welding, and taking two quarters of machining. He owns a small farm in Eastern Washington. Before enrolling at LWTech, Allen worked as a software engineer until 2012 and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics.

The 2016 All-Washington Academic Team Recognition Ceremony will take place at noon on March 24 at South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia.