Amarillo College Students Named All-USA Academic Team Nominees
Amarillo College is proud to announce four students selected as nominees to represent the college in the 2025–2026 All-USA Academic Team competition:
Transfer Nominees
- Kennedy Juarez
- Coline Moon
Workforce Nominees
- Natasha Clerkley
- Lauren Green
These students will compete for the All-USA Academic Team, Coca-Cola Academic Team, and the New Century Transfer Pathway Scholarship or New Century Workforce Pathway Scholarship, with nearly $500,000 in scholarships awarded to outstanding college students. Nominees may also receive recognition through All-State Academic Team programs across 37states, which may include academic scholarships, stipends, media coverage, and medallions or certificates.
Natasha Clerkley, who earned her GED before pursuing criminal justice at Amarillo College and has worked at Eastridge Elementary while in school, was inspired by her professor and her family’s involvement in trucking to start her own business.
“I was shocked. I just wanted to try something different, and now I hope to start my own business inspired by my family’s logistics knowledge,” Clerkley said. “It’s exciting to be a role model for the college.”
Lauren Green began AC’s physical therapy assistant program after experiencing physical therapy herself following a broken leg. She values the support of her classmates and looks forward to clinical opportunities and a future in the medical field.
“It’s difficult, but my classmates have made it so much better,” Green said. “We’re like a family, helping one another every step of the way. I look forward to completing my clinicals and working in a hospital in the future.”
Kennedy Juarez chose Amarillo College for its affordability and resources, aiming to improve her GPA and eventually attend law school. Juarez was surprised and excited by the All-USA Academic Team nomination.
“I was shocked when I heard about this honor,” Juarez said. “Amarillo College offered me the resources and affordability to build a strong foundation before law school, and I’m excited to help people through the law.”
Coline Moon, who joined AC through the STEM Scholars Program, switched her focus from nursing to biology after a summer bridge program. She is active in student government and plans to continue her education.
“I was pleasantly surprised,” Moon said. “AC gave me the chance to change my major from nursing to biology and become more involved on campus. I plan to continue my education at either West Texas A&M or UT to pursue a medical degree.”
Phi Theta Kappa will notify scholars of their placement on state and national teams in March.