Centralia College this week announced its 2025 Outstanding Student Award winners.
The annual Outstanding Students Awards are given to students who have overcome obstacles in the pursuit of their degree, achieved their educational goals and have been an active member of the college community. Students are nominated by faculty and staff, and the winners are chosen by a selection committee.
This year’s award winners are Addison McDougal, Grace Morgan, Joshua Pickett and Rayleen Roberts.
Addison McDougal is a Running Start student from Rochester High School and the valedictorian of Rochester High School’s class of 2025. She is active in the Valley Ranchers 4-H Club and previously played softball and basketball. She is currently president of Centralia College’s Speech Club and says that public speaking has helped her to express her beliefs and gain confidence, according to the Centralia College website. She has a 4.0 GPA at Centralia College and plans to study dental hygiene.
Grace Morgan is a Running Start student from Rochester High School. She is an Eagle Scout from Scouts BSA Troop 317. She is a competitive Scottish highland dancer, varsity swimmer, and practices jiu-jitsu. She also is involved in many volunteer projects through Boy Scouts, the National Honor Society and many more groups. Morgan is studying Korean and Chinese and has been selected for a scholarship language exchange program in South Korea in 2026 through the U.S. State Department. After that, she plans to transfer to the University of Mississippi to double major in international studies and Chinese and double minor in Korean and economics.
Joshua Pickett is completing his bachelor’s degree in applied management. He served as student body president for the 2024-25 academic year, demonstrating commitment to leadership and civic engagement. Under his leadership, the student government earned Centralia College the Civic Engagement Seal and introduced legislative agenda topics at the state level to advocate for all Centralia College students. Pickett’s team also led the launch of three new student organizations — the Black Student Union, the Leisure Club and the Theatre Club — while actively supporting all existing clubs. A United States Marine Corps veteran, Pickett was a strong advocate for student veterans on campus. He earned academic honors every quarter and plans to pursue a master’s degree in organizational leadership at Washington State University, Vancouver.
Rayleen Roberts was a homeschool mom to her three children for 20 years. At age 48, she enrolled in Centralia College and will be graduating in June with her bachelor’s degree in software engineering. She has been part of student leadership for two years, most recently serving as the coordinator for civic engagement. She is active in Phi Theta Kappa and has been involved in numerous volunteer projects on campus and off. She spends her downtime with her kids and two granddaughters. After graduation, Roberts plans to seek a degree in family law with a domestic violence concentration. She wants to return to Lewis County and use her law degree to help the underprivileged abuse victims who can’t afford legal representation otherwise, Centralia College’s website reads.
All four students will be honored for their achievements at the college’s commencement ceremony at 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 18, at Littel Commencement Field on campus.
