Two of Paradise Valley Community College’s exceptional students have been selected to the 2026 All-Arizona Academic Team. Ifeyinwa Obiadi and Ryan Harlan will each receive a two-year scholarship to continue their education at one of Arizona’s public universities: Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, or the University of Arizona, as well as a monetary prize between $500 and $1,000 based on their ranking amongst all of the recipients.
The prestigious recognition honors community college students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and community service. Each year, applicants for the All-Arizona Academic Team must showcase academic excellence and detail a service project that positively impacts their college or the broader community. Final selections are determined through a competitive adjudication process, which may include interviews with a college committee.
“This year’s applicant pool was exceptionally strong and reflected the depth of talent and drive among our PVCC students,” said Brian Goegan, PVCC Honors program director. “Ify and Ryan stood out not just for their academic achievement, but for the leadership, initiative, and character they consistently demonstrate on our campus. They have made a real impact here. I am excited to see them continue their education at the university level, where I have no doubt they will keep building on the remarkable work they’ve already begun.”
Ifeyinwa Obiadi: Compassion in Action
Obiadi’s service project was geared towards a troubling pattern she recognized while living in Africa – many children from low-income families were missing school simply because they lacked basic supplies. Some arrived to class without notebooks or pencils, while others stopped attending altogether. Having experienced financial hardship herself, she understood how discouraging those barriers could be and felt compelled to act.
Obiadi launched a grassroots effort alongside friends and church members, organizing donation drives to collect gently used books, uniforms, and school supplies. She coordinated outreach efforts, worked directly with local teachers to identify students with the greatest need, and helped ensure materials were distributed equitably. The project faced obstacles, including limited resources and the need to build trust within the community. However, the initiative gained credibility and within the first few months, more than 30 students were able to return to school equipped with the supplies they needed.
Obiadi, a nursing major, began at PVCC in Fall 2024 and is currently preparing for the HESI exam as she applies to the PVCC Nursing Program. Her long-term goal is to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northern Arizona University and become a nurse practitioner serving low-income, underserved, and immigrant communities with culturally competent care.
The devoted wife and mother, who balances full-time work as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) while excelling academically, credits PVCC’s supportive environment and faculty mentorship for her success. “My professors have encouraged me, challenged me, and played an important role in my growth and confidence as a foreign student,” she said. “Being recognized was very meaningful to me and motivated me to keep pushing myself. I value the support and opportunity the Honors Program provides for students striving for excellence.”
Beyond the classroom, she serves her community through the Community School Support Program, Salvation Army volunteer work, Community Education Outreach, and a Back-to-School Support Drive. She is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Ryan Harlan: Curiosity and Leadership
As a Supplemental Instruction Leader, Harlan chose to develop an initiative to support students in college algebra as his service project. Algebra is one of the most difficult and highest-failure courses on campus; a significant percentage of students earn a D, F, or withdraw. In response, Harlan set out to design a meaningful intervention that would improve both confidence and outcomes.
Harlan co-planned and led a large-scale algebra workshop serving approximately 450 students. Working alongside a fellow leader, he drafted a formal proposal, presented it to tutoring center and math department leadership, and gathered feedback from faculty. After receiving enthusiastic support, he coordinated with professors to refine content, develop handouts, promote attendance, and manage event logistics. With help from tutoring staff and faculty volunteers, the workshop was successfully implemented, providing students with additional academic tools, structured guidance, and renewed encouragement to persist in a course that often becomes a barrier to graduation.
Harlan, a software engineering major, spent five semesters at PVCC before transferring to the Arizona State University Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering in 2026. He plans to pursue a master’s degree in Quantum Computing, with aspirations of developing new encryption methods.
A self-described “dog-loving, Dungeons & Dragons-playing nerd,” Harlan thrives on tackling complex problems and understanding how things work. At PVCC, he served as a Phi Theta Kappa chapter officer, New Student Orientation panelist, and Supplemental Instruction Leader, earning the Golden Puma: Student Leadership Award. Through PTK, he expanded his skills and stepped outside his comfort zone.
“My favorite experience at PVCC was discovering my passion for knowledge through conversations with professors, especially Dr. Casey Durandet, who inspired me to minor in Physics, and long evenings in the tutoring center working through Calc 3 with classmates, trying to solve just one more problem.”
To learn more about PVCC’s Honors program, visit the website.