Four Renton Technical College students have earned prestigious national and state honors for their academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to their communities.
Two RTC Automotive Technology students received national recognition for their academic achievement and for applying their education to benefit their communities. Allen Issac and Ahmad Sameer Noor received World Impact Scholarships from the honor society Phi Theta Kappa.
The World Impact Scholarship recognizes outstanding community college students in cities where the 2026 FIFA World CupTM will be held who are pursuing high-demand careers aligned with real workforce needs.
Both were also named to the All-Washington Academic Team, along with RTC Nursing students Tigist Bayou and Nets Anet Gebreyohannes. They were honored at a ceremony on April 23.
World Impact Scholarships
Ahmad Sameer Noor
Ahmed is completing his final quarter toward his applied associate's degree in Automotive Technology. He came to Washington in April 2024 through the Special Immigrant Visa program, having previously supported U.S. missions as a translator. He balances his studies with work as a security officer. He has enlisted in the National Guard, where he plans to apply his technical training in continued service to his community.
Allen Issac
Originally from Kentucky, Allen lived across the southern U.S. before settling in Seattle in 2020. A writer and musician, Allen draws inspiration from life’s challenges and accomplishments. He thrives in hands-on learning environments and enrolled in Automotive Technology after jobs at auto shops, where he developed a strong interest in repairing and improving mechanical and electronic systems.
“Degrees and certificates from community colleges are powerful economic tools, and our World Impact Scholars are among the very best examples of students demonstrating leadership in high-demand fields that matter to their communities and to the future of our workforce,” said Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa.
Supported by a donation from Coca-Cola North America, the World Impact Scholars each receive $2,500. World Impact Scholars will be recognized locally and internationally.
All-Washington Academic Team
The All-WA Academic Team program honors students who have demonstrated a commitment to success in the classroom and in the communities in which they live. All-WA honorees receive a KeyBank scholarship. In addition to Ahmad and Allen, honorees included:
Tigist Bayou
A nursing student and mother of three, Tigist is a dedicated learner committed to improving community health. While balancing family responsibilities and working as a front desk receptionist, she has maintained strong academic performance while pursuing her goal of becoming a registered nurse. Tigist is passionate about compassionate patient care and serving diverse communities.
Netsanet Gebreyohannes
In addition to her nursing studies, Netsanet is a patient care technician at Harborview Medical Center. Originally from Ethiopia, she is passionate about improving access to mental healthcare for immigrant communities, especially East Africans. She has maintained strong academic performance while balancing work and financial challenges. She plans to pursue advanced practice as a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and aims to provide culturally responsive care and to advocate for the community.
“These students exemplify RTC’s mission of Transformation through Learning," President Yoshiko Harden said. "They will represent the college well as they move forward with their careers, fulfilling workforce needs and supporting their families and communities."