Chancellor Phillip Wilson has announced DeQueen's Anthony Sanchez as the 2021 Academic All-Star. Sanchez is in his sophomore year at Rich Mountain, maintaining a 3.77 GPA while also running for the Bucks Cross-Country team.
Upon earning his Associate of Arts degree, Anthony plans to transfer to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville to complete his bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management. Sanchez was also recognized by the NJCAA with the All Academic Student Athlete Award for his academic achievements and has been inducted into to the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
As a recipient of this prestigious award, Anthony will receive a $500 scholarship from UARM as well as a full-tuition scholarship to Fayetteville.
Wilson acknowledged that this is a very prestigious honor awarded every year but the increased stresses and demand for students during this pandemic was unprecedented. "His performance during these times truly speaks to his dedication to his team, education, and his future. His optimism during one of the most challenging of times is not only contagious but evidence that when there is a 'will' there is a 'way.'"
Sanchez noted the struggles the ongoing pandemic has presented but is grateful for Rich Mountain's creative classroom instruction delivery that allowed all classes to maintain "in-person" in 2020-2021, "It feels surreal, to say the least, and everyone is exhausted of having to wear a mask, attend class over Zoom, be socially distanced, etc. I have been blessed to say that all my classes have been in-person, being a visual learner and being present in a classroom setting helps me learn more effectively."
Sanchez's Cross-Country Coach Samantha Shores was very proud of Anthony's hard work and academic achievements to be honored, "Our team policy is simple and is built on one word, commitment. To be successful one has to be committed to their endeavors. A student athlete has to be committed to their studies, their training, their teammates, and to themselves. Anthony is a student athlete that has gone above and beyond to be successful first in the classroom, second on the field as an athlete, and most importantly as a young leader in his family and his community."
He also credits Rich Mountain's low student to teacher ratio and personal attention for his success, "At Rich Mountain, I am fortunate enough to still have that high school feeling, but also receive a real college experience and education. Let me add, most of my classes never exceeded 30+ student count. A classroom size like this helps me feel more comfortable… I feel comfortable enough to speak up and ask my professor for help without being intimidated."
Outside the classroom, Anthony also shines. Shores says, "Anthony is a charismatic leader that always has a smile on his face. He has always shown up when we have a recruit on campus. He helps to lead the tours, answer any questions the recruit or their parents may have, and helps all to feel welcome. His performance on our team and in the classroom shows his commitment as a student athlete here at UA Rich Mountain. He is leading the way as a UA Rich Mountain Buck!"
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