Chemeketa Students Named To 2026 All-Oregon Academic Team - 04/07/26

Three scholars recognized statewide for academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to community college success

Salem, Ore., April 7, 2026 — Three outstanding students from Chemeketa Community College have been selected for the 2026 All-Oregon Academic Team (AOAT), a prestigious recognition honoring community college students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and community service.

The Chemeketa honorees are:

• Jay Freilinger, 37, GPA 3.6 – Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer and Associate of General Studies; transferring to Oregon State University
   

• Blayne Turner, 21, GPA 3.9 – Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer; transferring to Oregon State University
   

• Loren House, 34, GPA 3.86 – Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer; transferring to Western Oregon University
   

Each year, the All-Oregon Academic Team recognizes top scholars from Oregon’s 17 community colleges. Students selected for the team are nominated by their colleges and evaluated on academic performance, leadership, and their contributions to their campus and community.

“We are incredibly proud of Jay, Blayne, and Loren for earning this recognition,” said Jessica Howard, Ph.D., President and CEO of Chemeketa Community College. “Their achievements reflect countless hours of dedication, perseverance, and belief in their goals. Watching students reach this level of accomplishment is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do, and it’s exciting to see them preparing to take their next steps at Oregon’s universities.”

In addition to being named to the team, Jay Freilinger has been selected as one of the student speakers at the All-Oregon Academic Team Luncheon on April 17, an additional honor recognizing his leadership and accomplishments..

The All-Oregon Academic Team program is coordinated by the Oregon Community College Association and is part of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society’s Academic All-State Team program, which celebrates high-achieving community college students across the nation.

Chemeketa Community College offers a wide range of academic pathways designed to help students transfer to four-year universities, begin meaningful careers, and continue lifelong learning.

####

For more than 55 years, Chemeketa Community College has committed itself to transforming lives and our community through exceptional learning experiences in the Mid-Willamette Valley. As the second largest multi-campus district in Oregon, Chemeketa serves more than 18,000 students annually at its Salem and Yamhill Valley campuses, as well as Brooks, Eola, Winema, Dallas, Woodburn and Chemeketa Center for Business and Industry (CCBI).

Chemeketa Community College is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and educational institution.