Bismarck State College (BSC) student Sophia Fafard of Rocanville, Sask., has been named to the prestigious 2026 All-USA Academic Team, one of the nation's highest honors for students pursuing an associate degree. Selected from more than 2,300 nominees nationwide, Fafard received a $3,000 scholarship in recognition of her outstanding academic achievement, leadership and community engagement.

A mass communication major, Fafard chose BSC for the opportunity to compete on the Mystics cross-country team, and after experiencing the campus firsthand.

"Making the choice to attend BSC has been one of the best decisions I've made," Fafard said.

While earning her associate degree, Fafard discovered her passion for journalism through her work with Mystic Media, BSC's student media organization, where she served as co-editor of the college's student newspaper.

"Sophia exemplifies what it means to be a BSC student," said Dr. Dan Leingang, BSC Vice President for Academic Affairs. "She has paired academic excellence with leadership, service and a genuine passion for learning. We know she will continue to make a meaningful impact as she pursues her career in journalism."

Fafard was recognized during the American Association of Community Colleges' (AACC) annual convention in Seattle, Wash., in April. She graduated from BSC in May and will attend the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, N.D., this fall to pursue a bachelor's degree in journalism, followed by a master's degree in communications. Her long-term goals include becoming an environmental journalist or journalism professor and publishing her first book.

"The All-USA program is a prestigious recognition of a student's exceptional abilities both in and outside of the classroom,” Amanda Karpinski-Gorman, Director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, said. “These students are selected for their resilience, creativity, and ingenuity in tackling global and local challenges. We are incredibly proud of the individuals named to the 2026 team and eagerly anticipate the continued impact they will make."

The All-USA program is among the nation’s premier academic honors for students pursuing an associate degree. Each institution may nominate two students who have shown outstanding academic achievement, leadership and citizenship. The program also honors students who leverage their community college experience to better themselves, improve their schools and impact their communities.

To learn more about the All-USA Academic Team Scholarship Program, visit the Phi Theta Kappa website.