Mother, daughter selected for all-state academic team

Mother and daughter Julie Keck and Megan Williamson have been selected to the 2013 All-State New Mexico Academic Team, according to Mesalands Community College.

Courtesy photo: Mesalands Community College

Beth Sisneros, center, Phi Theta Kappa Advisor at Mesalands Community College, is joined by Mesalands students Julie Keck, left, and Megan Williamson at the State Capital last week as they were named to the 2013 All-State New Mexico Academic Team. Keck is Williamson's mother.

Keck and Williamson were recently recognized at a ceremony held at the state Capitol in Santa Fe.

This honor recognizes their commitment to academic excellence. Each receives renewable full-tuition scholarships for up to four consecutive semesters towards a bachelor's degree at a New Mexico public university or college.

"It's pretty cool to share this experience with my mom, she gets to see me not only excel, but she gets to be by my side," said Williamson.

Williamson will be graduating in May with an associate of arts degree in pre-med from Mesalands. She is applying to the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Neb., and Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Va., She plans to major in radiology.

Keck will be graduating from Mesalands in May with an associate of applied science degree in business administration with an option for accounting. She plans to get her bachelor's degree in forensic accounting and is undecided as to which university she plans to attend.

"I have always pushed Megan to do her very best and she has always excelled and to share this honor and experience with her just makes it all the sweeter," said Keck.

Keck plans to move to Council Bluffs, Iowa, after graduation and Williamson plans to move to Omaha, Neb.

"We are very proud of Julie and Megan for what they have accomplished together. They both are committed to achieving academic excellence and are very involved in this community as members of Phi Theta Kappa," said Dr. Aaron Kennedy, vice president of student affairs.