2024-25 Student Leaders

About Joshua: My name is Joshua Pickett. I attended and graduated from Onalaska High School. I am a United States Marine Corps veteran. Following my military service, I spent a decade with GNC, ascending to store and division manager roles. I am in the final year of my Bachelor of Applied Science in Management (BAS-AM) program. I have been married for 15 years and am the proud father of a 3-year-old daughter named Adeline.

Intended Pathway: I aspire to further my education by pursuing an MBA in Organizational Leadership at Washington State University Vancouver.

Why did you choose CC? I chose Centralia College for its esteemed academic programs and because it holds personal significance for me—my wife, brother, and sister all graduated from the Registered Nursing program here.

What do you want SAALT to achieve this year? My goal this year is to enhance campus engagement through inclusive events. I envision creating opportunities that foster community spirit and encourage both students and our community to participate in our diverse offerings.

Why did you choose to get involved on campus? My decision to engage on campus stems from my deep commitment to the Blazer community. I take immense pride in representing fellow veterans and aspire to inspire them to pursue leadership roles within student governance.

What’s your advice to new students? My advice to new students is simple: get involved! We value every student's perspective and believe collaboration is key to strengthening our campus community. As advocates for the student body, we welcome feedback and are eager to engage with all students.

Interests/Hobbies: In my leisure time, I enjoy gymnastics with my daughter, swimming, hiking, and exploring the great outdoors. I am also passionate about civic engagement and aspire to serve my community in a meaningful way.

About Madi: My name is Madi Beck-Peevey, born and raised in the PNW. I just graduated from Rochester High School, one year early in June. I am in my second year here at Centralia College and I will be graduating with my general transfer AA this June 2025. 

Intended Pathway: After earning my AA here at CC, I intend to transfer to the University of Washington for my bachelor's degree in business administration. Then, transfer again to Seattle University and obtain my master's degree in art leadership to become an art gallery curator. 

Why did you choose CC? I love how inclusive this campus is and how kind all the staff are. I have felt very welcomed here and the guidance at this college is an amazing bridge into the adult world. 

What do you want SAALT to achieve this year? Something that I believe we all want to achieve is to see more student engagement. Being able to get the students excited for events and other activities is what we love to see. 

Why did you choose to get involved on campus? I first chose to get involved on campus because I figured why not? And I am glad I did. Knowing that I can come to work and always have fun with my teammates, as well as help other students on campus is a very fulfilling job. I love interacting with the other students and hearing how different their stories are and the "why" for which they are here. 

What’s your advice to new students? My biggest advice for new students is to be open to saying yes! Don't be afraid to try new things and meet new people. Now is the time to be open to new possibilities and opportunities because you never know how positively it can impact your life. 

Interests/Hobbies: I really enjoy bowling. I am in a league and I have been bowling for four years now, having bowled in many styles (straight ball, double-handed, reactive hook ball, etc.) I also enjoy creating art and learning its history.  When I'm not doing either of those, you can probably find me at a thrift store or the arcade. 

About Lucas: I have four brothers and my family is incredibly important to me. I was homeschooled until I started college, which gave me the chance to explore my interests. I’m a friendly person who enjoys helping others and connecting with my peers.

Intended Pathway: I would like to graduate with both my AA and bachelor’s degree here at CC before getting my CPA and becoming an accountant.

Why did you choose CC?  I chose CC for its Running Start program and because many of my family members have attended and loved it.

What do you want SAALT to achieve this year? I would like SAALT to engage as many people as possible in campus activities and help them remember how much fun they had here after graduation.

Why did you choose to get involved on campus? I chose to get involved to expand my social skills as an introvert and to learn valuable work skills for my future.

What’s your advice to new students? Get involved, make good friends, and learn as much as you can for yourself and your future.

Interests/Hobbies: I enjoy gaming, trying new food, and traveling.

About Rayleen: I’m an older student, returning to college after many years of raising and homeschooling kids. I grew up on a horse farm cleaning up after horses and riding motorcycles.  I’m a mom to three great kids and a Nana to two little girls. I breed service and therapy Golden Retrievers. One of my puppies out of my last litter is a service dog and is Instagram famous (@benny_and_remy) where she entertains and educates about food allergies and service work.

Intended Pathway: This year I will be graduating with my BAS in Software Engineering. Next year, I plan to begin Northeastern University’s Masters in Data Architecture program.

Why did you choose CC? To me, Centralia College should be the starting place for all local students. The opportunity to stay close to home and get a fantastic start in our secondary education for a fraction of the cost of starting at a university is a no-brainer.

What do you want SAALT to achieve this year? I would like SAALT and the student body to be able to work together effectively to have a positive impact on our community.

Why did you choose to get involved on campus? The help I received from staff and faculty when I began was instrumental to my success in the program. Once I was established and well on my way to completion, I decided I wanted to be a help to my campus and community in return.  

What’s your advice to new students? Communicate, communicate, communicate….with staff, faculty, other students, everyone. I believe we are all still struggling with the isolationism that Covid brought on. I think it’s important each day to intentionally put yourself out there and interact with the people around us.

Interests/Hobbies: My favorite thing to do (other than cuddle with my grandbabies) is to be in nature, in the dark. I love the sights and sounds of the bugs, frogs, wind, and stars. I love it especially in places that have fireflies. One of my favorite trips was a moonlit hike into the Cascade Mountains to view Colchuck Lake. The moon was so bright that night, I didn’t use flashlights or a headlamp.

About Katie: My name is Katie and I was born in Georgia, but Alaska is my home! This is my first year at Centralia College and I'm super excited! I also play on the women's soccer team for the college!

Intended Pathway: Currently I'm working toward getting a biology major in the long run, but I don't totally know what I want to do in the future. I do know that I would love to work in the medical field. 

Why did you choose CC? I chose CC to play soccer here and I loved the environment and people! 

What do you want SAALT to achieve this year? I want SAALT to get its Instagram, @blazerbill to 1,000 followers and get more people on campus involved! 

Why did you choose to get involved on campus? I chose to get involved on campus because I love helping people and encouraging others to be more involved on campus! 

What’s your advice to new students? My best advice is to always do your best and enjoy your time in college. 

Interests/Hobbies: My interests and hobbies mainly include soccer, hanging out with friends, spike ball, and more! 

About Alyssa: My name is Alyssa Hook. I am from Salt Lake City, Utah. I am a captain on the women's soccer team here at CC. There are six people in my family, and I am getting married in 2025!

Intended Pathway: Pre-Physical Therapy Pathway

Why did you choose CC? I came to Centralia to further my athletic career and begin the pathway to my dream career.

What do you want SAALT to achieve this year? I want to increase student involvement and to create a sense of pride in the CC students.

Why did you choose to get involved on campus? Being an out-of-state student, I wanted to fit in and better engage with the campus community and take advantage of the great opportunities CC has to offer.

What’s your advice to new students? Remember that this is a new experience. Don't be so hard on yourself and ask for help when you need it.

Interests/Hobbies: I love photography and anything outdoors is also a good experience for me. 

About Alan: I am a high school senior that is going to graduate with both my high school diploma and a associates degree from Centralia College.

Intended Pathway: I plan to graduate from Centralia College with an associate degree either in Science or Biology. After that, I plan to transfer to the University of Washington to pursue a bachelor's in biology. Finally, I plan to use that to apply to a dental school to receive my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree to become a dentist.

Why did you choose CC? I chose Centralia College because of the Running Start program they offered, which allowed me to get through my education at a quicker rate. I also get the chance to graduate with both my diploma and an associate degree.

What do you want SAALT to achieve this year? I would like to see SAALT connect with the students across campus and become a more united community. I would also like to see SAALT get students more involved with campus life, including many fun things like events and clubs.

Why did you choose to get involved on campus? I chose to get involved on campus because I think it's a great way to get out of my comfort zone and put myself more out there. Also, when it was my first year at CC, I saw how fun it was and decided I wanted to be a part of the team to get more students engaged and have lasting memories.

What’s your advice to new students? My advice to new students is to get more involved on campus and put yourself out there. If you get more involved at college, you'll have more connections and opportunities that could be there for you whenever you need help.

Interests/Hobbies: I enjoy listening to music, watching movies, playing video games, being around campus at fun events, and hanging out with friends.

Intended Pathway: Business Intelligence Analyst

Why did I choose CC? I chose CC not only to play soccer, but because I saw a chance to really get involved in community and develop my skills as a leader through the SAALT position.

What do you want SAALT to achieve this year?  I want to be a voice for underrepresented groups on campus by promoting awareness events, representing everyone on campus, and making sure everyone feels heard and has a platform to speak on issues regarding justice, equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Why did you choose to get involved on campus? I’ve just always loved working in leadership roles, so when I saw the opportunity to continue that at CC I was all in.

What's your advice to new students? GET INVOLVED! It is truly the best thing you could do for yourself. I know it’s really given me a sense of belonging and purpose on campus. On top of that, it's an amazing way to meet some great people.

Interests/Hobbies:  I love thrifting, hanging out with friends, cooking, soccer, and playing ping pong.