Willamette University presents the Jean Williams Award to female student athletes annually. This year’s recipients include a 2009 Bonney Lake graduate, Theresa Edwards.

Edwards was chosen for the award because of her outstanding achievements in cross country and track. She has been a strong leader, accomplished athlete and dedicated scholar throughout her collegiate career.

Edwards was named All-West Region and All-NWC three times. In cross country, she qualified for the NCAA Championships three times and once in the 1,500-meter run. She also won NWC titles in the 1500-meter and 800-meter run last year.

Edwards also has the highest GPA among her female scholar-athlete peers. For this, she received the Scholar-Athlete Award.

Edwards will complete this year with a double major in biology and environmental science. She will also possess a double minor in chemistry and geography. Edwards is a member of Phi Beta Kappa; her current GPA is 3.97.

As part of her academic plan, Edwards volunteers extensively. She enjoys working at the Willamette Zena Forest and Farm. She said her favorite experience was designing and implementing a science curriculum for fifth grade students.

“We taught the students about sustainable living and where their food comes from,” she said. “It was great to see their excitement over every little thing.”

Edwards’ short-term goals include securing a research position for the next year to decide if she wants to pursue grad school studies.

Born and raised in the Bonney Lake area, Edwards went to Willamette for the small-university environment and strong science program. Now that college is nearly complete, she said she hopes to return to the Puget Sound.