ELLENSBURG, Wash. -- Graduating senior volleyball player Kiah Jones was named Central Washington University Student of the Year by CWU President James Gaudino, and was one of four Wildcat athletes named CWU Top Cats by the institution.
 
Jones is graduating with a 3.94 grade point average and receiving her degree in cellular and molecular biology next week at CWU's commencement held at Tomlinson Stadium.  She has also been accepted into Washington State University's inaugural Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine class.
 
Jones is joined by Kelly Cronic (track), Molly Nutt (softball), and Drew Wallen (football), as members of CWU's first "Top Cats" award.  The Top Cats are regarded as the top 25 students at Central Washington, and were selected by their peers. 
 
The Top Cats Program was created by the Associated Students of Central Washington University (ASCWU).  The program was implemented this past quarter and the selected students were chosen based on the demonstration of "responsible citizenship" and a passion for living an "enlightened and productive" life.