Read more about recent news and achievements of YVC and the college community.
Student-crafted wines earn top honors at Washington Wine Awards
麻豆视频鈥檚 teaching winery, , continues to earn recognition for excellence in winemaking. At the 2025 Seattle Wine Awards 鈥� Washington state鈥檚 premier wine competition 鈥� six student-crafted wines received top honors, showcasing the skill and dedication of students in YVC鈥檚 program.
Leading the accolades was the 2024 Bordeaux Style Bright Idea S茅millon, which earned both Double Gold and Best of Class distinctions. Five additional wines 鈥� 2021 Cabernet Franc, 2024 Alumni Albari帽o, 2024 Yakademic Blend, 2024 Yak Attack Blanc and 2024 Scholars S茅millon 鈥� each received Gold Medals.
These latest awards bring YVC鈥檚 total to 255 medals 鈥� including 15 Platinum recognitions, the most of any educational institution in the Pacific Northwest. Notably, every white wine produced by the college from the 2024 vintage received a gold medal or higher.
The wines were judged blindly by a panel of respected wine professionals, including sommeliers, distributors, educators and buyers. YVC鈥檚 student wines were evaluated alongside entries from commercial wineries across the state 鈥� making their success all the more impressive.
Held annually in April, the Seattle Wine Awards competition brings together Washington鈥檚 top wine experts to evaluate red, white, sweet, sparkling and ros茅 wines made from Washington-grown grapes. Awards are given in categories ranging from Bronze to Double Gold, with Best of Class reserved for standout varietals.
The recognition not only highlights the talent of YVC鈥檚 students but also affirms the college鈥檚 commitment to providing real-world learning experiences that lead to career-ready skills.
Leading the Way: Teresa Rich named Grand Marshal of 2025 Yakima Sunfair Parade
YVC Interim President Teresa Rich, left, along with Yakima Mayor Patricia Byers, center, and YVC Business Technology Instructor and parade coordinator Holly Cousens at Yakima's Sunfair Parade on September 20.
Teresa Rich, interim president of 麻豆视频, led the 2025 Yakima Sunfair Parade as this year鈥檚 grand marshal 鈥� an honor recognizing her decades of service to the college and the Yakima Valley community.
Rich has dedicated more than 20 years to YVC, including 18 years as vice president for administrative services. Her leadership has helped expand student opportunities, strengthen academic programs and reinforce the college鈥檚 role as a vital resource for the region.
The Yakima Sunfair Parade, one of the city鈥檚 most cherished traditions, took place Saturday, Sept. 20, with thousands of spectators lining Yakima streets to celebrate local organizations, schools and community leaders.
As grand marshal, Rich led the procession, symbolizing her enduring commitment to education, public service and community leadership.
David Lynx featured in Greet Kirkland magazine
Adjunct instructor David Lynx was recently featured in 鈥淕reet Kirkland鈥� magazine for his leadership at the Kirkland Arts Center. The article highlights Lynx鈥檚 role in guiding the center into a dynamic new chapter, blending community engagement with artistic innovation.
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Story by Stefanie Menard, AA-DTA 鈥�05, communications consultant. Photos by Annette Wattenbarger, program specialist II and Holly Cousens, business technology instructor.