Â鶹ĘÓƵ has named Andrea Blodgett, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of the Yakama Nation, as the recipient of its 2026 Distinguished Alumnus Award. A proud graduate of YVC and lifelong Yakima Valley resident, Blodgett is recognized for her leadership, service and impact on youth across the region.

Blodgett’s journey from White Swan to YVC to leading one of the Yakama Nation’s most impactful youth programs reflects her commitment to supporting the next generation where she grew up, learned and found her own sense of belonging.

Blodgett, an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation, graduated from White Swan High School in 2006, where she excelled in basketball and track. She continued her athletic and academic career at YVC, earning Athlete of the Year honors, multiple all‑conference selections and helping lead the Yaks to strong postseason finishes. Her performance opened the door to Idaho State University, where she competed for the Bengals and established herself as a resilient guard with a strong defensive presence.

“Â鶹ĘÓƵ was where I learned who I was as a student, an athlete and a leader,” Blodgett said. “It felt like home because it was home.”

After completing her degree, Blodgett returned to the Yakima Valley to begin a career dedicated to education and youth development. She taught English at the Yakama Nation Tribal School, coached basketball in Wapato and Yakima, and later became the Yakama Nation’s youth activities manager. In 2023, she helped launch the Boys & Girls Club of the Yakama Nation, fulfilling a decades‑long dream first envisioned by her grandfather, the late David Blodgett Sr., a lifelong educator and tribal councilman, to create a safe, culturally grounded space for youth.

Pedro Navarrete, interim vice president of student services and enrollment management, says Blodgett represents everything the Distinguished Alumnus Award is meant to honor.

“Through dedication in the classroom, commitment as a student-athlete at Yakima Valley College, and a deep passion for serving others, she has transformed opportunity into impact,” said Navarrete. “Her continued work with organizations like the Boys & Girls Club shows that success is not only measured by personal achievement, but by the willingness to lift up the community that helped shape you.”

Athletics Director Ray Funk, who coached Blodgett at YVC and earlier at White Swan High School, said the college continues to take pride in everything she has achieved.

“Her leadership and drive helped guide the women’s basketball program to a third‑place finish in 2007 and a fourth‑place finish in 2008 at the NWAC championships,” Funk said. “Andrea has always balanced being a competitor with giving back to her people. Her experience in athletics no doubt influences the way she leads today. We are proud of the work she’s doing now as she continues to open doors for young people, just as others once did for her.”

The Boys & Girls Club of the Yakama Nation is already making a significant impact, with about 40 students in its after-school program and between 50 and 200 participating in other events and activities. Blodgett hopes to expand services into additional communities — including her hometown of White Swan.

“This valley is my home,” she said. “I came back after college and I couldn’t leave. Being able to create something for our kids here — that means everything.”

The award provides recognition to an alumnus who attended YVC for a minimum of three quarters, earned at least 45 credits, and has distinguished themselves in a positive manner. Established in 1982 and first conferred to Catherine May Bedell, the award has been presented to a variety of notable graduates of YVC. The selection is made by the President’s Office from nominations submitted by faculty, staff, students and community members.

The Distinguished Alumnus Award will be presented during on June 12.