Twenty-six of the state’s highest achieving community college students will be honored at a special ceremony in Nashville on Tuesday, Feb. 21.
Representing Tennessee’s 13 Community Colleges, the outstanding students were named to the 2017 All-Tennessee Academic Team. Each student, many accompanied by their local state senators and representatives, will be recognized and presented with a medallion during the luncheon starting at noon at the War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville. After the luncheon, the students will tour the state capitol.
This year’s 26 honorees include students pursuing a variety of degrees and careers, including chemical engineering, medicine, constitutional law, social work, journalism, and business.
Most intend to transfer to four-year universities to continue their educations.
The All-Tennessee Academic Team is comprised of students nominated by their colleges to be considered for the All-USA Academic Team, sponsored by USA Today and Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. Each of the state’s 13 community colleges selects two outstanding students to recognize for their academic achievement, leadership and service to the community.
“It’s a pleasure to have this opportunity to recognize the hard work, dedication and commitment these students have exhibited at their colleges,” Dr. Flora W. Tydings, chancellor of the Tennessee Board of Regents, said. “They’ve achieved a high degree of success not only in the classroom, but they’ve made significant contributions to their communities through their volunteer efforts and leadership skills.”
Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in American higher education, with more than two million members and 1,200 chapters in the U.S. and beyond. Students must have a 3.5 grade point average to qualify for membership.
2017 All-Tennessee Academic Team
Chattanooga State Technical Community College
Jessica Aldridge, Itzel Margot Toro Garza
Cleveland State Community College
Paula Haslam, Brianna Riley
Columbia State Community College
Katherine Brisendine, Destiny Seaton
Dyersburg State Community College
Matthew Miller, Hannah Walden
Jackson State Community College
Alexis Beibers, Matthew Blackwell
Motlow State Community College
Mary Mills, Aubree Weitzel
Nashville State Community College
Paul Hayslip, Kristine Purcell
Northeast State Community College
Nathan Carrier, Shannon Yerton
Pellissippi State Community College
Leah Davis, Haley Ferguson
Roane State Community College
Shelley Edwards, Jacob Wilder
Southwest Tennessee Community College
Johnnie McKinnie, Carter Sanders
Volunteer State Community College
Pamela Lockhart, Mackenzie O’Sullivan
Walters State Community College
Iris “McKay” DeVault, Megan Wesemann