Pictured from left to right are Senator Mike Bell, Representative Dan Howell, Dr. Bill Seymour, CSCC President, Representative Kevin Brooks, Johnny Hope, Paula Haslam, Brianna Riley, Scott Riley and Wendy Riley.
Cleveland State Community College had two students named to the 2016 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All-Tennessee Academic Team. Paula Haslam and Brianna Riley were two of 26 of the state’s highest achieving college students recently honored and presented with a medallion at the 20th Recognition Ceremony of the PTK All-Tennessee Academic Team.
Many of this year’s 26 nominees were accompanied by their local state senators and representatives. The honorees include students pursuing a variety of degrees and careers, including aerospace engineering, nursing, law, chemistry, communications 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 PTK 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.
Brianna Riley and Paula Haslam were selected from over 20 applicants to represent Cleveland State on the All-Tennessee Academic Team,” stated Omega Omicron Phi Theta Kappa Advisor and Faculty Scholar Karen Dale. “These two, along with Mikaela Broling and Hunter Torbett will also advance in the Coca-Cola Scholars competition and will be considered for the All-USA Academic Team, sponsored by USA Today and Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society.”
Paula Haslam is a pre-health professions major and plans to transfer to either Maryville College or Lipscomb University to continue her education. In addition to being President of the Cleveland State Chemistry Society and a Chemistry tutor, she also has a 4.0 GPA. In her spare time, she enjoys working out, swimming and lifting weights. She is the daughter of Natalie Haslam Hope and Johnny Hope of Athens.
“I feel blessed to have been chosen for the All State Academic Team,” stated Haslam. “It is a high recognition I do not take for granted. PTK has opened doors for opportunity, scholarship, travel and friendships. It is the best honor society I have ever been involved with, and I will continue to stay involved throughout my college career.”
Brianna Riley is a General Transfer major and plans to transfer to Middle Tennessee State University and major in Music Business. In addition to being President of the CSCC Curtain Call Society, she is also a member of Vocal Rhapsody and a Presidential Honor’s student with a 3.9 GPA. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and singing. She is the daughter of Scott and Wendy Riley of Athens.
“I feel honored to have been chosen,” stated Riley. “Because I am not originally from Tennessee, I was not familiar with the history of Tennessee, so the tour of the Capitol building was very educational. I also enjoyed getting to have lunch with Representatives Kevin Brooks and Dan Howell, Senator Mike Bell and our President, Dr. Bill Seymour.”
Dale continued, “The All-Academic team recognizes students for their academic achievement, leadership and service to the community. Paula and Brianna are excellent servant leaders, filled with compassion for others. They have left a positive impact on all who meet them, and I am certain that both will be successful throughout life.”
Pictured from left to right are Brianna Riley, Paula Haslam and PTK Advisor Karen Dale.