Pictured from left to right: PTK Advisors Marchelle Wear and Holly Shiveley, Representative Kevin Brooks, CSCC President Dr. Bill Seymour, Representative Dan Howell, Will and Anna McDade, PTK Advisor Karen Dale and Bryan Hidalgo.
Cleveland State Community College had two students named to the 2016 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All-Tennessee Academic Team. Anna McDade and Bryan Hidalgo 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. Cleveland State was also responsible for organizing the event this year.
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.
PTK Advisor Marchelle Wear, said, “I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to attend the All USA Luncheon for Phi Theta Kappa. It was an awesome experience to witness our student leaders receive their much deserved awards. I congratulate each one and commend them for their hard work and dedication. It is rewarding to know that I am part of an organization that honors and encourages the students’ success.”
Anna McDade is a pre-health professions major with aspirations of becoming a biology professor or pathologist. She plans to transfer to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in the fall and currently has a GPA of 3.78. Besides being the chapter president for Cleveland State Omega Omicron, she enjoys climbing, mud runs, traveling, reading and spending time with her husband.
Bryan Hidalgo is an Industrial Technology major, focusing on computer information technology. He currently has a 3.89 GPA and plans to transfer to a four-year university. His career goal is to become an expert in computer information technology, focusing on security. He also enjoys playing soccer as well as helping others by volunteering in the community as a mentor for the nonprofit organizations TNachieves, Tennessee Promise and Family Cornerstones.