Ariana Medina and Jessica Harvey were both selected to the Phi Theta Kappa All-Tennessee Academic Team. Pictured, from left to right: PTK Advisors Kimberly Harrington, Michele Wollert, Medina, Harvey and Dr. Bill Seymour, CSCC president.
Cleveland State Community College had two students named to the 2021 Phi Theta Kappa All-Tennessee Academic Team. Ariana Medina and Jessica Harvey both received medallions and were honored at an awards presentation on Tuesday in the college’s new Health and Science Center.
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.
“As a Phi Theta Kappa advisor, it has been my privilege to work with Jessica and Ariana this year in their role as chapter officers,” said Kimberly Harrington. “Even though many of our activities have been virtual this year due to the pandemic, they have found ways to be engaged and grow the chapter in new directions. Their commitment to service extends not just to our chapter and Cleveland State, but by their many community service actions as well. They are great scholars, but just as importantly, great servant leaders. We are proud to have them represent Cleveland State on the All-Tennessee Academic Team.”
Ms. Medina is vice president of scholarship for CSCC’s PTK chapter, Omega Omicron, as well as vice president of the Student Senate. She used her multiple roles to foster collaboration between the Student Senate and PTK on the Honors in Action project. This project concentrated on mental health during the pandemic. She spearheaded the Hallmark nomination for the chapter’s project, for which the team placed second place at the PTK Regionals Conference. She is an Honors College student and got accepted into the Tennessee, Southern Regional, and National Collegiate Honors Council Conferences as a freshman. Ms. Medina plans to transfer to Lee University in the fall to major in public relations.
Ms. Harvey has been an active member of Phi Theta Kappa all year, but she recently stepped up to serve the chapter as PTK president for the spring 2021 semester. She has kept the chapter engaged during the pandemic, representing PTK at events like Octoberfest, promoted the chapter’s events and made sure students had an induction ceremony even in a virtual context. She is an Honors College student who has been on both the Dean’s List and President’s list. Ms. Harvey is passionate about advocating for children with special needs and wants to become an elementary school teacher who works closely with the special education department. She has a strong legacy of service, volunteering at animal clinics, working the Salvation Army Toy Drive and helping Can Do Kids therapy services with their basic needs.