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Twenty-six, high-achieving Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor students representing all 10 Maricopa Community Colleges, will be celebrated during the 2018 All-Arizona Academic Recognition Ceremony March 1 at the Hilton Phoenix/Mesa, 1011 W. Holmes Ave., Mesa.
The ceremony celebrates the outstanding academic achievements, community service and distinguished leadership of students enrolled in Arizona’s community colleges. All-Arizona students demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual rigor, combined with leadership and service that extends their education beyond the classroom to benefit society.
PTK, the international honor society of two-year colleges and academic programs; the American Association of Community Colleges, Arizona Community Colleges, the Arizona Board of Regents and the Follett Higher Education Group help these exceptional students reach their educational goals by awarding scholarships and issuing tuition waivers for Arizona’s three state universities: Arizona State University, University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University.
Twelve students from Maricopa Community Colleges were named to the 2018 All-Arizona Academic First Team, five to the Second Team and nine to the Third Team. Each student is working toward an associate degree, maintains a GPA of 3.5 or higher (4.0 scale) and is involved in campus and community volunteerism.
Judging consists of three rounds. First-round judges are local business, civic, education and government leaders. The second and third rounds take place in Washington, D.C. by representatives from federal agencies and national education associations. Scores from the national competition determine state team rankings. First Team members each receive a $1,000 scholarship, Second Team members a $750 scholarship and Third Team members a $500 scholarship.
Mesa Community College alumnus and prior PTK member, Zahid Arab is the keynote speaker, sharing stories from his educational journey and career as the community relations manager for 3TV/CBS 5 News.
Dr. Maria Harper Marinick, MCCCD Chancellor, will address attendees prior to the ceremony, which will be emceed by attorney at law Grant Woods.
All-Arizona Academic Team members are eligible to be selected as one of 20 to be named to the All-USA Community College Academic Team, receiving an additional $5,000 scholarship, medallion, obelisk and a certificate during the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Annual Convention, April 28 to May 1 in Dallas, Texas.