Two Estrella Mountain Community College students were recognized for their academic achievement and receipt of academic scholarships at the All-Arizona Academic Team Recognition Ceremony held on Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at the Fiesta Resort in Tempe, AZ. The All-Arizona Academic Team recognizes scholarly achievements of students from junior, technical and community colleges. The Arizona Board of Regents provides each student a full, two-year tuition waiver, good at any Arizona public university – Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University or University of Arizona, plus a $1,000 cash prize.
EMCC economics major Justin Decknick and psychology major Joshua Hodges were recognized at the ceremony. As winners, the two will go on to compete for additional scholarship dollars at a national-level competition sponsored by Coca-Cola Foundation, USA Today and other corporate sponsors.
Criteria for selection included a GPA of 3.5 or higher, good academic standing and working toward an associate degree, and involvement in campus or community volunteerism. Justin and Joshua not only met the above requirements, but surpassed them with their academic excellence and involvement in service learning activities. Both plan to transfer to Arizona State University in fall 2011. Decknick plans to pursue a J.D. degree and become an attorney. Hodges aspires to earn a Ph.D. and pursue a career as a research psychologist.
Marylyn Bradley, faculty advisor to Beta Alpha Xi chapter of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, said, “This is EMCC’s finest showing ever in this prestigious scholarship competition.”