AVONDALE, Arizona – Two Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) students were recently selected and appointed to the 2013 All-Arizona Academic Team, which recognizes the top community college students in the state. Kathryn Brown and Sarah Patterson will both will receive a full, two-year scholarship and tuition waiver to any of Arizona's three state universities (ASU, UA, NAU) as a result of a rigorous application process sponsored by the National Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, and international honor society, and the American Association of Community Colleges.
** UPDATE - March 14, 2013 - Kathryn Brown was selected as a 2013 Coca-Cola Gold Scholar and named to the All-USA Community College Academic Team. **
At the recent 18th Annual All-Arizona Academic Awards Ceremony, the Phi Theta Kappa organization and its partnering sponsors honored more than 75 academic all-stars from Arizona’s community colleges including 25 from the Maricopa Community Colleges. Other partnering organizations include the Arizona Board of Regents, Arizona Community Colleges, and USA Today.
Students are ranked and placed in one of three teams, and those achieving the status of “Team 1” become eligible for the All-USA competition and selection for the top 20 national scholars. Those top 20 will be featured in USA Today and become eligible for additional scholarships from USA Today and Coca-Cola Foundation.
“Many students pursue this coveted honor, but few earn a place on the All-Arizona Academic Team each year,” says Marilyn Bradley, faculty advisor for the Beta Alpha Xi Chapter at EMCC. “Kathryn and Sarah not only represent Estrella Mountain’s commitment to excellence, but they are amazingly compassionate young women following their dreams in the fields of math and science.”
Brown was named to Team 1, placing her in the top 20 Arizona community college students. Brown started attending EMCC in 2008 on a part-time basis, not knowing what type of degree or career she wanted to pursue. After enrolling in a college algebra class, she remembered how much she missed doing math and rediscovered the fun of finding solutions via equations. She soon became a math tutor in the campus’ NASA Center, and later a Supplemental Instruction Leader. It was through these experiences that she was inspired to begin her path towards a teaching degree to become a high school math teacher.
“When I’m helping students that are struggling with math, I love that moment when I see them finally ‘get it’,” says Brown. “I think math is cool and I want to share that same excitement.” Her involvement with Phi Theta Kappa helped her understand different viewpoints of people and make significant connections that shaped her education. “If you don’t get involved with the opportunities available on campus, you’re missing out on three-quarters of your education,” says Brown. She plans to attend the Mary Lou Fulton College of Education at the ASU Tempe campus.
Patterson is a one of those amazing young women with vision, drive and determination. While attending high school at EMCC’s neighboring charter high school, the Arizona Agribusiness and Equine Center (AAEC), she is co-enrolled at EMCC. In addition to her studies, she is a member of EMCC Phi Theta Kappa and the National Honor Society at AAEC, yet still finds time to volunteer at the YMCA and St. Joseph’s Hospital. Patterson believes there is so much to gain by being professional, all of the time. Patterson was named to Team 3 and enjoys being involved in the honors programs.
“It’s simple to do, and it helps you earn the trust and respect of people that can help you succeed in life.” She originally wanted to be an orthodontist, but she now wants to become a doctor. “I wanted to have more of an impact on people in the more advanced fields of healing and medicine,” says Patterson. “I see the need for good and caring doctors.” Patterson will be obtaining her undergraduate degree in biology at Northern Arizona University.
This EMCC-AAEC partnership provides a unique opportunity for students to earn college credits while finishing their high school graduation requirements. AAEC high school students are required to take a minimum of 17 community college credits during their four years at EMCC. Each student must take eight credits (two semesters of a foreign language) and six credits (two semesters of fine arts). Approximately 30 percent of the graduating classes from AAEC high schools complete their associate degree before graduating from high school.
In addition to these individual distinctions, EMCC’s Phi Theta Kappa Chapter, Beta Alpha Xi, recently received more honors and recognition at the 2013 Arizona Region Convention, including:
- Distinguished Chapter
- 5-Star Status for 17th consecutive time since chartering in 1995
- Best Honors in an Action Project related to Competition in Education
- Distinguished Member, Rachel Parsons
- Selection as Central District VP on Arizona Region Executive Board, Randall Fields