UPDATE, March 14, 2014
Lisette Borja was selected as a 2014 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Silver Scholar. Selection as a Coca-Cola Silver Scholar is based on scores the student earned in the All-USA Community College Academic Team competition, for which more than 1,700 applications were received this year. This program is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and is administered by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
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AVONDALE, Arizona – Two Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC) students were recently selected and appointed to the 2014 All-Arizona Academic Team, which recognizes the top community college students in the state. Lisette Borja and Nathan Barba 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.
At the recent 19th Annual All-Arizona Academic Awards Ceremony, the Phi Theta Kappa organization and its partnering sponsors honored 73 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.
Lisette Borja, is committed to challenges. She decided to attend high school at EMCC’s neighboring charter high school, the Arizona Agribusiness and Equine Center (AAEC), so that she could be co-enrolled at EMCC. In addition, she is also a member of EMCC’s Honors Program and Phi Theta Kappa, which both organizations require further community and scholarly commitments.
Borja was named to Team 1, placing her in the top 25 Arizona community college students.
“Sometimes it gets a little stressful going to high school and college at the same time,” said Borja. “But it has given me the opportunity to experience what hard work and commitment can achieve.”
She also made another commitment during her dual studies. Through a program offered at AAEC, Borja signed-up to be a Service Dog Trainer for the Foundation of Service Dog Support (FSDS). For eighteen months, she is required to have the dog with her “24-7” and care for it as if it were her own pet. She and “Chloe” also attend the service-dog training classes at the high school to prepare the Chloe to become a valued companion for a person in need.
At 18, she is more-than-ready to transfer to Arizona State University later this year and begin her bachelor’s degree program. Borja plans to get into the entertainment industry in visual and media arts, with the goal of working for a very well-known film company, even though it will be a competitive feat to accomplish.
“Someone has to be successful and it might as well be me. I’m not afraid of hard work and I know I will do it.” said Borja.
Nathan Barba, is a returning student, a husband, a dad, and now a college scholar. As an engineering major, his goal is to work in space technology research, and be on the forefront of commercialized space travel.
After graduating from Agua Fria High School, Barba came to EMCC for a couple of semesters, but when his business started “taking off,” that had to become his only focus. He achieved success early in his young career as an entrepreneur in the renewable energy industry, and later worked as a consultant to the Biosphere and University of Arizona. His goal to become an engineer and create his own discoveries compelled him to return to college.
His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication kicked-in again. In addition to his personal life commitments, especially as a husband and father, Barba was attending classes at EMCC, achieving a 3.67 GPA, participating in EMCC’s Phi Theta Kappa, Honors Program and various community service projects. A full plate of responsibilities which he enthusiastically enjoys each and every day.
“I’m not just learning to make a difference in my life, but also to create a difference in the lives of others,” said Barba. “As an engineer, I will have the knowledge and credentials to achieve my dream.”