PHOTO: Katelyn Poe and Danielle Jordi were selected out of 10 students to represent NACC in the All-USA Academic Program! (NACC Contributed Photo)

By Staff Reports 

RAINSVILLE, Ala. — Each year all two-year colleges are asked to nominate two students that exhibit talent and ability in the areas of academics, leadership, and community service to compete with other two-year students across the nation.

This competition is sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, USA Today Newspaper, and the Coca Cola Scholars Foundation.  Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi, is the largest honor society in American higher education whose mission it is to recognize academic achievement of college students and to provide opportunities for these students to grow as scholars and leaders.

This year ten students who had the required 3.5 GPA began the exhaustive application process to compete with other two-year students across the nation.  The extensive application process includes an essay and several letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s academic ability, leadership ability, and an endeavor that illustrates a contribution of service to school or community.

The ten students who competed this year from Northeast Alabama Community College were Reily Hill, Samuel Hughes, Savannah Hartline, Danielle Jordi, Andrea’ Melchiorre, Hunter Murphy, Savannah Palmer, Katelyn Poe, Michael Warner, and Daley Wilks. All of these students were honored at Awards Day on May 8, 2017, and in the Backroads Yearbook.  

The Northeast Alabama Community College selection committee, which is composed of one faculty member from each technical and academic division, chose two of the ten students to serve as the representatives from Northeast. This year Northeast Alabama Community College nominated Danielle Jordi and Katelyn Poe as the two individuals who would represent the College. Danielle lives in Bridgeport, Alabama and plans to transfer to the University of Alabama in Huntsville to pursue a degree in Chemical Engineering. Her goal is to be an officer in the United States Navy.  

Katelyn lives in Rainsville, Alabama and plans to attend the University of Alabama to pursue a degree in English.  Her goal is to edit books for a publishing company.

These two nominees were honored at a special award luncheon at the Ross Bridge Hotel and Spa in Birmingham and were given one night’s lodging at Ross Bridge. This event was attended by the Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System, Board of Trustees members, legislators, NACC staff, and family and friends of the winners.  

Each of the College winners received a $1,000 scholarship to attend any four-year college in Alabama and many other gifts.  In addition, Danielle was a Bronze Medal recipient and will receive an additional $1,000 scholarship and Katelyn was a Gold Medal recipient and will receive an additional $1,500 scholarship.  

Dean Sherie Grace commented, “We would like to congratulate Danielle and Katelyn for this outstanding accomplishment.  The application process is rigorous and these young people are very deserving of this award.  It is a great honor to be selected as the Northeast All-USA/All Alabama Academic Team winners. I would like to congratulate both of these deserving individuals on these achievements.”

NACC College President, Dr. David Campbell added, “The All-USA Academic Team program is valuable for its recognition of our excellent two-year college students.  We are very proud of these students for the representation they have provided for Northeast. I extend my congratulations to all of these individuals for being such diligent scholars and effective leaders. I would also like to congratulate the families of these individuals.”

For more information about All-USA, contact Dean Grace at 256-638-4418 or 256-228-6001, ext. 2325, or by email at graces@nacc.edu.

For additional college information, go to www.nacc.edu or download the colleges free App at the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.