Congratulations are in order for three of Paradise Valley Community College’s Honor students, all of whom were recently named to the All-Arizona Academic Team. The distinguished recognition is an incredible achievement. Anabel Santos, Charlotte Scaccia, and Peter Tometi join 23 students from their sister schools in the Maricopa County Community College District’s class.
To be considered for an All-Arizona Academic Team, students must maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale, be in good academic standing, be working on an associate degree, demonstrate leadership, and be involved on campus and/or volunteer in their communities.
“PVCC winners have used their knowledge to build the community through Calm Talks on PVCC campus, a PVCC libguide "the pre-med blueprint", a sensory room at a mesa elementary school,” said Jenny Neujoy, Honors Director. “We are extremely proud of our winners and are grateful to have them represent our college so exceptionally.’
The entire process of selecting students to the All-Arizona Academic Team is quite elaborate with three rounds of judging. The first round of judging takes place at the local level, while the second and third rounds are completed in Washington D.C. by various federal and national education associations. Scores from the national competition determine each state’s team rankings. First Team members attending eligible Arizona colleges each receive a $1,000 scholarship, Second Team members a $750 scholarship and Third Team members a $500 scholarship.
Phi Theta Kappa (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 (ASU), University of Arizona (UA) and Northern Arizona University (NAU).
PVCC’s Awards Recipients
Anabel Santos is a psychology major and incredibly involved on campus. Besides being president of Phi Theta Kappa Alpha Omicron Chi Honor Society, Anabel is emcee for the Future Educators Conference, the sustainability coordinator, and a volunteer with Structured Autism and Student Life’s Mobile Food Distribution. She is the recipient of the All-USA scholarship, as well as the Chicanos Por La Causa scholarship, and plans on transferring to Arizona State University, eventually working as an industrial organizational psychologist.
Charlotte Scaccia is studying business administration and pre-med at PVCC’s Black Mountain Campus. She plans to transfer to ASU to finish her bachelor’s in Business Administration and ultimately, earn her Doctor of Medicine. She would like to become a physician in medical aesthetics and dermatology. Besides being involved on campus as an Honors program leader, director of content for STEAM and business peer leader, Charlotte is co-owner of Sonoran Pet and House Sitting, as well as working at Socratic Med Inc./Mentors for Medicine. She is a Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society member, three-time President’s Honor recipient, and Kiwanis Club of Carefree two-year scholarship recipient.
Peter Tometi is studying nutrition and dietetics and plans to transfer to Arizona State University’s College of Health Solutions. Peter is co-founder of Phoenix Impact Center, a community-centered family outreach facility. At ASU he plans to obtain his Registered Dietetic Nurse certification and doctorate degree and teach proper cooking and eating habits for free to patrons of his company. Peter is president of Club Z, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, a former volunteer chaplain at Paradise Valley Hospital, and helps out at PVCC’s mobile food distribution. He has received many honors including Presidents List, Chancellor’s scholarship, and Club Z Achievement award.