Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) students Paula Mares Ribeiro, Christina Duggan and Shauna Connelly were inducted into the 2021-2022 All-State Academic Team at a virtual ceremony on Friday, April 29, 2022. The All-State Academic Team recognizes students who excel in both academics and service for their campus and community.
Ms. Ribeiro started taking ESL classes at QCC in 2018, followed by completing the CNA program and getting state certified. After obtaining employment as a CNA, she discovered that her passion was working with older adults and her goal is to become a hospice nurse. She was accepted into the registered nursing program and is currently on the waitlist.
Ms. Duggan is a co-president of PTK and recently graduated with an Associate Degree in General Studies. She will continue her studies at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and her goal is to become a pediatric radiographer.
Ms. Connelly has received an Associate Degree in General Studies, an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice and a certificate in law enforcement. She has been involved in the SHE Club, the Multicultural Club, the Criminal Justice Club, and was most recently the president of the Student Government Association. She plans on transferring to a 4-year school this fall to obtain a bachelor's degree.
Representatives from all of the Massachusetts community colleges were in attendance, as well as Representative and House Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education David Rogers, Senator and Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education Anne Gobi, and PTK President & CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner.
Dr. Tincher-Ladner spoke on how PTK students make the most of their college experiences.
"You are what we call 'engaged' with your college experience. The reason we want students engaged in their college experiences is because it's the only thing for certain that causes student success. Students are more likely to graduate, get good jobs, and keep those good jobs," she said.
More information on the PTK All-State Academic Team can be found here.