Feb 14th, 2014
At a special ceremony in Nashville on February 4, two of Jackson State Community Colleges students were honored for academic excellence. Alaina Taylor and Addison Frazier were honored along with other students from Tennessees 13 Community Colleges. In all, there were 26 outstanding students that were named to the 2014 All-Tennessee Academic Team.
On Friday, February 14, a private ceremony was held in presidents office at JSCC. Dr. Bruce Blanding, President, and Bobby Smith, Interim VP of Academic Affairs, made an official presentation of the awards and expressed their appreciation for the hard work and dedication of Alaina and Addison. Dr. Blanding congratulated both students and expressed his gratitude for the manner in which they have represented Jackson State.
Addison, a Jackson resident, is a chemistry major and will receive her diploma this May. After graduation Addison plans to attend the University of Memphis, Memphis Campus, and plans to continue her degree in chemistry there. Ultimately, her plan is to become a pharmacist so she can help others in that capacity.
Alaina, a Lexington resident, is a sociology major and plans to continue her education at The University of Memphis, Lambuth Campus, after receiving her associates degree in May. There she plans to study psychology and possibly go on to continue her education in medicine. Alaina has a passion for helping people and learning about human behavior and relationships.
The ceremony at the Doubletree Downtown Hotel in Nashville offered special recognition for each student. They were honored for their accomplishments and were then presented with a medallion. TBR Chancellor John Morgan addressed the recipients and praised them for their hard work and commitment. He not only noted their high degree of success in the classroom, but also for the fact that many have made significant contributions to their communities through their volunteer efforts and leadership skills.
This years 26 honorees include students pursuing a variety of degrees and careers, including aerospace engineering, nursing, law, chemistry, communications and business. Most intend to transfer to four-year universities to continue their educations.
The All-Tennessee Academic Team is comprised of students nominated by their colleges to be considered for the All-USA Academic Team, sponsored by USA Today and Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. Each of the states 13 community colleges selects two outstanding students to recognize for their academic achievement, leadership and service to the community.
Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in American higher education, with more than two million members and 1,200 chapters in the U.S. and beyond. Students must have a 3.5 grade point average to qualify for membership.