Florida College System Students Join All-USA Academic Team
March 20, 2020
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Florida College System Students Join All-USA Academic Team
~ Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society rewards students’ hard work ~
St. Petersburg, Fla., March 20, 2020 – Florida College System (FCS) Chancellor Kathy Hebda announced the 2020 All-Florida Academic Team sponsored by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor (PTK) Society. The 166 Florida college students from across the state received medallions in recognition of their academic achievement, leadership and service to the community. All-Florida Academic Team students are eligible for additional scholarship opportunities at Florida universities and are considered for scholarships sponsored by the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, ranging in value from $1,000 - $5,000, which can be used to continue their education anywhere in the nation.
Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran said, “The Florida College System is recognized as a national model for preparing students for life and the workforce, so it is no surprise that these outstanding students were selected as All-Florida Academic Team members. I am pleased to congratulate them and thank the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society for investing in our students and their future careers. Under Governor DeSantis’ bold leadership, Florida is committed to a high quality education at every level.”
“Academic success and service to others are cornerstones of the Florida College System’s mission and the students honored today represent the very best in our colleges,” said Chancellor Hebda. “Phi Theta Kappa students are leaders on their campus and are role models in their families and communities. I am proud to celebrate their accomplishments and recognize the colleges that have helped them achieve their success.”
Also during the event, Hillsborough Community College’s Alpha Beta Beta Chapter members received the FCS Chancellor’s Student Service Chapter Award for their outstanding efforts to increase members’ civic engagement through campus-wide student involvement, education and awareness initiatives.
Additionally, four FCS presidents received honors from the National Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and were recognized at the All-Florida Academic Team Awards Ceremony.
- Dr. Tonjua Williams, President of St. Petersburg College, and Dr. Ginger Clark, Campus President of Hillsborough Community College, both received the Paragon Award for new presidents who have shown strong support of student success by recognizing academic achievement, leadership and service among high-achieving students at their college.
- Dr. Thomas LoBasso, President of Daytona State College, received the Shirley B. Gordon Award, PTK’s most prestigious award for community college presidents and is named in honor of the late Dr. Shirley B. Gordon, Phi Theta Kappa’s longest-serving Board of Directors Chair and a founder and long-time president of Highline Community College in Washington.
- Indian River State College President Dr. Edwin Massey was honored with the Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award for retiring college presidents and chancellors from across the nation.
Today’s award ceremony is sponsored in part by the Florida College System Foundation and the Florida Lottery. The Florida Lottery has provided more than $34 billion to education since 1998 and more than 808,000 students participate in postsecondary education on a Bright Futures scholarship.
The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society recognizes the academic achievement of college students and provides opportunities for its members to grow as scholars and leaders. More than 3.5 million students have been inducted since 1918.
To view the list of All-Florida Academic Team members, visit Phi Theta Kappa.
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