MEDIA, PA — In April, often associated with renewal and growth, it’s fitting to celebrate Community College Month. This year, five students from Delaware County Community College (DCCC) bring particular pride and honor. Anuradha Anuradha, Chloe Johnson, Tashi Kandeh, Jamie Lynch, and Jay Rhoades have been selected for the prestigious 2024 All-Pennsylvania (All-PA) Academic Team. This recognition comes in acknowledgment of their impressive academic prowess, inspiring leadership, and unwavering commitment to community service.
The All-PA Academic Team is sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa, the renowned international honor society for two-year colleges, and the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges. The selection process is rigorous, and the students were recognized during a special banquet held in Harrisburg.
Notably, Anuradha, Johnson, and Rhoades received additional honors as Transfer Pathway honorees. This recognition garners them a full-tuition scholarship for two years at any one of the ten universities that constitute the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The eligibility criteria stipulated that they must have completed at least 36 credits at a community college and secured a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Workforce Pathway honors went to Kandeh and Lynch. This acknowledgment is for students planning to enter the workforce once they have completed a certificate or associate degree at a community college. They must have finished a minimum of 12 college-level credit hours at a community college and achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher.
Let’s delve deeper into the inspiring stories of these students:
Anuradha Anuradha: A specialist in the field of Computer Science, Anuradha aspires to work with Artificial Intelligence. She dreams of creating key algorithms that will have a tangible impact worldwide, spanning areas from healthcare to climate change. She intends to attend West Chester University for her bachelor’s degree and subsequently obtain a master’s degree in Computer Science.
Chloe Johnson: After a decade of culinary experience and volunteer work in Thailand, Cambodia, Haiti, and the U.S., Johnson is majoring in Business Administration at DCCC. Her vision is to establish a nonprofit center that would act as a haven for at-risk youth. Her idea involves a blend of traditional therapy, the arts, and trades to foster holistic healing, creativity, and empowerment.
Tashi Kandeh: With years of experience as a home health aide, Kandeh is currently seeking certification in Medical Coding and Billing at DCCC. Her professional background includes varied clinical settings, providing her with an impressive range of practical experience.
Jamie Lynch: Lynch is working to earn her associate degree in Science for Health Professions, Surgical Technology. With roots in veterinary medicine and shelter work, she found her interest in surgery and plans to begin working in the field without delay after her certification.
Jay Rhoades: Rhoades, a Mathematics/Natural Science major with a focus on Biology, is involved in the National Science Foundation-funded STARS program, which equips community college students with research opportunities and insights into STEM careers. His graduation and subsequent attendance at graduate school will open doors for him in the field of pathology.
The selection of these five DCCC students for the All-PA Academic team emphasizes the important role community colleges play in fostering academic excellence and propelling students toward their career paths. As we celebrate Community College Month, let’s take a moment to applaud these individuals’ remarkable achievements and the bright future they represent.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and Microsoft Start.