All-Louisiana Academic Team 2016Phi Theta Kappa

Annual Recognition Luncheon & Ceremony

April 27, 2016LSU Lod Cook Alumni Center

P hi Theta Kappa

ProgramWelcome & Recognition of Special Guests

Mr. Curt Eysink, Master of CeremoniesDr. Monty Sullivan, President

Louisiana’s Community and Technical Colleges

Stand Above the Crowd: Employer Guidance on Excelling in the Job Market

Mr. Jamie Voorhis, Director of Workforce Development, Jacobs EngineeringMr. Allan C. Bailie, Human Resources Business Partner, BASF

Panelist 3Moderated by: Mr. William “Dennis” Epps

Transfer Recruitment Fair

Lunch and Keynote AddressDr. Richard J. Koubek

Executive Vice President & Provost, Louisiana State University

Presentation of the New Century Scholar AwardDr. Ryan Ruckel, Phi Theta Kappa Regional Representative

Presentation of the All-Louisiana Academic Team

About phi theta kappaThe purpose of Phi Theta Kappa is to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year college students and provide opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service and fellowship programming. The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society began in 1918 at Stephens College in Missouri. Today, Phi Theta Kappa is more than 3 million members strong, with 1,300 chapters in 9 nations. The organization offers approximately $90 million in scholarship opportunities for members. Approximately 91% of Phi Theta Kappa members complete their associate degrees and/or transfer to a four-year college or university, compared to 38% of commu-nity college students nationally.

About The All-Louisiana Academic TeamThe “All State Team” is a program that was started by Phi Theta Kappa, the American Association of Community Colleges and USA Today. It serves as a way to recognize and showcase the high academic achievement of students attending two-year colleges. On an annual basis, the Louisiana Community and Technical College System hosts the All-Louisiana State Team to recognize academic excellence across the System. Indepen-dent judges review each application and select the team members. Students are recog-nized by the awarding of medallions and certificates.

Service. Scholarship. Leadership. Fellowship.

On behalf of our Board of Supervisors and all 13 of Louisiana’s Community and Technical Colleges, I want to welcome you to the 2016 All Louisiana Academic Team Recognition Ceremony.

There are many events throughout the year that I look forward to and without question, the two that are most rewarding are graduation and PTK. As educators, we get to see the fruits of our labor - the priceless smiles and tears of joy from children, parents, and the students themselves. These experiences validate that what we do indeed changes lives and creates futures! That’s what makes these events so special.

Each year we recognize outstanding community and technical college students for their civic engagement and excellence in academic achievement. These students represent some of the best of the best at their respective institutions and arguably the state. Today we honor them for their commitment, dedication, and scholastic accomplishments.

I want to congratulate each student and encourage them to continue on in their journey with the same commitment to excellence that we honor them for today. We’re proud of your accomplishments and wish you the best in all of your future scholastic endeavors.

Cameron Salazar is a native of Hickory, NC. He is currently a student at Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC), where he is majoring in Business. Following his studies at BRCC, he plans to transfer to a four-year university in his home state of North Carolina. Movies are Cameron’s passion and he hopes to start his own film production company. In addition to being a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Cameron is the Student Body President of BRCC and a member of the Men’s Basketball Team. He is also the 2016 New Century Scholar for Louisiana. He would like to thank his father, mother, and sister for helping to teach him “communication, creativity, dedication, and love.” He would also like to thank God, whose “blessings are endless.”

Christopher King, originally from Haughton, Louisiana, is studying business and finance at Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC). He has been recognized as part of the National Junior Honor Society and National Honor Society as well as Salutatorian Graduate. He has received awards including Multiple Brass Instrument Awards and Louis Armstrong Jazz Award. When not in class, he enjoys playing the trombone, RC cars, and long-range rifle shooting. He is appreciative of Kevin Williams, Haughton High School Band Director, his parents, “many great BPCC teachers and most importantly God above.” Christopher plans to attend Louisiana Tech University with a career goal of becoming a financial investment advisor.

CAMERON SALAZARBaton RougeCommunity College

CHRISTOPHER KINGBossier Parish Community College

The 2016 All-Louisiana Academic Team Welcome!

Sheri Bloodsworth is a student from Oakdale, LA studying Practical Nursing at Central Louisiana Technical Community College where she is part of the National Technical Honor Society as well as the NFLPN. Her favorite instructors are Tiffany Thomas, RN and Camille Trammel, RN. She loves to sing and write poems and her favorite song is “Whenever You Remember” by Carrie Underwood. Sheri would like to thank her husband, her mother, and grandmother for always believing in her and encouraging her to be all that she can be. She strongly believes that education doesn’t end at graduation, rather it continues for as long as you are in the nursing profession. After graduation, she intends to transfer to Northwestern State University having the goal to commit to lifelong learning and to earn a Master’s degree in the future.

James Snyder is a native of Bossier City, Louisiana. He is currently a student at BPCC majoring in General Studies. He cites Ms. Adams’ Elements of Biology class as his favorite class, stating that she inspires him to “be a teacher full of energy and joy every single day.” After graduation, he plans to transfer to Louisiana State University- Shreveport to study Secondary Education with the hope of becoming an English/Language Arts teacher. In his spare time, James serves as the youth minister at his church and works with Volunteers of America. He has a Master’s Degree of Theology and Bible Language from LMBIS Seminary in Minden, LA. He is also a member of Sigma Kappa Delta English Honor Society. He would like to thank his wife and children for encouraging and allowing him to attend college, his parents who have always supported him, the instructors at BPCC for “answering all of my emails as I obsessively made sure I understood every assignment,” and Ms. Michelle Triplet.

SHERI BLOODSWORTHCentral La. Technical Community College

JAMES SNYDERBossier Parish Community College

The 2016 All-Louisiana Academic Team The 2016 All-Louisiana Academic Team Russell Tatum is a student from Columbia, Louisiana studying Welding at Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CENLA). Russell expresses a love for welding and aspires to own is own welding shop one day. He tells us that “Mr. Boyd, CENLA Instructor, has always been there for me not only as an instructor, but as a friend who is interested in me.” While not in school, he enjoys fishing and the song “Number One” by Nelly. Russell is grateful for the support of his girlfriend, Brooke Owens, Ashley Boyd, his Mom & Dad, the whole neighborhood who has been supportive, and “above all, Jesus Christ.”

Russell TatumCentral La. Technical Community college

Matthew Broussard is a Delgado Community College student and member of PTK from Pearl River, LA. At Delgado, he is concentrating in Psychology with intentions of transferring to continue his education. He is interested in Arizona State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, Louisiana State University, and University of Southern Mississippi. His favorite teacher is his English professor, Dr. David Cook. Matthew would like to thank his dad, Michael Broussard, for always being in his corner. Others he is grateful for include his girlfriend, Hannah Noblet, along with family, friends, professors, and academic advisors such as David Cook, Craig Fredin, Amanda Brammer, Ginger Jones, Keith Landrum, Zach Jenkins, and Kim Russell. After graduating college, he wishes to work as a clinical psychologist in order to use his knowledge, education, and understanding to serve those around him.

Matthew BroussardDelgado Community College

Jessica Reando is a native of Festus, MO. She is currently a student at Fletcher Technical Community College (FTCC), where she is pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Systems Technology. Her favorite class at FTCC is Ms. Watson’s College Algebra class. Jessica’s career goal is to follow in her boss’ footsteps and become a Registrar for FTCC. During her time as a student at FTCC, she has made the Dean’s List, the Chancellor’s List, and has been invited to join Phi Theta Kappa. When asked to choose a theme song for herself, she chose “Roar” by Katy Perry. She would like to thank the following individuals for supporting her throughout her college journey: her boyfriend, Justin; her boyfriend’s parents, Phil and Lois; her parents, Jon and Teresa; her grandfather, John; her grandmother, Dorothy; her best friend, Jaimie; and FTFCC Registrar, Lisa Hidalgo.

Jessica ReandoFletcher Technical Community College

Crystal Thomassie is a native of Houma, LA. She is currently a student at Fletcher Technical Community College (FTCC), where she is studying Veterinary Medicine. She hopes to become a Veterinarian one day because she wants to help animals. When asked about her favorite class, she said she enjoyed Mrs. Tenney’s English classes the most. Following her studies at FTCC, she plans to transfer to Nicholls University or Louisiana State University. In addition to being a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Crystal is a student worker, cheer coach, and works in the bookstore. She would like to thank her mother for always being there for her, her dad for giving her a great home to come to every night, her grandmother for being there to listen when she needed someone to talk to, her stepmother who has done so much for her, and her boyfriend, Andre, for believing in her and for pushing her to try her best.

Crystal ThomassieFletcher Technical Community College

The 2016 All-Louisiana Academic Team The 2016 All-Louisiana Academic Team

Karmone Louis, originally from Monroe, Louisiana, is majoring in Business Technology at Louisiana Delta Community College (Delta). She enjoys courses by her favorite professor, Joe Lane, as well as music by James Fortune; specifically, “I Will Trust.” Karmone is thankful to her husband, Christopher Louis; her children, Krystin, Michaela, and Lauren; Carrie Ward, Shaundra Ward, Crystal Ward; Hilton and Shirley Louis; Fred Gayden; and Angela Hannon.

After completing her studies at Delta, she wishes to transfer to the University of Louisiana in Monroe with the career goal in mind of becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Karmone LouisLouisiana Delta Community College

Fredrick Bamburg is a Business and Technology major from West Monroe studying at Louisiana Delta Community College where his favorite teacher is Professor Lane in the Business program.

After graduation, he plans to continue his education at the University of Louisiana at Monroe and is interested in a position with Centurylink, a Fortune 500 company headquartered in Monroe, Louisiana. Fredrick would like to thank his family for their love and support.

Fredrick BamburgLouisiana Delta Community College

Star Farmer is a Northshore Technical Community College student from New Orleans, Louisiana who plans on transferring to Southeastern Louisiana University after graduation. She is a member of Lattes and Lit Book Circle, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and has been recognized with the Give Where We Live Scholarship Award in 2015. Her favorite faculty member is Brandy Dietto and is appreciative to Dr. Jim Carlson for his help and Amy Fleming who has been a mentor and role model.

Outside of class, she tutors fellow classmates when they are in need of help and listens to her favorite song, “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus. Star Farmer

Northshore technical Community College

Courtney King is a Business Office Administration student attending Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) originally from Ponchatoula, Louisiana. While at NTCC, she made the Dean’s List three semesters in a row and is President of Phi Theta Kappa. While she is not in her favorite class taught by Dawn Brownlow, she enjoys home Do-It-Yourself projects, donating and volunteering with local animal shelters, and listening to her favorite song “Meet Virginia” by Train. Courtney is thankful for her mother, Tara Varisco, and husband, Clinton “CJ” King.

After her studies at NTCC, she plans on attending Southeastern Louisiana University with the career goal of becoming a licensed CPA.

Courtney KingNorthshore technical Community College

The 2016 All-Louisiana Academic Team The 2016 All-Louisiana Academic Team

Katina Stephens is a native of Shreveport, LA. She is currently a student at Northwest Louisiana Technical College (NWLTC), where she is studying Nursing. She cites Ms. Wallace’s Anatomy and Physiology class as her favorite class at NWLTC. Following her studies at NWLTC, she plans to transfer to Northwestern State University.

She hopes to one day become a Nurse Practitioner. In her spare time, Katina likes to read novels, write poetry, draw, and paint. She would like to thank her mother for always encouraging her, and her late grandmother who serves as her inspiration. Her grandmother, who died of cancer during her first semester of college, always told her she could do anything. Katina promised her grandmother she would graduate with honors.

Katina StephensNorthwest LA. Technical Community College

Leta Charles is a native of Shongaloo, LA. She is currently a student at Northwest Louisiana Technical College (NWLTC), where she is majoring in Industrial Instrumentation Technology. She hopes to one day be employed by a major company, monitoring SCADA control systems. She has served as SGA Treasurer at NWLTC, is an active member of Mt. Paran Baptist Church, and also assists with the youth ministry at Springhill United Methodist Church.

When asked to pick a theme song for herself, she chose “Stronger” by Britney Spears. She would like to thank her parents, John and Suzy, and her grandparents, Billy and Linda, for supporting her throughout her educational journey.

Leta CharlesNorthwest LA. technical Community College

Jacob Bianchini is a native of St. Bernard Parish, LA. He is currently a student at Nunez Community College where he is studying Business and Sociology. Jacob is jack of all trades and a true entrepreneur. He and his brother co-own a professional security surveillance and installation company. He is a member of two honor societies, Phi Theta Kappa and Gamma Beta Phi.

Jacob serves as a Senator for the Nunez Student Government Association, where his natural leadership qualities are evident. He is also strong in his faith and convictions, never following the crowd but marching to the beat of his own drum.

Jacob BianchiniNunez Community College

Randi Holmes, from Violet, Louisiana, is an Elementary Education major at Nunez Community College where she is the president of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honor Society chapter and has been on the Dean’s list in 2014 and 2015. Her favorite subject is American History when taught by Ronald Chapman. In her spare time, she is a saltwater reef aquarium hobbyist with three tanks at home and listens to “Keep Your Head Up” by Andy Grammer.

Randi is thankful for her fiancé, Dawn Elder and her parents, Gary and Debbie Holmes. Her career goal is to teach elementary school students and eventually become a principal of an elementary school in St. Bernard Parish. Randi Holmes

Nunez Community College

The 2016 All-Louisiana Academic Team The 2016 All-Louisiana Academic Team

Jeana Sanders is a native of Gonzales, LA. She is currently a student at River Parishes Community College (RPCC) where she is majoring in Business. Following graduation, she would like to advance in a business environment. In her spare time, she enjoys, reading, writing, researching, and learning new things. She loves outdoor activities, such as hunting, fishing, swimming, camping, hiking, and skeet shooting.

During her time at RPCC, she has made the Chancellor’s List, and been inducted into two honors societies- Phi Theta Kappa and Gamma Beta Pi. Jeana would like to thank her family and friends, especially Barbara Peterson, George Christopher Magola in the Student Support Services Office at RPCC, and all of the instructors at RPCC. Most importantly, she would like to thank her aunt, Linda Hill, who always encouraged her to move forward in life.

Jeana SandersRiver ParishesCommunity College

Victoria Guitreau is a native of Frost, Louisiana. She is currently a student at RPCC, where she cites Dr. Hyde’s American History II class as her favorite. Following her studies at RPCC, she plans to transfer to Louisiana State University and pursue a degree in Anthropology. She is also interested in studying History, specifically the Civil War. She hopes to become a professor one day. In addition to her studies, Victoria enjoys reading, writing, traveling, cooking, and playing the piano. She is a member of several honor societies, including Phi Theta Kappa, Gamma Beta Phi, and Sigma Kappa Delta.

When asked to pick a theme song for herself, she chose “Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield because even at this stage in her life, she “has so much more to write.” She would like to thank her husband, Patrick, and her mother for supporting and believing in her.

Victoria GuitreauRiver Parishes Community College

Dwight Desselle is a native of LaPlace, LA. He is currently a student at South Central Louisiana Technical College (SCLTC), where he is studying Industrial Instrumentation. His favorite courses at SCLTC have been Introduction to Instrumentation with Jerome Layne and Programmable Logic with Dr. Lyons. Dwight’s goal is to not only be the best in his field of study, but to “help further Instrumentation as an Art as well as a Science.” He is an automotive enthusiast and enjoys car shows and automotive detailing. He also enjoys spending time with his family.

He would like to thank the following individuals for supporting him throughout his educational journey: his mother, Angela; his girlfriend, Goldie; his brother-in-law, Kyle; his high school Physics teacher, Dr. Watkins; and SCLTC instructors, Jerome Layne and Dr. David Lyons.

Dwight DesselleSouth Central LA, Technical College

Maggie GauthreauxSouth Central LA, Technical College

Maggie Gauthreaux is a native of Raceland, LA. She is currently a student at South Central Louisiana Technical College (SCLTC) where she is studying Surgical Technology. She says Ms. Susan Bailey has been her favorite instructor at SCLTC. Maggie hopes to become a valuable member of a surgical team so that she can “help improve the lives of patients.”

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, camping, baking, and gardening. She would like to thank her husband, two sons, parents, sisters, brothers, friends, and teachers at SCLTC for encouraging and supporting her.

The 2016 All-Louisiana Academic Team The 2016 All-Louisiana Academic Team

Roxana Montes Reichle, originally from Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazan, is a chemistry student at SLCC who wants to contribute to the medical field through Chemistry by identifying a molecule with a specific medicinal effect to cure a disease. Before embarking in that journey she plans to continue her education at a university. She has several favorite teachers including Erin Breaux (English), Celeste Regino (Chemistry) Emmanuel Ofori-Dadzie, (Calculus), and Erin Begnaud (Speech). Roxana has an Intermediate Certificate B1 German Language, has completed internships in Medical Laboratory, Pharmacy, and Dentistry Laboratory in Heide, Germany. In addition to her studies, she enjoys painting, medical research, cooking/baking, interior designing, tutoring (Science & Math), and the song “Roots before Branches” by Room for Two. She is grateful for her mother, Ingrid Reichle; father, Daniel Montes; siblings, Daniela, Daniel, and Ingrid Montes; Danilo & Blanca Montes; and grandparents, Fernando Montes and Hermann Reichle.

Roxana Montes Reichle South Louisiana Community College

Priscilla Gutierrez is a Biology student from Miami, Florida currently attending SLCC, where she experienced the unique teaching method of her favorite biology teacher, Ms. Sullivan. Her extracurricular activities include drawing, painting, spending time outside with animals, reading, spending time with loved ones as well as enjoying her favorite song, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole. Priscilla has been awarded various honors including Take Stock in Children Scholarship, Home Furniture and KATC Scholarship, and the Social Science Psychology Scholarship. She is thankful for her elementary and middle school teachers who “pushed [her] to succeed,” her grandparents for encouraging and providing the opportunity to attend a learning center, her parents for always being so accepting, and all of her professors with a passion for teaching. After completing her studies at SLCC, she plans to further her education at the University of West Florida. Her top career goal is to have a job that she can genuinely love and enjoy while helping others and the planet.

Priscilla GutierrezSouth Louisiana Community College

Natalia Arce-Hoffpauir is a native of Lake Charles, LA. She is currently a student at SOWELA Technical Community College, where she is majoring in Graphic Arts. She says Ms. McCormick, her English instructor at SOWELA, made English one of her favorite classes. Natalia hopes to become an animator for Pixar, move to Florida, and become a professional dancer.

Following graduation from SOWELA, she plans to transfer to Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. While at SOWELA, Natalia has consistently made the Dean’s List, serves as the SGA Treasurer, and has won multiple awards for her graphic design work. She would like to thank her mother and husband for supporting her throughout her educational journey, and for being so patient.

Natalia Arce-HoffpauirSOWELA Technical Community College

Jessica ValdezSOWELA Technical Community College

Jessica Valdez is a native of Sulphur, LA. She is currently a student at SOWELA Technical Community College, where she is majoring in Business. She cites her College Algebra and Finite Math classes as her most challenging classes, but says she “gained so much knowledge from them.” She adds that “Mr. Carrere is an absolutely amazing teacher!” Her goal is to move to Minnesota and work as an operations manager at Winnmark, and to eventually open her own store.

She says “A Day to Remember: Sometimes you’re the Hammer and Sometimes you’re the Nail” is her theme song. She would like to thank her fiancé for being by her side every step of the way and cheering her on. She would also like to thank her mother for being her inspiration to excel in college.

The 2016 All-Louisiana Academic Team

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