New Century Scholar Announced

Kimberly Garske, a student at Chipola College in Marianna, Florida, has been named the New Century Scholar, the highest scoring student from Florida in the All-USA Academic Team competition. Ms. Garske graduated as the Valedictorian of Bethlehem High School in Bonifay, Florida, and decided to continue her education at Chipola College because whe wanted to transition from a small high school environment to a small college environment. Following her graduation from Chipola College, she plans to major in Pharmacy at the University of Florida. Among her accomplishments at Chipola College - the Chipola College Freshman Chemistry Award, the Chipola College Biology for Science Majors Award, the Phi Theta Kappa Guistwhite Scholarship, and the Phi Theta Kappa Leaders of Promise Scholarship. Her extracurricular activities include Phi Theta Kappa, Brain Bowl and Honors.

As a New Century Scholar, Ms. Garske will receive a $2,000 stipend funded by the Coca-Cola Foundation and the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, and Chipola College will receive special recognition at the American Association of Community Colleges and Universities (AACU) Convention. The New Century Scholars program is sponsored annually by the American Association of Community Colleges, the Coca-Cola Foundation, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, and Phi Theta Kappa.

Keynote Speaker - Representative Charlie Justice

The Honorable Charlie Justice will serve as the keynote speaker for the Phi Theta Kappa Awards Ceremony on April 5, 2006. Representative Justice, a recipient of the 2005 Florida Region of Phi Theta Kappa Most Outstanding Alumnus Award, is from St. Petersburg, Florida, and was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2000. He graduated from St. Petersburg College and the University of South Florida with a B.S. degree in 1993, and is currently employed as an Academic Advisor at the University of South Florida. As a State Legislator, Representative Justice serves on the following House Committees: Commerce Council; Economic Development, Trade and Banking Committee; Education Appropriations Committee; Spaceport and Technology Committee; and the Water and Natural Resources Committee. Representative Justice has received several awards for his service, including the 2005 Florida Education Association Champion for Public Education Award, and his community affiliations include Big Brother Big Sisters of Pinellas, Board of Directors (1997 - 2004), and the Greater St. Pete Area Chamber of Commerce. We look forward to welcoming Representative Justice to this exciting event!

All-USA Academic Team Recognition

The All-Florida Academic Team is composed of all Florida students nominated to the All-USA Team, which recognizes the top students across the nation. At this time, PTK Headquarters is in the process of contacting those students receiving this high distinction. We look forward to announcing any Florida recipients once that information is available to us.

The All-USA Academic Team program annually recognizes 60 outstanding two-year college students. First, Second, and Third Teams, each consisting of 20 members, are selected. The 20 First Team members receive stipends of $2,500 each. All 60 members of the All-USA Academic Team and their colleges receive extensive national recognition through coverage in USA TODAY. Selection is based on nominations submitted by community college presidents or campus CEOs. Phi Theta Kappa, USA TODAY, and the American Association of Community Colleges sponsor the All-USA Academic Team program annually. To be eligible, a student must post a minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA and be eligible to graduate with an associate degree. In 2005, Florida had six (6) students on the All-USA Team. The 2006 All-USA Team will be announced on April 24th.