Congratulations to the 2009 First Virginia Team

The best and the brightest

Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society of two-year colleges, named 55 students throughout Virginia to the 2009 All-Virginia Academic Team. From these students, PTK tapped the “top ten” to become the First Virginia Team. One of these students was also recognized by being named to the 19th annual All-USA national "Academic Teams." See the April 22 news release.

All these students demonstrate excellence through a strong commitment to high academic achievement and community service. Virginia's Community Colleges wish them the best in their future endeavors.

The Phi Theta Kappa All-Virginia Academic Team is affiliated with the American Association of Community Colleges and USA Today’s All-USA Academic Team Program.

	Sumaya Al-Hajebi, 18, majors in education at Northern Virginia Community College. A native of Palestine, the Woodbridge resident maintains a 3.7 grade point average while participating in the Student Government Association, the Black Student Alliance and the Inter Campus Council. She serves as vice president of the Muslim Student Association, public relations officer for the college’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter and secretary for Circle K. Her academic achievements earned her a Phi Theta Kappa Bronze Coca-Cola scholarship. She plans to transfer to George Mason University.
	Nathanael Arthur, 23, is majoring in social science and business management at Northern Virginia Community College, where he maintains a 3.8 grade point average. Arthur is involved in numerous activities including organizing a clothing drive for the homeless, assisting with new student orientation, tutoring and volunteering at a retirement home and elementary school. Arthur serves as a student ambassador and is president of the Student Leadership Club and the college’s PTK chapter. His academic achievements have earned him an All USA Today Bronze Medal, the Richard J. Ernst Endowed Scholarship, the Dr. Max L. Bassett Endowed Scholarship and a place in the Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges.
	Jordan Begley, 18, is a liberal arts major at Mountain Empire Community College. The Duffield resident is maintaining a 3.8 grade point average. Begley is an AmeriCorps participant with 900 hours of service. She assisted with community cleanup and with a book drive to aid elementary school students. She serves as a student diplomat, on the International Education Committee, and she represented MECC in a visit to Virginia General Assembly. Begley’s academic achievements have earned her a Coca-Cola Gold Scholarship, a Commonwealth Legacy Scholarship, and MECC’s nomination for the Robert E. Wone Award for Exemplary Service. She plans to transfer to the University of Virginia at Wise.
	Diane Belcher, 43, captured the top spot in this year’s All-Virginia Academic Team and was named the New Century Scholar. She also was named to the USA Today All-USA Academic Team which annually recognizes the top 20 outstanding two-year college students in the nation. Belcher is a student at New River Community College majoring in human services and holds a 3.8 grade point average. She is a member of the Floyd County Chamber of Commerce and Rocky Knob Task Force/Blue Ridge Heritage, Inc. She was named to Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges and has been the New River Community College Educational Foundation Scholar for the past two years. Off campus, Belcher served an elected position with the Floyd County Board of Supervisors from 1998-2007.
	Kathleen Fort, 49, is a communication and design major at Central Virginia Community College where she is maintaining a perfect 4.0 grade point average. Fort is also a studio art major at Randolph College, while continuing to take graphic arts classes at CVCC. She will graduate in May 2010 and will receive both a B.A. in studio art from Randolph College and an A.A.S. degree in communication design from CVCC. Fort is involved with Polis, the art and literary journal at CVCC and is a member of the school’s Chi Psi chapter of PTK. Her academic success and drive led to her selection as a 2009 Coca-Cola Gold Scholar.
	Tracey Grzelakowski, 40, is a student at Lord Fairfax Community College. The Stephens City resident is a liberal arts major and holds a 4.0 grade point average. Grzelakowski volunteers at Armel Elementary School and is involved with the Parent Teacher Association. After only five months as a member of LFCC’s Alpha Beta Omega chapter, she became president of the Virginia region Phi Theta Kappa. Grzelakowski says serving as president has given her the opportunity to show others that success is possible when you have a positive attitude and are willing to work hard and not take yourself too seriously. She will transfer to James Madison University.
	David Hall, 18, from Remington is also a Lord Fairfax Community College student. The liberal arts major is maintaining a near perfect 3.93 grade point average. Hall is a member of the Student Government Association, vice president of Scholarship with the Fauquier campus Alpha Psi Iota Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and serves as the vice president for the Virginia Region of PTK. He is a member of the Boy Scouts of America, Mountain View Community Church, and is a volunteer for Relay for Life. Hall intends plans to transfer to Old Dominion University.
	Jonathan Helmer, 20, from Prince George, is an arts and science major at John Tyler Community College, where he is maintaining a grade point average of 3.6. Helmer is a member of the History Club at JTCC, serving as co-president at the Chester Campus in 2008. Outside of school, he is an assistant scoutmaster and is an instructor of historical and ballroom dance. He is also involved with mission work, including travel to Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. Helmer’s academic success has earned him a place among the 2009 Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges. After graduation, Helmer is considering transferring to Old Dominion University.
	Derek Wade Hollar, 36, is majoring in information systems technology at Wytheville Community College. While maintaining a 3.95 grade point average, Hollar keeps busy with Phi Theta Kappa, sports and family activities. He is the president of the Association of Computing Machinery Club at the college. Hollar’s academic successes include membership in PTK and he is the recipient of a Coca Cola Silver Scholarship.
	Emily Traylor, 20, of Charlottesville, is an arts and music major at Piedmont Virginia Community College. She has a perfect 4.0 grade point average while being involved in numerous activities. She serves as editor-in-chief of The Forum newspaper, president of the Newspaper Club, president of the Music Club, vice president of Student Government Association, and is a member of the Ultimate Frisbee Club, PVCC Tour Guides and Christian Student Fellowship. In her spare time she teaches piano lessons, volunteers as pianist for her church and tutors Spanish and writing in the PVCC Learning Center. Traylor’s academic honors include a 2009 Coca Cola Silver Scholarship and Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges.