Top 10 community college students in Virginia

"First Virginia Team" announced from among 54 high-achieving two-year college students

Virginia's Community Colleges honored the “top 10” Virginia Community College students -- as ranked by USA Today, The Phi Theta Kappa honor society, and the American Association of Community Colleges.

The best and brightest students throughout Virginia’s Community Colleges were recognized April 20 in Richmond as the First Virginia Team. The “top 10” community college students were joined by 44 other top-ranked two-year college students who become the All-Virginia Academic Team.

All the students demonstrate excellence through a strong commitment to high academic achievement and community service. Three of them -- including Cassidy Stinson of SVCC, Brooke Edwards of TCC, and Niambi Glover-Redd of TNCC  -- were recognized with a "silver" award and scholarship from Coca-Cola. The top Virginia student, Triszha Espina of Thomas Nelson, is the "New Century Scholar" and also receives a scholarship from Coca-Cola.

The "First Virginia Team"

	Grant Spence, 18, is majoring in engineering at Eastern Shore Community College, where he has a 3.9 GPA and plans to transfer to Virginia Tech. He is a member of the PTK honor society; treasurer of his Student Government Association, an Eagle Scout, and a member of ACTS (All Christians Serving Together). He received a commendation from the Senate of Virginia through Sen. Nick Rerras. “Because of my community college experiences and endeavors,” he says, “I can now truly say I am prepared for the journey ahead and will continue to use my experience to mentor others.”
	Karyn Pickett, 20, is completing a transfer degree at Lord Fairfax Community College, where she has a 3.9 GPA and plans to transfer to the University of Virginia or to James Madison University. She is vice president of leadership for her PTK chapter; vice president of Project Lead, a LFCC community service outreach organization; and secretary of the LFCC Ambassadors. She volunteers for Special Olympics and for the Virginia Food Coalition in addition to working two part-time jobs. A first generation college student, she was a keynote speaker last fall at the Commonwealth Legacy Scholars Luncheon.
	Lauren Hippert, 16, is completing a liberal arts degree at Piedmont Virginia Community College, where she has a 4.0 GPA. She hopes to transfer to the University of Virginia. She is a member of her college PTK chapter and also participates in a church youth group. “I believe that everyone has something special to contribute to the world. It is just a matter of dining out what that thing is and using it to make the world a better place,” she says.
	Terri Hickson, 39, is a second-year Registered Nursing student at Southside Virginia Community College, where she has a 3.8 grade point average and plans to transfer to Old Dominion University. A member of the SVCC Nursing Club, she is an active parent and advocate for children with disabilities. She was instrumental in establishing the Students with Special Needs Advisory Committee at the college to promote awareness and special opportunities for those with disabilities.
	Cassidy Stinson, 19, is pursuing a transfer degree at Southside Virginia Community College, where he has a 4.0 grade point average and plans to transfer to The College of William and Mary. He is president of his PTK chapter and is also a volunteer physical therapy assistant. He has seven years acting experience with the Farmville Homeschool Players, and is also an Eagle Scout and adult leader for the Boy Scouts of America, in addition to holding a black belt in karate.
	Triszha Espina, 20, is a social science major at Thomas Nelson Community College, where she has a 3.9 GPA and plans to transfer to Christopher Newport University. She is president of Student Government; a student ambassador; and a member of the Relay for Life team and International Club. She is vice president of her local PTK chapter. “I have evolved from a student ambassador into the president of the Student Government Association within one year, because someone saw my passion to help others. I truly believe that people simply need to know where they can successfully apply themselves and blossom from there.”
	Niambi Glover-Redd, 32, is majoring in liberal arts at Thomas Nelson Community College, where she has a 3.6 grade point average. She is co-enrolled at The College of William and Mary and plans to transfer there. She is a lead mentor with the TRiO program, an honor student, and a member of PTK. “I am a non-traditional student and I understand the difficulties these students face….If we can address these issues and get them acclimated to the college environment, then we stand a better chance of retaining them.”
	Tianna Blackmon, 21, is a biochemistry major at Tidewater Community College’s Chesapeake Campus, where she has a 3.9 grade point average. She is president of her PTK chapter, a member of Circle K International, a Student Government Association Senator, and volunteers for several charities, including Paint Your Heart Out.
	Brooke Edwards, 19, is an environmental studies major at Tidewater Community College, where she has a 3.9 grade point average and is planning to transfer to a public or private university in Virginia. She is president of Circle K, vice president of fellowship for PTK, an SGA Senator and volunteers at food pantries and other campus activities. She is a Chesapeake Campus Student Ambassador and the winner of the 2009-10 TCC Academic Achievement Award.
	Maryia Kvashenka, 25, is a chemistry major at Tidewater Community College’s Virginia Beach Campus, where she maintains a 3.9 GPA and hopes to transfer to The College of William and Mary. She is president of her PTK chapter and tutors in Russian, English and math. She also volunteers with the Red Cross Dental Clinic. “PTK has affected my life and way of thinking,” she says. “The Leadership Development Class changed my whole idea about the concept of leadership, serving and not giving orders. I learned that people face so many needs – and PTK can help.”