SCC PTK Honor Society Receives State Awards

Spartanburg Community College students Al’Valon Allen and Melissa Poole have been named to the South Carolina Technical College System’s 2021 Phi Theta Kappa All-State Academic Team and are among 43 students from the 100,000 students attending the state’s 16 technical/community colleges to receive this honor. Nominations are based on outstanding academic performance, membership in PTK and service to their college and community. Allen and Poole were recognized at a virtual awards ceremony on April 22, 2021.

“Today, we celebrate you, your accomplishments, all of your hard work and determination. We are so very proud of you and this PTK honor that you have earned. You are the best of the best,” explained Dr. G. Michael Mikota, SCC president. “We look forward to you extending your career into the nursing field and continuing your passion, dedication and motivation as you strive to continue meeting your goals and aspirations. It is my honor to award you with your medallions and certificates for being named to the PTK All-State Academic Team. Congratulations.”

Allen, a native of Boiling Springs, SC, is a student in the associate degree in nursing program and will graduate in May. She has served as a student ambassador, president of the National Technical Honor Society, co-founder of Forevermore Event Planning, and is a certified nursing assistant. Following graduation, Allen will work at Spartanburg Regional Hospital as a nurse.

A native of Leon, Iowa, Poole is a student in the associate degree in nursing program and will graduate in May. She is a member of the Alpha Sigma Lambda Honor Society, the National Technical Honor Society and is a volunteer at local homeless and animal shelters. Following SCC graduation, Poole will work at an integrative holistic physician’s office.

Dr. Tim Hardee, president, S.C. Technical College System, said, “On behalf of the South Carolina Technical College System, I congratulate you for being named to the 2021 Phi Theta Kappa All-State Academic Team. Your selection reflects your outstanding record of academic achievement, participation in campus and community programs, service to Spartanburg Community College, and service to your local community. You are part of an elite group.”

In addition, SCC’s PTK Beta Sigma Psi chapter was recognized for excellence as the 2021 Advisor Team of the Year. SCC’s chapter advisors include Warren “Tim" Arnold, music instructor; Dr. Akash Garg, biology instructor; and Katie Marchbanks, speech instructor.

Photos are available for download via Flickr at www.flickr.com/SCC-PTK-Awards.