Aaron Neely, left, and Caitlin Shepard, right.
Coffeyville Community College sophomores Caitlin Shepard and Aaron Neely were among the fifty Kansas community college students honored as members of the 2013 All-Kansas Academic Team. The students represented twenty Kansas Community College and were selected in judging based upon academic achievement, campus and community involvement, and an essay.
The students were honored in Topeka on February 14 where they took a tour of the capitol, had appointments to visit their legislators, and were introduced on the floor of the House Chamber.
Following the capitol visit, the Academic Team Scholars were honored at a Phi Theta Kappa Luncheon in the Regency Ballroom of the downtown Ramada Inn. Dr. Daniel Barwick, President of Independence Community College gave a welcome and Linda Fund representing the Kansas Association of Community College Trustees introduced the distinguished guests and the keynote speaker, State Attorney General Derek Schmidt. The presentation of Kansas Phi Theta Kappa all state awards was conducted by Kansas Region Phi Theta Kappa Coordinator Tammy Fuentez, Linda Fund, and the college presidents. Dr. Carl Heilman, President of Barton Community College presented words of appreciation. Each community college honoree received a medallion, certificate and monetary recognition. The event was sponsored by the Kansas Association of Community College Trustees. The All-Kansas Academic Team members are eligible to participate in the All-USA Academic Team competition which is sponsored by Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation and The Coca-Cola Foundation in partnership with USA Today, Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, and the American Association of Community Colleges.
The top scoring student in each state is named a New Century Scholar and receives a $2,000 award. The next fifty highest scoring students are named Gold Scholars and receive $1,500, while the following fifty students are Silver Scholars and receive $1,250. The final fifty students are Bronze scholars and receive $1,000. The common scholarship used for the competition allowed students to compete for additional scholarships such as the Guistewhite.
Aaron Neely is a pre-engineering major from Topeka. He is a 4.0 student and plans to transfer to Washburn University after receiving his A.S. degree. His many accomplishments at CCC include Phi Theta Kappa President, Student Ambassador, tutor in the Student Success Center, Rodeo Manager, Christian Challenge member, Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges, Volunteer for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Marathon, Brown Mansion and NUMANA volunteer, Project Graduation, Presidential Scholar, Pay It Forward Award and CCC Strategic Planning Committee.
Caitlin Shepard is a 4.0 graphic design/business major from Caney who plans to transfer to Pittsburg State University. She is Phi Theta Kappa Kansas Region Vice President of the Southern District and Chapter Vice President of Scholarship. Caitlin participates in Soundsations, show choir and theatre. She is a member of Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Caitlin is on the CCC Scholarship Standing Committee, is a volunteer for the CCC Marketing Department, Coffeyville Chamber of Commerce, and her church.