Pilar Polk from River Parishes Community College attended a luncheon and recognition ceremony in Baton Rouge honoring the All Louisiana Academic Team, hosted by the Louisiana Community and Technical College System, along with Phi Theta Kappa International.

 A psychology major from Gonzales, Polk earned a grade point average of 3.34 and transferred to Louisiana State University to continue her education.

“Pilar Polk is a prime example of the ability and dedication of community college students, and we at River Parishes Community College are proud to call her our own,” said Dr. Joe Ben Welch, RPCC chancellor.

 The All State Team is a program started by Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges, the American Association of Community Colleges and USA Today. The program serves as a means of recognizing excellence and high academic achievement in students attending community and technical colleges, as well as providing opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service and fellowship programming.

 Independent judges review the students’ applications and select the team members. The students are recognized by the awarding of medallions, certificates and scholarships. On an annual basis, the LCTCS hosts the All Academic Team Ceremony to recognize the students selected for the team.

“Being named to the All Louisiana Academic Team is one of the highest honors a community college student can receive,” said LCTCS President Dr. Joe D. May. “The nine students recognized represent the best of the best at their respective institutions and we are proud of them for their commitment, dedication, and academic accomplishments. We are sure to see great things from all of these students in the very near future.”

The other community college students named to the team are as follows: Marquis Smith of Baton Rouge Community College, Michael Stahl of Bossier Parish Community College, Patricia Parker of Delgado Community College, Amanda Smith of Delgado Community College, Cleo Norris of Louisiana Delta Community College, Sharon Schaefer of Nunez Community College, Betty Armstrong of Southern University at Shreveport and Steven Young of Louisiana State University – Eunice.

River Parishes Community College in Sorrento, La., is an open-admission, two-year, postsecondary public institution dedicated to developing and assisting students in achieving personal, professional and academic success. A component of the Louisiana Community and Technical College system and its board of supervisors, RPCC serves the Louisiana river parishes by providing transferable courses and curricula through certificates and associate’s degrees. Please visit www.rpcc.edu or call (225) 675-8270 for more information.