2 Students Selected to Missouri All-Academic Team
Date: April 29, 2008
Contact: Leigh Adams, Adviser
Phi Theta Kappa Chapter
417-255-7282
Lindsay Deaton, Norwood, was named to the second team, and Diane Phillips, Thayer, received third-team honors. They were honored for their achievement during an award ceremony at noon Thursday, March 27, at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City. Hosted by the team co-sponsors, the Missouri Community College Association and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society of Missouri, the event recognized 35 outstanding students and campus leaders selected to the overall team. Joining Deaton and Phillips at the award ceremony was Missouri State-West Plains Phi Theta Kappa chapter sponsor Leigh Adams.
“Phi Theta Kappa and the Missouri All-Academic Team have allowed some of our best students to be recognized for their academic achievements. Both of this year’s nominees were strong students who will leave us and go on to serve their communities well. Lindsay and Diane are exceptional representatives of the quality of students we attract,” Adams said.
Deaton said she was honored to be chosen to represent Missouri State-West Plains on the All-Missouri Two-Year College Academic Team. “It was such an amazing experience to interact with other student leaders from around the state,” she said. “It’s such a privilege to be recognized for all of the work that you put not only into the classroom but also into the community. It’s always great encouragement to know that what you are doing is making a difference in others’ lives.”
“I was very happy to be named to the All-Academic Team,” added Phillips. “It’s something that I will always feel proud of. Receiving this award means that I have proven to myself and others that I was willing to work hard and do my best academically.”
Academic team honorees receive a medallion, framed resolutions from the Missouri House of Representatives and Senate recognizing their achievement, and scholarship awards. Deaton received a $300 scholarship, and Phillips received a $150 scholarship.
Both students are on track to graduate in May with Associate of Science in Nursing degrees. Deaton will begin working in the surgical heart and lung unit at St. John’s Regional Heath Center in Springfield upon graduation. She also has been accepted into the University of Missouri’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing online program and will complete that degree in a year’s time, she said. Phillips will begin working as a registered nurse in the labor and delivery department at St. John’s upon graduation and will continue her education at Missouri State University in Springfield, where she plans to pursue the Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
This is the 14th year for the academic team honor. Students submit applications for the award to the Phi Theta Kappa chapter at their college. Two students are selected by the college from this pool and submitted to the national competition, which is sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa International, the American Association of Community Colleges and USA Today. Based on that competition and their ranking in the competition, they are honored by the state.
DIANE PHILLIPS, left, of Thayer and Lindsay Deaton, Norwood, were congratulated by Missouri State University-West Plains Chancellor Drew Bennett for being named to the 2008 All-Missouri Two-Year College Academic Team prior to the annual Celebration of Leaders student awards ceremony at the West Plains Civic Center. Deaton and Phillips recently were named to the second and third team, respectively, by the team sponsors, the Missouri Community College Association and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society of Missouri. (Missouri State-West Plains Photo)