OJC Press Release ID: 2482

Monday, March 14, 2016

OJC students receive Phi Theta Kappa awards

Two students at Otero Junior College have been named to the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All-Colorado Academic Team. Chloe Nolan and Larabeth Vanek were nominated for the All-Colorado Academic Team by the OJC local Chapter, based on their scholarship, leadership and community service. PTK is the international honor society of two-year colleges.

Nolan and Vanek are among 25 community college students from across the state who were honored at a luncheon on March 9 at the Denver Athletic Club.

Chloe Nolan is from South Lake Tahoe, Calif. She is completing an Associate of Arts degree at OJC. After graduation, Nolan plans to transfer to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor’s degree in mass media and music. She would like to one day work in a recording studio. A talented musician, Nolan writes music, plays guitar and sings.
While a student at OJC, Nolan has participated on the Rattler Women’s Soccer team; in Phi Theta Kappa, this year as secretary; and in the President’s Leadership Program. She hopes to continue in a leadership program at her four year school.
Larabeth Vanek, of Cortez, will complete an Associate of Science degree at OJC in April. After graduation she plans to transfer to Western State Colorado University to continue studies in cellular and molecular biology. Vanek’s ultimate career goal is micro research.

While at OJC, Vanek has been active in the STEM club and Phi Theta Kappa. A lover of all things scientific, Vanek has participated in the Robotics Challenge and the Space Grant balloon project. She was also one of 8 community college students chosen to participate in NASA’s 2015 RockOn Workshop at Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.

Both Nolan and Vanek have also been nominated to the PTK All-USA Community College Academic Team. All selections are based on nominations submitted by community college presidents. To be eligible, a student must post a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA and be eligible to graduate with and associates degree.

Chloe Nolan, All-Colorado Academic Team member

Larabeth Vanek, All-Colorado Academic Team member