The All Pennsylvania Academic Team awards program recognizes an exceptional group of community college students across Pennsylvania who achieve high academic standing and demonstrate a commitment to their colleges and communities. Each of the recipients is eligible for a full scholarship for their junior and senior years at any of the 14 State System Universities. Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges, coordinates the competitive awards with the Pennsylvania Commission and their member institutions.
Erinn K. Donovan, of Shermans Dale attending the Harrisburg Campus, graduates in May with an associate degree in elementary education. She plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in elementary and special education at Millersville University and eventually become a teacher. A member of HACC's honors program, Donovan has been named to the Dean's List every semester, is an active member of HACC's Alpha Nu Omega Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and is a recipient of the Academic All-American Award. She is an assistant group supervisor at the Child Play Center on HACC's Harrisburg Campus, where she says she gains important insights about how children learn and grow. Donovan also has played on HACC's women's basketball team for the past two years and currently serves as team captain. An active community member, she volunteers for the Shermans Dale Volunteer Fire Company and has spent the last five summers working at New Frontiers Day Camp for the Carlisle YMCA.
Amy M. Gillin, of Chambersburg attending the Harrisburg Campus, will graduate in May with an associate degree in medical laboratory technology. She plans to continue her studies and earn a bachelor's degree in biology, and has not yet decided which university she is attending. Gillin is the president of HACC's Alpha Nu Omega Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. Since that time she has led the chapter in reorganization of its standard operating procedures and developed a new training program for incoming officers. Gillin also is an active community member who volunteers at Coyle Free Library in Chambersburg and participates in letter writing campaigns for Amnesty International and The Natural Resources Defense Council. Named to the National Dean's List in May 2004, she is the recipient of the Mercedes T. Cole Memorial Scholarship, the Dorothy Morrison Scholarship and the Student Honor Award.
Amy C. DeMascolo, of Lancaster attending the Lancaster Campus, graduates this May with an associate degree in paralegal studies. She plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in social sciences or criminal justice and prepare for a career as an attorney and has not yet selected which university to attend. DeMascolo currently serves as secretary for the Lancaster Campus Student Advisory Council (SAC). As an offshoot of that role, she serves on the Lancaster Constituencies Committee voicing student concerns and being a proponent for change. She also is a member of the SAC's Events and Beautification Committees and Voices, the campus Arts and Literary Club. Initiated into Phi Theta Kappa membership in October 2003, she was listed in Who's Who Among American Junior Colleges 2003-2004 and is the recipient of the Susana Johanna Vanderwall Memorial Fund scholarship and the American Business Women's Association scholarship.
Jolanda Dranchak, of Ronks attending the Lancaster Campus, will graduate in May with an associate degree in visual arts/arts and design. Dranchak plans to pursue a dual bachelor's degree in fine arts and art education at Millersville University and eventually work in the advertising industry. As liaison for the Alpha Nu Omega chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, Dranchak is very involved in campus activities. In the last two years, she has successfully coordinated a food donation drive for the Water Street Rescue Mission, Lancaster, organized a Children's Winter Wear drive, developed the first Turkey Voucher drive and maintains a year-round children's book drive. In addition, she plays an active role in her community as a parent assistant for Smoketown Elementary School, assistant soccer coach for Conestoga Valley Soccer Association U6 league, and last year served as stage designer and artist for the Stumptown Mennonite Church Christmas Play. Regularly named to HACC's Dean's List, Dranchak was named to the National Dean's List for the 2003-2004 academic year.
H. Timothy Coomer, of Richland attending the Lebanon Campus, graduates in May with an associate degree in elementary education. He plans to attend Millersville University this fall to pursue a bachelor's degree in elementary education and eventually become a teacher. Coomer, who is a member of HACC's Alpha Nu Omega Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, has been named to Who's Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges and HACC's Dean's List. He is an active volunteer on HACC's Lebanon campus, running workshops in the Student Learning Center to help students improve their learning skills and serving as a teaching assistant once a week in an English class. The father of three also is an active member of the Myerstown Elementary School PTO, volunteers at his children's school and volunteers in his church as a teacher's aide.
Petra L. Hayden, of Hanover attending the Gettysburg Campus, graduates this May with an associate degree in elementary education. Hayden is pursuing a bachelor's degree in elementary education at Millersville University and plans to become a teacher. A member of HACC's Alpha Nu Omega chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, she actively volunteers with student orientation on the Gettysburg Campus, preparing incoming students for their first year at HACC. In her community, Hayden is an avid supporter of recycling efforts and takes seriously her job as a teacher and role model for her son. As a future teacher, she strongly believes "in shaping children's lives and putting them on the path of learning and achievement through hard work and a guiding hand." Hayden, who was appointed to the Dean's List for four consecutive semesters, was awarded the Certificate of Academic Achievement in April 2004.
Luke A. Rider, of Littlestown attending the Gettysburg Campus, graduates in May with an associate degree in general studies with a focus on information technology for business education. Rider plans to attend Shippensburg University this fall where he will pursue a bachelor's degree in business studies. He plans someday to teach business classes at the high school level and then move into school administration. Rider is an active member of HACC's Gettysburg Campus. As president of the student government, member of the Environmental Club and member of the Alpha Nu Omega chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, he consistently strives to better the college experience for himself and others. He is credited with revamping and giving new life to the Gettysburg Campus system of clubs and organizations, which had struggled in recent years. Also active in his community, Rider tutors a local middle school student and belongs to Compassion York, a volunteer group that cooks food and hands out clothing and other necessities to low income and homeless people. Named to the National Dean's List in 2004, he is the recipient of the College Service Award, the Academic Achievement Award and The Alumni Association's Clyde E. Blocker Scholarship.