Date:
2/27/2003
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 505.562.2253
Reporter: Donna Gutierrez
ROSWELL – An honor student enrolled in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell has been named to the All-State Academic Team sponsored by the New Mexico Association of Community Colleges (NMACC) in recognition of her top academic achievements. Kimberly Hancock was among a group of academic "athletes" from New Mexico's community colleges honored Feb. 17 at a special reception in Santa Fe with legislators, educators and business leaders from around the state.
Hancock expects to receive an associate of science degree in Occupational Therapy Assistant in May. Her goal is to enhance her education and develop the practical skills necessary for a successful career in Occupational Therapy. Last fall semester, Hancock worked at the ‘Reins for Life' hippotherapy program in Dexter. There she assisted and observed therapeutic riding techniques for children and adults with special needs. She also worked in the Roswell Head Start Program, where she assisted in the individual fine and gross motor screening process of children ages three to five. Last spring, she assisted and observed leisure exploration therapy for clients with chemical dependency at the New Mexico Chemical Dependency Unit. Hancock also worked at the Sunset Preschool for the Developmentally Delayed as part of her fieldwork.
In addition to the state recognition, Hancock received a $100 educational stipend and is also eligible to receive a renewable tuition scholarship for up to four semesters at any one of New Mexico's six public universities.
New Mexico is among a growing number of states participating in the State Academic Teams project. The State Academic Teams were introduced in 1994 as a way to provide scholastic recognition to Phi Theta Kappa members while promoting excellence at the two-year colleges. Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society for two-year colleges, symbolizing excellence in higher education. To qualify for New Mexico's All-State Team, students have to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.25, with demonstrated leadership skills and active involvement in community service.
Hancock will now compete for a spot on the All-USA Academic Team, sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa, USA TODAY and the American Association of Community Colleges. This national effort to recognize community college students for their academic achievement, leadership and community service was established eight years ago. Since then, scholarships totaling more than $350,000 have been awarded to students all across the country, and more than 30 states in the nation are now participating.
Kimberly Hancock (photo by Donna Gutierrez)