CAC Students Selected for All Arizona Academic Team
By Angela Askey, Executive Director Public Relations and Marketing
Six Central Arizona College (CAC) students have been selected to the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society All-Arizona Academic Team.
All-Arizona students demonstrate academic excellence and intellectual rigor combined with leadership and service, that extends beyond the classroom to benefit society. Students are nominated by their community college and submit their application to be considered for this prestigious award through the Phi Theta Kappa International Honorary organization. Phi Theta Kappa conducts three rounds of judging. The Arizona Board of Regents awards scholarships and tuition waivers to those selected for Arizona’s three state universities: Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University or the University of Arizona. Scholarships cover resident tuition for 10 consecutive undergraduate semesters or 60 credits (whichever the student meets first).
All-Arizona Academic Team Scholars from CAC include Maritza Lopez and Sonja Elstad from the Maricopa Campus, Lillian Medrano and Martha Meraz from the Signal Peak Campus, and Tiffany McClellan and Teresa Smith from the San Tan Campus.
Maritza Lopez is a first-generation student attending classes at the Maricopa Campus. She plans to transfer to the University of Arizona in the Spring of 2024 as a student in the Bachelor of Science-IH program. Her goal is to become a registered nurse (RN) and work in pediatrics. Additionally, she hopes to continue her education and pursue her Masters. While at CAC, Lopez has served on the Council of Student Advisors, Club Activity Board, and as a TRIO member. Outside of classes, she likes to read, listen to music, spend quality time with family and friends, and stay active by taking her dog on walks, going to the gym, and playing sports.
Sonja Elstad, also from the Maricopa Campus, is an electrical engineering major. She will be transferring to Arizona State University to complete a bachelor’s degree and ultimately a master’s degree in electrical engineering. Her goals include lowering the cost of household electronics and improving access to education. While at CAC she was involved with the NASA ASCEND program.
As a pharmacy major at the Signal Peak Campus, Lillian Medrano has been involved in helping to organize Vitalant Student Blood Drives and food drives. She is a recipient of the Kiwanis Club of Casa Grande Scholarship and Vitalant Student Leader Scholarship. Medrano will be transferring to the University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy next Fall, ultimately earning a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Her career goal is to work in a community or hospital pharmacy to help aid people, care for their health and wellbeing, and share knowledge with those in need.
After taking some time off following high school, Martha Meraz chose to pursue a psychology degree at the Signal Peak Campus. She will be transferring to the University of Arizona, ultimately earning a Doctorate degree in Psychology. Her career goal is to work as a psychologist and open her own practice to serve the community. She is active in the St. Anthony of Padua Young Adult Group, served as St. Anthony of Padua School PTO President, has been involved with the Diocese of Tucson’s El Camino to Easter, and is a Phoenix Premier Casa Grande Boys Volunteer.
Tiffany McClellan is a graphic design major at the San Tan Campus. To accomplish her career goal of being a strategic marketing graphic designer with a focus on brand development, McClellan will continue her education at Arizona State University. While at CAC she designed the Pence Center season brochure and served as Phi Theta Kappa Alpha Theta Delta public relations officer and secretary. She is a black belt in martial arts studying Toshi con and Shotokan and is a volunteer for ActivStars martial arts.
Teresa Smith, a San Tan Campus student, plans to transfer to Northern Arizona University to ultimately earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Registered Nurse degree. She owns Mother Teresa’s Group Home, a Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) licensed agency that provides Home and Community Based services for the disabled. Her career goal is to own several group homes that will service the DDD population of the greater Pheonix area. During her time at CAC, she served as Phi Theta Kappa Alpha Delta Chapter Vice President of College Projects and earned the Hurst Review NCLEX® Nursing Scholarship. She volunteers her time as a Celebrate Recovery sponsor and Compassion in Action volunteer.