For Immediate Release

Contact: Anthony Twyman
Public Relations Coordinator
Community College of Philadelphia
Office: (215) 751-8082
atwyman@ccp.edu

Student Leaders at Community College of Philadelphia Receive Prestigious Academic Honor

PHILADELPHIA, PA, March 18, 2004 - Two Community College of Philadelphia seniors, Yamilet Salcedo and Kert Emperado, have been nominated to the All-Pennsylvania Academic Team, a national initiative of Phi Theta Kappa, a prestigious honor society for students of community colleges. A team of Phi Theta Kappa officials selects the All Pennsylvania Academic Team based on the students' applications, transcripts, a 500-word essay, and letters of recommendation.

Community College of Philadelphia's President Stephen M. Curtis will join the students in Harrisburg on April 19 where they will receive the award and be honored by legislators, with other members of the Team.

Salcedo, a Venezuelan student who came to this country to attend the College two years ago, will graduate from the College this May with an associate degree in business and a concentration in international studies. During her career at the College, Salcedo was President of the College's American Association of University Women and taught Spanish to high school students through the College's TRIO Upward Bound program.

"The best thing I experienced at the College was being in ESL classes with American students and students from other nationalities. I never felt different or segregated." Salcedo says. She will attend West Chester University in the fall where she will major in International Business.

Emperado, who traveled from Toronto to attend the College, will graduate in May with an associate degree in nursing. Currently, he is involved with the College's LEADS program and is president of the Phillipino Student Organization.

"The College has done so much for me." Emperado says. "Career counseling helped me decide to become a registered nurse. I also would like to teach someday." Emperado also plans to attend West Chester University in the fall.

Academic Team students who choose to attend a State System of Higher Education four-year school upon graduation from Community College of Philadelphia receive a full scholarship to that school.