INA, Ill. — Due to their high academic achievement, a pair of Rend Lake College students have been selected as Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All-USA nominees.
Sophomores Paolina Marlo of Sesser and Raquel Minor of Mt. Vernon will represent RLC’s Rho Xi chapter at the Illinois PTK banquet April 14 in Springfield. Nominees from around the state will be recognized at the banquet and finalists will receive a scholarship and spot on the All-USA Community College Academic Team.
Marlo, a biological science major, said she joined Phi Theta Kappa for the chance to take on new experiences and for the scholarship opportunities. The nomination came as a surprise, she said.
“I was shocked that I was in the All-Illinois selection and very honored to be able to represent Rend Lake College,” Marlo said. “I am looking forward to being able to represent RLC the best I can along with meeting other members of PTK that are on the same journey as I am. I am excited to gain insight into the world of PTK society.”
Marlo, a graduate of Sesser-Valier High School, said she plans on transferring to the University of Illinois at Chicago to continue studies in biological science with a concentration on evolution, ecology and environmental biology. She is pursuing a career in wildlife research and conservation. The daughter of David and Cathy Marlo, she is also a member of the National Society of Leadership Success and has made the President’s list of academic honors at RLC.
Minor, a pre-veterinary medicine major, said she joined Phi Theta Kappa for the added experience the honor society offers. She said the nomination helps bolster that decision.
“I was very excited to be chosen to represent Rend Lake because it has been a great starting place in my education career with lots of support from the professors,” Minor said. “I am looking forward to meeting other PTK members from around the state because it will be my first PTK event.”
Minor, a graduate of Mt. Vernon Township High School, plans on continuing her education in animal science at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale before transferring to the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. She plans for a career as a large animal veterinarian. The daughter of Stacie Chambliss and Mike Minor, she is also a member of RLC’s AmeriCorps chapter and has made the President’s list of academic honors.
To learn more about Phi Theta Kappa at RLC, contact Director of Academic Advisement and PTK Advisor Jena Jensik at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1293 or jensikj@rlc.edu.
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