Four Collin College students were named to the All-Texas Academic Team by Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), an international honor society for community college students. Nominees are selected based on academic achievement, school and community involvement.
Mona Azzo, of Plano, plans to earn an associate of science degree this May. A graduate of Plano East High School, she hopes to earn a bachelor’s degree in environmental or civil engineering and a master’s degree in energy management. Ultimately, her goal is to use her education to expand alternative energy and decrease reliance on fossil fuels.
A member of the college’s Honors Institute, she served as the Alpha Mu Tau chapter’s vice president of public relations, assisted with an Honors In Action project and volunteered for several community events and organizations including the Red River Bike Rally, Plano Balloon Festival and Children’s Hospital. Awarded the 2015-2016 Roger Lawler Endowed Scholarship, Azzo was named to the dean’s and president’s lists.
A full-time student working two jobs, Azzo says Collin College was instrumental in her academic success.
“When I first received the PTK award invitation in the mail I could not believe it because so many people applied. I had a 4.0 in high school, and I am so happy I attended Collin College. The scholarship I received from the college helped my family. Collin is my chance to make going to a university of my choice a reality,” Azzo said.
Anna Cavnar, of McKinney, plans to graduate this May with an associate of applied arts degree and transfer to the University of Texas at Dallas to pursue a bachelor’s degree in arts and technology with an emphasis on animation and web design. Ultimately, she hopes to open a photo studio and work for an animation company.
Cavnar is active in several organizations including UniteWomen, Obcura Photo Club, Relay for Life and Furry Friends Animal Rescue. She served as the vice president of archives for the Alpha Mu Tau chapter of PTK from 2013-2014.
She is the recipient of several scholarships including the 2015-2016 Steve and Tess Hurley Annual Scholarship, the 2015-2016 Collin College Foundation Scholarship, the Collin College Honors Institute Scholarship and the Mykolayiv Major Scholarship when she lived in the Ukraine. Cavnar was named to the college’s president’s list, was named an Emerging Scholar and received the PTK Distinguished Officer Team Award in 2014.
According to Cavnar, Collin College helped her transition into American culture.
“It is always rewarding to be recognized for your hard work, especially when you are among only a handful of Collin College students to be named to the All-Texas Academic Team. I am honored and excited to receive this award. Collin College gave me a new perspective on the educational process; it showed that education can come not only from endless studying but also from being involved in college activities and student organizations.”
David Schletewitz, of Little Elm, is majoring in biology and plans to transfer to the University of North Texas this fall. Ultimately, he hopes to become an optometrist.
A father of four who works and attends college full time, Schletewitz says his wife and children have been very supportive of his decision to go back to school. He was awarded the 2015-2016 Abernathy, Roeder, Boyd and Hullett, PC Annual Scholarship and was named to the president’s list.
Schletewitz was surprised and excited to receive the PTK award.
“It was great receiving that recognition and having my family be a part of it. I am very grateful and proud. I have this drive—I want to be the best that I can be, and it is nice to be acknowledged. The faculty at Collin College is great, and you receive one-on-one time with your professors. It is a really great college. I cannot say enough good things about it,” Schletewitz said.
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