Recognizing their academic, service and leadership skills, Lone Star College-CyFair’s Phi Theta Kappa students Heather Monroe, Eddie Carrizales and Ross Blake have been selected as members of the Texas All-State Academic Team.
These outstanding scholars represent LSC-CyFair among teams from top community colleges statewide. Members of the Texas team, along with those in 38 other participating states, all are eligible for consideration for one of 20 spots awarded to the All-USA Community College Academic Team scholarship program.
Blake recently earned an additional honor this year. He was selected as a Gold Scholar on the Coca-Cola’s 2020 Academic Team, which includes an $1,5000 scholarship.
“We congratulate Heather, Eddie and Ross for being named to the All-Texas Academic Team. This type of recognition will help our grads stand out as top candidates to transfer institutions and future employers,” said LSC-CyFair President Dr. Seelpa Keshvala. “We are very proud of these outstanding students!”
Blake, who earned his Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Networking in May 2019, will graduate with his AAS in Cybersecurity this May and will then focus on getting a BAS in Cybersecurity.
“I want to wear a suit and tie to work, sitting next to the CEO, advising the board about what security issues are important,” said Blake, a non-traditional student who turns 40 in May. “I also love teaching Lifeguard Certifications currently. So, I can also see myself teaching Cybersecurity classes to employees to cut down on breaches because of human error.”
Monroe has plans to graduate in December with an associate degree before sitting for the National Council Licensure Examination and then pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
“I chose this career because of the amazing nurses I have met during the multiple times my mother has been hospitalized in the past. Additionally, I fell in love with helping children when I was volunteering at an orphanage in Angola, Africa,” said Monroe. “I hope to someday work in NICU or ICU. I also have a dream to apply to work with Doctors Without Borders once I get experience as a nurse.”
After graduating in May with his associate degree, Carrizales will continue on his path toward a earning a bachelor’s in Computer Science and ultimately make an impact for the betterment of everyone through his own business.
“I now know that if I can become part of the Academic Team, I can achieve anything I set my mind on,” said Carrizales. “Since I was a child, I had the innate talent to configure and manipulate technological devices to my liking. Due to this, and the fact that I love technology, I plan on creating a software development company to improve the lives and lifestyles of people.”
For information on LSC-CyFair’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter, email the Beta Lambda Mu chapter advisor at Leslie.a.Jewkes@LoneStar.edu.
Currently, fall registration will begin April 15 with online mini-mester classes beginning May 11. Go to LoneStar.edu for the most updated campus information. Official Corona Virus information and FAQs are available at LoneStar.edu/coronavirus.