News Article

FSW Student Earns National PTK Recognition

Mar 27, 2017

Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) student Veronica Aguilera was recently named to Phi Theta Kappa’s (PTK) All-USA Community College Academic Team.

Aguilera was one of four students from FSW named to the All-Florida Academic Team last month – an honor bestowed to students in the Florida College System based on academic achievement, leadership skills and service to the community. A total of 1,800 applications were submitted for the All-USA Community College Academic Team this year, a program co-sponsored by PTK and USA Today.

Having earned one of the highest competition scores nationwide, Aguilera was chosen as a 2017 Coca-Cola New Century Scholar. PTK’s national office also announced recently that she was one of 15 students in the country awarded the 2017 Guistwhite Scholarship which helps offset the costs of pursuing a four-year degree. 

“The truth is I am still waiting for someone to pinch me and say ‘wake up, it’s all just a dream,’” said Aguilera. “As much as I have always believed in myself, I have always had the idea that I was not good enough to receive such prestigious scholarships, but today I am proof that every sacrifice has its reward in the end.”

Aguilera will be recognized at both PTK’s Annual Convention in Nashville, Tenn. on April 6 and the American Association of Community College’s Annual Convention in New Orleans, La. on April 24 for her achievements. She currently serves as the FSW President of Phi Theta Kappa and Vice President of Membership and Public Relations for National Collegiate Scholars.

“Our entire college community is very proud of Veronica for being recognized nationally by the All-USA Community College Team and for earning the scholarships to help her achieve her goals,” said Dr. Christine Davis, Vice President, Student Affairs & Enrollment Management at FSW. “She is the kind of model student that others look up to.”

With a 3.75 GPA, Aguilera plans on continuing her studies at Florida International University in Miami, Fla. where she will major in Health Science with a pre-med focus and a minor in Public Health. After attending medical school she wants to work as a pediatrician. One of her long-term goals is to establish a foundation where she can provide financial assistance to children who can’t afford health insurance.

As a student in FSW’s Honors Scholar Program, Aguilera has also taken advantage of the many extracurricular opportunities offered, participating in Harvard’s Collegiate Model United Nations Conference, traveling to France for an introductory language class and winning the Suncoast Financial Literacy Essay Contest in 2015.

Learn more about PTK and the All-USA Community College Team at www.PTK.org.

Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving nearly 22,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees, and professional certifications. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. FSW debuted its intercollegiate athletics program in January 2016. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information.

Last Updated: March 29, 2017