Tyler Junior College sophomore students Amy Joffrion and Jacob Griffith have been named to the 2021 Coca-Cola All-Texas Academic Team.
In all, 16 students from Texas community colleges were selected, with scholarship awards ranging from $1,000 to $1,500.
Award winners were nominated by their respective institutions and selected by Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for students from two-year colleges. Nominees were evaluated on several criteria, including academic achievement, community service, leadership and expression.
“The All-Texas Academic team embodies the best elements of Texas community colleges,” said Jacob Fraire, president and CEO of the Texas Association of Community Colleges. “Through their leadership, academic achievements and civic engagement, each student has worked to better themselves, their schools and their local communities. It is an honor to serve them and their institutions.”
Amy Joffrion
Joffrion, a sophomore health information technology and biology major from Whitehouse, has been named a Coca-Cola Gold Scholar. She will receive a $1,500 scholarship and a commemorative medallion.
At TJC, Joffrion has been active in the Alpha Omicron Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, where she serves as chapter reporting and fundraising officer and is a Texas regional officer.
After graduating from TJC, she plans to work as a medical coder while attending The University of Texas at Tyler, where she will further her education in biochemistry in preparation for medical school.
“As a first-generation college student, Tyler Junior College has been important in finding my way in higher education,” she said. “Before I came here, I wasn't sure how to become the person I wanted to be. Now, I have a plan and a family on campus to push me to accomplish what I set out to do.”
Jacob Griffith
Griffith, a sophomore biology major from Whitehouse, has been named a Coca-Cola Silver Scholar. He will receive a $1,250 scholarship and a commemorative medallion.
At TJC, Griffith is a member of the Presidential Honors Program and serves as vice president of leadership for the Alpha Omicron Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa. He is former president of the Green Committee and the former vice president of service for the Alpha Omicron Chapter. He is in the TJC work-study program and helps to run a computer lab and the Student Resource Center in Pirtle Technology Building.
After graduating from TJC, he plans to transfer to UT Tyler to continue his education in preparation for applying to veterinary school. He eventually hopes to specialize in exotic animal medicine.
Of his TJC experience, Griffith said, “Don't be afraid to leave your mark on campus. Strive to make a difference and do your best at whatever you set out to do. You never know, you might find some amazing opportunities and some even more amazing people.”