Two Terra State students placed in top 30 community college students in Ohio

Jamie Walton and Katrina Drake
Jamie Walton and Katrina Drake

Terra State Community College students Katrina Drake and Jamie Walton have been recognized on the All-Ohio Community College Academic Team for the 2020 - 2021 academic year. Students are nominated for the academic team by their college administrators. Selection is based on academic achievement, leadership and engagement in their college and community service.

Walton and Drake both placed Third Team All-Ohio, which acknowledges them as top community college students in the state in each category. They will each receive a $250 scholarship.

Terra State Associate Professor Michelle White, the All-USA College Nominator for Terra State, nominated both students.

“Jamie and Katrina were both selected based on their academic achievements and the quality of their essays,” said White. “They demonstrated drive and persistence to reach an end goal by enrolling in and successfully completing challenging coursework. The depth of their essays provided additional insight into what was motivating them to do well at Terra State. Jamie and Katrina have worked very hard to get to this point and I am so excited that they are being recognized for it by receiving these scholarships."

Jamie Walton is studying in the social work pathway at Terra State. After graduation this May, Walton will continue on to receive her Bachelor of Social Work from Campbellsville University. Outside of class, Walton is involved with Phi Theta Kappa and works at Tiffin City Schools and other districts through North Central Ohio Educational Service Center (NCOESC) as a substitute educational aide and substitute teacher. She also volunteers with CASA of Seneca, Sandusky and Wyandot counties.

 “Showing my boys a positive role model and how to follow their passions is what keeps me moving forward. After all, it has been my experiences with my children that has led me to wanting a career in social work,” said Walton.

Katrina Drake is a second-year student in her first semester of the nursing program. After graduation, she hopes to work in a hospital setting before branching into other areas of healthcare. Time management was a big challenge for Drake, a working mom, but her passion for helping others persevered.

“This award helps me with confidence in my future because the timing of finding out about the award reminded me that I can do it,” said Drake, “I can get through this. I am smart enough and ‘good’ enough to be able to achieve my goals.”

The application process for the 2022 awards is now open and students should contact Michelle White at mswhite@terra.edu to get more information.