Harford Community College Graduate Sarah Swatski Named 2011 Hites Scholar

From Harford Community College:

Sarah Swatski, who graduated from Harford Community College last spring, has been selected as one of only 10 students to receive Phi Theta Kappa’s 2011 Hites Transfer Scholarship, the most prestigious and largest scholarship offered by the Society. She will receive a scholarship in the amount of $7,500 as well as a medallion.

“I cannot think of anyone more deserving than Sarah as a recipient of the Hites Transfer Scholarship. I’m certain that she will make great use of the award as she is a talented mathematician and an outstanding student,” said PTK Advisor Chris Jones.

A total of $75,000 is being awarded to assist community college students in attaining a baccalaureate degree. The 2011 Hites Transfer Scholars, who were selected from more than 760 applicants worldwide, were chosen based on outstanding academic achievement, engagement in college and community activities, and leadership accomplishments. Students enrolled in community colleges and eligible to transfer to a regionally accredited baccalaureate degree-granting senior institution in the fall of 2011 were eligible to apply.

The Hites Scholarship Program, made possible by support from the Hites Family Community College Scholarship Foundation and the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation, supports the outstanding academic achievement of Phi Theta Kappa members. Phi Theta Kappa is the International Honor Society of two-year colleges.

“When the Hites Foundation and Phi Theta Kappa joined together a few short years ago to take the initial steps toward establishing the endowment, none of us anticipated the severity of today’s economic challenges facing both students and colleges,” said Phi Theta Kappa’s Executive Director Dr. Rod Risley. “The Hites Scholarships are helping to meet a need that becomes more crucial every day – helping out students follow through on their commitment to complete by providing financial assistance to make earning a baccalaureate degree possible. We are grateful for our partnership, and we congratulate these 2011 Hites Transfer Scholarship winners.”

Earlier this year, Swatski was also named a 2011 Coca-Cola Community College Academic Team Silver Scholar. Sarah received a certificate, silver medallion, and a check for $1,250. Selection was based on scores earned in the All-USA Community College Academic Team competition.

Sarah, who majored in mathematics, served as Harford Community College’s Public Relations Vice President for the Rho Beta Chapter of PTK. A member of the Student Government Association, Sarah served as a Student Ambassador, and President of the Vowlunteers Club. She has participated in numerous volunteer programs including Adopt-A-Road Cleanups, the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, the Care Night Soup Kitchen, and Habitat for Humanity.

Sarah transferred to University of Maryland Baltimore County to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics.