Kellie Marlatt Among S.C. Technical College Students
Honored as Phi Theta Kappa All-State Academic Team Members

CONTACT: LISA GARRETT, EXT. 2315

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 4/6/2001

COLUMBIA -- Tri-County Technical College student Kellie Marlatt was among the 22 students from the state's technical colleges named to South Carolina's All-State Academic Team at the State House April 3. They are members of Phi Theta Kappa, the national academic honor society for community and technical colleges.

Marlatt, a 4.0 Business Technology major, maintains her spot on the Dean's List and President's List, in addition to serving as secretary of the Alpha Zeta Beta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa honor society. She also has been named to Who's Who Among Students in American Junior Colleges.

"The key to my success is my respect for and interaction with my instructors," said Marlatt, a Salem resident. "I admire their vast experiences and knowledge."

"This is a diverse group," Dr. James L. Hudgins, executive director of the S.C. Technical College System, said at the ceremony. "Most of them are what we in the education community call 'non-traditional students.' Only two of these students enrolled at a technical college directly out of high school. The remaining members of the all-state team include veterans and parents, as well as students who are employed full-time and individuals who are preparing for new careers. These individuals' achievements reflect the best qualities of their respective colleges' populations, the South Carolina Technical College System, and the entire state."

The Phi Theta Kappa society was founded in 1918 to emphasize and recognize academic excellence in two-year colleges. As members of Phi Theta Kappa, the honorees join an elite group of students. Less than 1% of America's six million two-year college students have distinguished themselves with a superior level of academic achievement and service to their colleges and communities.

"All of the students honored today have met or exceeded the criteria. Sixteen of them have earned a grade point average greater than 3.75. Eight of them have earned a cumulative grade point average of 4.0," Dr. Hudgins said.
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