Bergen Students Receive Prestigious National Honor

PARAMUS, N.J. — Three Bergen County Community College students were named Coca-Coca Leaders of Promise Scholars recently. Only students nationwide received the honor.

Joseph Mattia, Allan Chapman and Maycie Schmidt will each receive a $1,000 scholarship from Phi Theta Kappa, the honor society of two-year colleges.

Chapman, of Fairview, has extensive experience in expressive arts therapy-inspired work, sharing music and other healing strategies with the developmentally disabled, senior citizens and children. He plans to pursue advanced degrees in the arts and psychology.

Mattia, of Bloomfield, has sought to expand his impact on the community while attending Bergen, serving on the Student Government Association and Student Activities Board. He plans to pursue a career in finance.

Schmidt, of Rochelle Park, a liberal arts major aspiring to teach English literature, also earned a scholarship in the spring when she won the title of best speaker during the College’s ninth annual speech competition, besting 49 competitors.

“It’s a remarkable achievement to have three students recognized as 2016 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars,” college Vice President of Academic Affairs William Mullaney said. “It speaks to rigorous learning environment fostered at the College and the strength of the institution’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter.”

Photo: Joseph Mattia, Allan Chapman, and Maycie Schmidt. Courtesy of Bergen Community College