NMCC Scholars Honored
Two Northern Maine Community College students are among 13 students from across the state named to the 2015 All-Maine Academic Team for two-year colleges. Samantha Buck of Easton and Joshua Pike of Caribou were honored yesterday at a ceremony hosted by the Maine Community College System Board of Trustees in Augusta.
In addition to being recognized on a statewide level, Buck and Pike each received a $500 award in honor of their accomplishment.
Buck is a student in NMCC’s Early Childhood Education program and previously earned her degree in liberal studies. She is the vice president of the campus chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for students at two-year colleges, and has a 3.6 grade point average. She is the recipient of the E. Perrin Edmunds Memorial Scholarship, a volunteer for the Phi Theta Kappa food drive and coat drive, and is a Shrine Circus volunteer. She has accomplished all of this while balancing two part-time jobs.
“I’m very glad I chose NMCC because the College is local and cost effective. I am not interested in graduating with a large debt so the community college was the only sensible place for me,” says Buck. “When I graduate, I plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and secure a teaching job locally. NM gave me the foundation to reach my goals.”
“The chance to participate in the Early Childhood Education Club, which designs activities on campus that involve children in the community, has been a great hands-on learning experience. I’m anxious to try these activities when I’m working in the field,” Buck explains.
Joshua Pike is a Diesel Hydraulics and Automotive Technology major with a 3.7 grade point average. He previously earned a certificate in welding and metal fabrication. Pike is a member of Phi Theta Kappa and Student Senate, tutors students in metal fabrication, auto tech and all related courses and has been a new-student orientation volunteer. He was the recipient of the AAA Northern New England Scholarship and the Larry Cowett Memorial Scholarship.
“I am a single father and chose to go back to school at age 28 to provide a legacy for my kids. I started working at age 14 and have worked two jobs most of my life,” explains Pike. “I want to get a job where I can work normal hours and be at home with my kids at night and on weekends. I want to provide a better life for my kids than I had growing up.”
“NMCC has taught me important skills that I’ve been able to apply while in school,” says Pike. “I’m proud of winning a gold medal at SkillsUSA in the metal fabrication division and designing a 9-hole mini golf course in the NM library for a special event. I intend to use my skills to become a master technician and eventually open my own shop and hire other mechanics.”
The All-Maine Academic Team is part of the national Phi Theta Kappa program. Students are nominated and selected for the team by their college based on outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and service. The All-Maine Academic Team program is co-sponsored by Bangor Daily News, Northeast Trophy in Presque Isle, Phi Theta Kappa, and the Maine Community College System. 