PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Two Northern Maine Community College students are among 14 students from across the state named to the 2014 All-Maine Academic Team for two-year colleges. Heather Carnes of Presque Isle and Myasia Williams of New York were honored at an April 22 ceremony hosted by the Maine Community College System board of trustees at the Maple Hill Farm Inn and Conference Center in Hallowell.
In addition to being recognized on a statewide level, Carnes and Williams each received a $500 scholarship in honor of their accomplishment.
Carnes is a student in NMCC’s accounting and business administration program. She is the recording secretary of Phi Theta Kappa, is a Shrine Circus volunteer, is assisting with the college graduation ceremony, and is an Honors in Action program volunteer. After 17 years of work experience, Carnes has spent three years at NMCC in order to earn a dual degree and gain a competitive edge in the workforce. Carnes maintains a 3.7 grade point average, while carrying a full course load and caring for her elderly grandparents.
“I am learning the skills I need to become certified in various computerized accounting systems and many software programs used in business today,” said Carnes. Her goal is to one day create a business consulting company.
Williams moved from New York to Maine to join the Loring Job Corps program which she credits with giving her the confidence to apply for college.
“I faced my biggest fear and applied for college,” Williams said. “Today I am proud to say that I am a successful college student, and I enjoy going to class every day.”
She is a resident assistant and was NMCC’s Student of the Year for 2013. Williams received the Center Director Award, and was a volunteer for Ride Aroostook and Caribou Cares about Kids. With a grade point average of 3.9 in the accounting program, Williams has been accepted into Bay Path College’s accounting program and plans to work toward her goal of becoming a CPA and has set her sights on being a CEO of a children’s hospital.
The All-Maine Academic Team is part of the national Phi Theta Kappa program, an international honor society for two-year colleges. Students are nominated and selected for the team by their college based on outstanding academic achievement, leadership and service.
