AUGUSTA – Gov. John E. Baldacci praised the accomplishments of 12 Maine Community College System students who were named to the All-Maine Academic Team at a ceremony March 22 at the Senator Inn. The team, which recognizes the academic achievements of two-year college students, is sponsored in part by Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society for two-year colleges.

The students selected for the team are: Paul D. Corey of Auburn, Rachael A. Begin of Auburn, Jessica Trundy of Brooks, Adrianne J. Graves of Orland, Thomas L. Brooks of Unity, Kathy A. Hooper of Sangerville, Lynn M. Farwell of Presque Isle, Tania Margate of Portland, Tammy L. Quimby of Portland, William J. Cody of Calais, Denise French of Jonesport, and Christine A. Parent of Kennebunk.

“Our honorees today exemplify the high quality of teaching and learning that goes on at our community colleges, and the exceptional achievements of community college students,” said Baldacci. “I am very proud to have initiated legislation last year that created the community college system. In just the first year, our community colleges enrolled 1,000 more college students, proving to all of Maine that the broadening of the mission from technical college to community college was the right decision for our state.”

At the ceremony, each of the students received a $500 scholarship made possible by a grant from KeyBank of Maine. Joanna Jones, chairwoman of the community college system Board of Trustees, and John Fitzsimmons, president of the community college system, also gave remarks recognizing the students’ achievements.

The All-Maine Academic Team was introduced in 1997 as a way to recognize two-year college students who have achieved academic distinction. It is a division of the All-USA Academic Team for Community and Technical College students, an international program sponsored annually by Phi Theta Kappa, USA Today and the American Association of Community Colleges. By being named to the All-Maine Academic Team, the students are eligible for selection to the All-USA Academic Team.

The All-Maine Academic Team program is co-sponsored by KeyBank of Maine, Bangor Daily News, Creative Awards of South Portland, and the Maine Community College System.