Brookdale Graduate Sara Calvo Named to Prestigious 2025 All-USA Academic Team and New Century Transfer Scholar

Brookdale Community College proudly announces that recent graduate Sara Calvo, of Ocean Township, NJ, has been named to the prestigious 2025 All-USA Academic Team—a national honor awarded to just 20 students out of nearly 2,100 nominees across the country. This distinguished recognition includes a $5,000 scholarship and celebrates Calvo’s academic excellence, leadership, and community service.

In addition, Calvo has been named a 2025 New Century Transfer Scholar, receiving an additional $2,250 scholarship. She is the only student from New Jersey to earn this distinction, awarded to the top-scoring transfer student in each state. The program is sponsored by The Coca-Cola Foundation, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, Phi Theta Kappa, and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).

“Sara embodies the spirit of Brookdale through her commitment to making a meaningful impact both on campus and in the wider community,” said Brookdale President David M. Stout, PhD. “Being named to the All-USA Academic Team and as a New Century Scholar underscores her exceptional dedication to academic excellence, leadership, and service. We are incredibly proud of her achievements.”

Calvo, who has consistently been named to the Dean’s List, served as the former President of the Food Science Club and was a Student Success Mentor during her time at Brookdale. She also held leadership roles as Vice President of Service for the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and served as a Beach Sweep Captain for Clean Ocean Action. Further distinguishing her academic journey, Calvo earned a competitive fellowship with America Needs You, a two-year career development and leadership program for first-generation college students in New Jersey..

Her contributions were recognized at Phi Theta Kappa’s Presidents Breakfast during the AACC Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, where she was honored with a special medallion for her All-USA Academic Team achievement.

“These students are selected for their resilience, creativity, and ingenuity in tackling global and local challenges,” said Amanda Karpinski-Gorman, Interim Director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “We are incredibly proud of the individuals named to the 2025 team and eagerly anticipate the continued impact they will make.”

Lynn Tincher-Ladner, Ph.D., President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa, added: “Scholarship programs like this are integral for creating opportunities for two-year college students to succeed and for putting college completion within reach.”

The All-USA Academic Team is widely regarded as one of the nation’s most prestigious academic honors for community college students, recognizing those who excel in the classroom and in leadership and service roles that uplift their communities.

Calvo plans to transfer to pursue a degree in Biology and hopes to work in molecular biology research.

“We can make a lasting impact on our communities. Whether through volunteering, organizing events, or supporting local initiatives, every act of service helps build a better future,” said Calvo. “Service is more than just volunteering; it’s about making connections and growing as a person.”

With her remarkable record of achievement and tireless dedication, Sara Calvo is well-positioned to continue making a profound impact as she begins the next chapter of her academic and professional journey.