Brookdale Students Selected for NJ All State Academic Team

Brookdale Community College proudly announces that two students, Amarachi David from Jackson, and Eden Pela from Cherry Hill, have been selected to the prestigious New Jersey All-State Academic Team. This recognition was celebrated at the New Jersey Community College Scholars Celebration at the New Jersey State Museum in Trenton.

Amarachi David earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Psychology and is transferring to Rutgers University, with aspirations to become a medical doctor, specifically a neurologist. Amarachi graduated as a distinguished scholar and a member of the Psi Beta Psychology Honor Society. She embodies academic excellence and a commitment to her field of study.

“Attending Brookdale Community College enabled me to mentally and academically mature, while also providing me the time and resources I needed to be where I am today.” said David. “Being a Brookdale student helps me turn what I thought are setbacks into outstanding achievements.”

Eden Pela earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Creative Writing and has been accepted to the University of Pennsylvania.  Eden graduated as a distinguished scholar, a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and has earned Global Citizenship Distinction. Her dedication to her studies and contributions to the community highlight her as a role model among her peers.

“Attending Brookdale Community College has provided me with opportunities for leadership in organizations such as Phi Theta Kappa, which has further provided me with opportunities for scholarships to 4-year colleges,” said Pela. “Brookdale has given me a platform to excel in ways I did not have the opportunity to do so when I was in high school in Nigeria, and I am forever grateful Brookdale for every opportunity!”

The New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC) recognized 38 students from the state’s 18 community colleges as members of the 2024 New Jersey All-State Academic Team. These students, all members of Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for community colleges, were honored for their outstanding academic achievements and exceptional service to their communities and colleges. The students were nominated by their college leaders based on academic achievement, leadership, and engagement in college and community service.

“Amarachi David and Eden Pela exemplify the academic excellence and commitment to community service we strive to foster at Brookdale Community College,” said President David M. Stout, Ph.D. “Their achievements are a testament to their hard work and dedication, and we are immensely proud of their recognition as members of the New Jersey All-State Academic Team. We look forward to their continued success.”

“The 38 students have achieved high academic excellence while contributing to their college and the broader community. We applaud the New Jersey All-State Academic Team members for their hard work, dedication, and many contributions to their colleges and communities,” said NJCCC President Aaron R. Fichtner, Ph.D.

NJCCC Chair Sheetal Ranjan, Ph.D., added, “The dedication, creativity, innovative spirit, and commitment to service of these amazing students inspires us all. We are confident they will have bright futures and shape our state’s future.”

New Jersey’s 18 community colleges serve 230,000 students across the state at 49 campuses, providing affordable, high-quality academic and workforce programs. These institutions expand access to education and economic opportunities, helping students become part of the state’s skilled and innovative workforce.

The All-State Academic Team students include those who will continue their education and pursue careers after graduating this spring. The honorees have diverse interests and areas of study, including computer science, healthcare, physics, creative writing, engineering, liberal arts, political science, criminal justice, and psychology.

Congratulations to all the 2024 New Jersey All-State Academic Team members for their remarkable achievements and contributions. Brookdale Community College is proud of Amarachi David and Eden Pela for their dedication, hard work, and the inspiration they provide to their peers and community.