Brookdale Trio Honored on 2026 All-New Jersey Academic Team

Three Brookdale Community College students have been recognized among New Jersey’s top community college scholars after being selected to the 2026 All-New Jersey Academic Team, a prestigious honor recognizing exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and community service.

Representing Brookdale this year are Adam Deinhardt, Aparajita Sahoo, and Kaitlyn Norcia.

Presented by the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, the Middle States Region, and the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, the All-New Jersey Academic Team celebrates high-achieving community college students who demonstrate excellence both inside and outside the classroom.

Students selected for the honor complete a competitive application process that includes written supplements highlighting academic accomplishments, leadership roles, career goals, and service initiatives. Each New Jersey community college may nominate up to four students, including workforce-bound students and students planning to transfer and continue their education.

Brookdale was represented by three students this year, including Aparajita Sahoo in the workforce category and Kaitlyn Norcia and Adam Deinhardt in the transfer category.

The trio were formally notified of his selection in a congratulatory letter from Pattie Van Atter, Senior Director of Engagement for Division I of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, who described the recognition as honoring “New Jersey’s most accomplished community college students for their exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and service.”

Adding to the milestone year, Deinhardt was recently admitted to Columbia University’s Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, where he will continue his academic journey following Brookdale.

Sahoo distinguished herself through extensive campus involvement and leadership focused on global engagement and student connection. She served in a leadership role with Students for Global Citizenship and participated in Brookdale’s Global Citizenship Program, helping to plan and execute events including Civility Week and the International Festival. A Global Citizenship Distinction Scholar and recipient of Brookdale’s Outstanding Student Award, Sahoo recently graduated and is preparing to enter the workforce while awaiting approval of her Optional Practical Training work permit.

Norcia’s application highlighted both her campus leadership and commitment to community service. She serves as Vice President of Finance for Phi Theta Kappa and Secretary of the Honors Association. Beyond campus, she volunteers as a clarinetist at her church and performs with the Toms River Multigenerational Orchestra, which raises funds for local charities throughout Ocean County. This fall, Norcia will attend Rider University, where she plans to study accounting and pursue a career as a Certified Public Accountant.

The students were honored during the annual All-New Jersey Academic Team Awards Ceremony held at Rowan College of South Jersey’s Cumberland Campus in Vineland.

The All-New Jersey Academic Team recognizes students who exemplify the highest standards of scholarship, leadership, and service. Through their academic excellence, campus engagement, and commitment to their communities, Deinhardt, Sahoo, and Norcia proudly represent Brookdale and the transformative opportunities community colleges provide.