​Sara Calvo Named to 2025 All-USA Academic Team 

Sara Calvo Named to 2025 All-USA Academic Team
Calvo Recognized for Intellectual Achievement, Leadership, and Community Engagement

Brookdale Community College proudly announces that Sara Calvo (Ocean Township) has been named to the prestigious 2025 All-USA Academic Team. Selected from nearly 2,100 nominees nationwide, Calvo is one of only 20 students to receive this honor, which includes a $5,000 scholarship.

“Being named to the All-USA Academic Team is an extraordinary honor that underscores Sara’s dedication to academic excellence, leadership, and service,” said Brookdale Community College President Dr. David M. Stout. “Sara embodies the spirit of Brookdale through her commitment to making a meaningful impact both on campus and in the wider community. We are incredibly proud of her achievements.”

Calvo, majoring in General Science, was recognized for her academic achievements, campus and community engagement, and overall leadership. She is a consistent Dean’s List honoree, serves as Vice President of Service for the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and is a Student Success Mentor. Additionally, she was awarded a fellowship with America Needs You, a highly competitive two-year career development and leadership program for first-generation college students in New Jersey. Calvo also served as President of the Food Science Club and is a Beach Sweep Captain for Clean Ocean Action. She will be transferring to pursue a degree in Biology and hopes to work in molecular biology research.

As part of this honor, Calvo will receive a special medallion and will be recognized at the Phi Theta Kappa’s Presidents Breakfast during the AACC Convention on April 15, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee.

“The All-USA program is a prestigious recognition of a student’s exceptional abilities both in and outside of the classroom,” said Amanda Karpinski-Gorman, Interim Director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation. “These students are selected for their resilience, creativity, and ingenuity in tackling global and local challenges. We are incredibly proud of the individuals named to the 2025 team and eagerly anticipate the continued impact they will make.”

The All-USA program is among the nation’s premier academic honors for students pursuing an associate degree. Each institution may nominate two students who have shown outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and citizenship. The program also honors students who leverage their community college experience to better themselves, improve their schools and impact their communities.

“Service is one of the hallmarks of Phi Theta Kappa,” said Calvo. “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. Our chapter strives to create meaningful service opportunities that allow members to give back while developing leadership and teamwork skills. Service is more than just volunteering; it’s about making connections and growing as a person.

To learn more about the All-USA Academic Team Scholarship Program, please visit the Phi Theta Kappa website.

About Phi Theta Kappa:

Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.