Valedictorian Is Heading to Harvard
Nicolette Carpenter graduates with her Associate in Arts Degree in Liberal Arts/Humanities with highest honors, a 4.0 GPA, and as a valedictorian in PCCC’s 51st Commencement Ceremony on May 25, 2023.
Nicolette has been accepted into bachelor’s degree programs at numerous universities, including Harvard, Princeton, and Columbia. She plans to attend Harvard, on a full scholarship, to earn her bachelor’s degree in political science. Her career goal is to become an international human rights lawyer and, eventually, to run for political office in order to advocate for social justice through legislation.
An outstanding student, Nicolette is recognized for both her academic achievement and her service to the college community, She is a member of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for two-year colleges, and she is one of two PCCC students named to the 2023 NJ All-State Academic Team, an honor given by the New Jersey Council of Community Colleges (NJCCC).
Nicolette is a recipient of numerous scholarship awards, including the Coca-Cola Foundation Silver Scholarship, the PCCC Foundation’s Robert Sydney Needham Memorial Scholarship, and the Professor Robert A. Shea Memorial Graduate Achievement award. She also received PCCC’s 2023 Graduate Achievement Award in Humanities.
An active member of PTK, Nicolette served as president of the organization’s Middle States Region/ North District in the 2022-2023 academic year. She was also a finalist in her run for the position of PTK International President 2023-2024.
“Two years ago, I never would have imagined I would be where I am now,” said Nicolette. She has become a passionate advocate for PCCC. “You can explore your interests, find support from professors and advisors who want to see you succeed and have a personalized educational experience. PCCC gave me the opportunity to spread my wings and fly.” Congratulations, Nicolette!
Nicolette received The 2023 Outstanding Graduate Award for Liberal Arts/Humanities. The award was presented by Professor Petar Drakulich at the Graduate Awards Ceremony on May 23.
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