Two Warren Community College students were among 38 from throughout New Jersey who were honored at a special recognition event at the New Jersey State Museum on April 27 in Trenton. 

The 2023 New Jersey All-State Academic Team members from Warren, both of whom are graduating this month, are Alyssa Zikas and Sarah Sylverne. 

The N.J. Council of County Colleges (NJCCC) annually honors the state’s most talented, innovative and dedicated community college students for their outstanding academic achievements and exceptional service to their communities and college as members of Phi Theta Kappa, the national honor society for Community Colleges. 

“We are so proud of Alyssa and Sarah,” said Warren’s Acting President, Dr. Marianne Van Deursen. “To be among the elite in the State of New Jersey is a testament to their hard work and commitment to the College community and the community at-large.”   

In a statement, the NJCCC notes that “these students truly exemplify the true power of Community Colleges. They worked incredibly hard to become the state’s very best Community College students. They have remarkable stories and serve as an inspiration to all of us.”

Zikas, a NJ STARS student, is Vice President of Fellowship for the Phi Theta Kappa, Alpha Upsilon Rho chapter at Warren. She is also a member of the Student Government Association and is involved in various clubs on campus. Zikas is also a student representative for the WCC Foundation.

Zikas will graduate with an Associate in Science in Biology degree, and plans on continuing her interest in the sciences at a 4-year college as a biochemistry major.

Sylverne, also a NJ Stars student, is a member of EOF and president of both Warren’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter and the College’s Student Government. She is additionally a Warren Student Ambassador, EOP Peer Mentor and student mentor.

Sylverne is involved in the Greater Community as a volunteer youth organizer at her church and volunteers at a local community soup kitchen.  Sylverne is graduating with two degrees, an Associate in Science in Business Administration and an Associate in Science in General Science. She plans on to transfer to Rutgers Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy and is determined to work towards an MBA as well as becoming a Pharmacist.   

In addition to being honored at the Trenton event, Assemblyman John DiMaio presented the two with state citations recognizing them for their accomplishments.

Phi Theta Kappa has recognized and encouraged scholarships among community college students for over 100 years while promoting the academic integrity of the community college associate degree. Students with grade point averages of 3.5 or higher at Warren are invited to join Phi Theta Kappa. 

The New Jersey Council of County Colleges joins the leadership of trustees and presidents to serve a resource that strengthens and supports the state’s 18 community colleges.