Two Warren Community College students are among 36 from throughout New Jersey who are being honored this month as Academic All-Stars. 

The New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC) and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society are honoring these talented, innovative and dedicated community college students as part of the 2021 NJ All-State Academic Team. A special event is typically held in Trenton each year but due to COVID the celebration is being held online.  

The 2021 New Jersey All-State Academic Team members from WCC are James Unterwald of Stewartsville and Olena Shutko of Mansfield Township. Unterwald will graduate this spring while Shutko graduated in December.   

“Two outstanding students with great stories to tell,” said WCC President Dr. Will Austin. “Clearly they are among the elite in the state. We are very proud of them.”   

“Each year we recognize New Jersey’s top community college students and their families to celebrate their outstanding academic achievements and exceptional service to their communities as members of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at their local community colleges,” added NJCCC Chair (and WCCC Trustee Chair) Dr. Phil Linfante. 

Unterwald is a non-traditional student who is among the first graduates of WCC’s highly respected Unmanned Air-System/Drone program. With degree in tow, he starts a new job in June as a Lead Technician at Tracer Drone Technologies in Easton, Pa.

Shutko’s story is even more compelling. She moved from the Ukraine five years ago and eventually enrolled at Warren “with the hope of improving my English and writing skills,” Shutko said. “My professors gave me confidence and convinced me to dream big.”

The dream has gotten bigger since graduating from Warren. She is now at Rutgers University pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology with hopes of down the line going to law school and concentrating on environmental law.

Being named to the NJ All-State Academic Team was humbling for her. “When I received a call from WCC informing me that I was selected to the all-state academic team I was surprised. I knew I was a good student but here we are talking about the best students out of all the community colleges in the state. I am deeply honored.”

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 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.