North Harris College students named among top community college students in U.S. and Texas 
North Harris College students, Robert Hampton and Glenda Prudencio were recently named to the Texas All-State Academic Team along with 80 students representing community colleges statewide.
 
Additionally, Hampton was named as a second team winner in the 12th annual All-USA Community and Junior College Academic Team sponsored by the USA Today newspaper.
 
Every April, USA Today honors community college students nationwide for their academic accomplishment, leadership and service.
 
According to USA Today, the 20 First Team members, plus 40 more named to the Second and Third Teams, are recognized as representatives of all outstanding students at the nation's two-year colleges. A panel of education professionals convened by Phi Theta Kappa-the honor society for two-year colleges-  selected the team members from among 1,580 associate degree-seeking students nominated by their schools.

These All-USA Community and Junior College Academic Team members represent the best and brightest, as well as the diversity found on two-year college campuses. Many credit the small class size, nurturing environment and leadership opportunities they've found at community colleges for giving them the confidence to succeed.

As state-team award winners, Hampton and Prudencio will be attending the seventh annual Texas All-State Academic Team celebration on May 28 in Austin.
 
The statewide recognition is affiliated with the national USA Today - Phi Theta Kappa International All-American Academic Team. As state award winners, the two students will receive scholarships from North Harris College to continue their education.
 
At age 52, Hampton returned to college after being laid off from the oil industry for the third time. He is currently studying Geology and Computer Science. Hampton is involved in NHC’s Honors Program, NHC Ambassadors, and Phi Theta Kappa International Honors Society. He has received numerous awards including the Newfield Award for Excellence in geological education and a Houston Endowment scholarship. He also tutors students in Geology and Computer Science and is a lab assistant in both areas.
 
“I have been highly active in clubs and organizations because I believe a student gets more out of the educational process by being involved,” says Hampton. “I will receive my associate’s degree from North Harris College in August. I would like to attend Rice University, University of Texas or Texas A&M University. My ultimate goal is to complete my education through the doctorate level in Geophysics or Computer Science.”
 
Prudencio will be graduating from North Harris College this spring and will begin her undergraduate studies in Clinical Laboratory Science at the University of Texas next fall.
 
“My dream of becoming an orthopedist is what motivates and keeps me going,” says Prudencio. “Immediately after graduating from Lake Placid High School in Florida, I moved to Houston and started at North Harris College. In November 2000, I was inducted into the Alpha Alpha Rho Chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa.”
 
During her two years at North Harris College, Prudencio has received numerous scholarships and awards including: Mathematics Achievement Award, National Dean’s List, Datatel Scholars Foundation Scholarship, Honors Program Scholarship and Pre-Professional Honors Program Scholarship. 
 
Prudencio is also involved as an NHC Ambassador, a Pre-Professional Program participant, a Student Leadership Council member, and an Honors Program student. Additionally, she has performed many hours of volunteer work in the community.
 
“We are proud to recognize the excellence of our students,” says Dr. David Sam, president of North Harris College. “The competition both statewide and across the c