From left, Courtney Sassi, Samantha Scull and Zuri Richmond earned associate degrees from Salem Community College a month before receiving their diplomas from Salem County Vocational-Technical School. Photo by Joe Sharp/All is Sharp Photography

Three high school seniors earned associate degrees from Salem Community College in May before graduating from Salem County Vocational-Technical School (SCVTS).

Courtney Sassi and Samantha Scull were enrolled in the Academy of Medical Sciences, and each graduated with an associate degree in biology/chemistry. Samantha will study nursing at the University of Vermont. Courtney will attend Wilmington University for criminal justice.

Zuri Richmond attended the Academy of Agricultural Sciences. She graduated with an associate degree in liberal arts. Zuri will attend Rowan University where she will major in psychology.

The three SCC graduates received their diplomas from SCVTS on June 16.

Since 2001, 21 other SCVTS seniors have graduated from SCC, most recently in 2016.

Justin Schaller (left) and Debora Saavedra represented Salem Community College at the 23rd annual Phi Theta Kappa Day celebration in Trenton. Schaller and Saavedra were named to the 2017 New Jersey All-State Academic Team. The honorees were joined at the awards ceremony by SCC Phi Theta Kappa advisor William Mays, Associate Professor of Mathematics.

SCC students selected for All-State Academic Team

Salem Community College’s Justin Schaller and Debora Saavedra, members of the Class of 2017, were honored recently along with 37 other outstanding college students as members of the New Jersey All-State Academic Team at the 23rd annual Phi Theta Kappa Day celebration in Trenton.

Each year, the New Jersey Council of County Colleges (NJCCC) honors New Jersey’s top community college students for their outstanding academic achievements and exceptional service to their communities as members of Phi Theta Kappa at their local community colleges, according to NJCCC President Dr. Lawrence Nespoli.

Saavedra was service coordinator in the Phi Theta Kappa honor society chapter. The Salem resident was selected by her classmates to give the Commencement address. Having earned an associate degree with high honors in education, Debbie will transfer to Wilmington University. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she plans to teach middle school social studies and English as a Second Language. She also will pursue a master’s degree.

Schaller was the Phi Theta Kappa chapter’s vice president. A Pedricktown resident, he was co-founder of the Performing Arts Club and served on the Student Life Committee. Schaller earned an associate degree with high honors in mathematics and will transfer to Rowan University. He plans to enter the mathematics field to become a statistician or work in data management. He earned the School Counts! and NJ STARS scholarships to attend SCC.