EACC announces Sydney Patton of Wheatley, Arkansas, as the winner of the 2024 Academic All-Star Scholarship award. Patton was recognized at the recent Arkansas Community Colleges annual conference in Hot Springs, along with 21 other student scholarship winners from the other community colleges around the state.

The Academic All-Star Scholarship is designed to award excellence in academics and leadership at the community college level.  Applicants must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.25 and possess a minimum of 12 credit hours in pursuit of an associate degree. Each of the twenty-two community colleges in Arkansas grants one All-Star Scholarship to one student per year.

Patton is an exceptional student who consistently demonstrates outstanding academic and leadership abilities.  She is a dedicated participant in EACC's Honors program and is actively involved on campus, serving as vice president of the Student Government Association where she has shown strong leadership skills.  Patton achieved the President's List, and received academic and student leadership awards. 

In addition to her academic and leadership success, Patton is a valuable member of the TRiO Student Support Services program and JAG where she has honed her professional skills and demonstrated a commitment to personal growth.  She also serves as a student ambassador, representing EACC with pride and professionalism.  After graduating from EACC, she plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in nursing and eventually become a nurse practitioner. 

As EACC's Academic All-Star scholarship award recipient, Patton received a $500 All-Star scholarship award.  In addition, a second full-tuition scholarship was offered to all All-Star scholarship winners by Arkansas four-year universities to aid the recipients in completing their bachelor's degree.

Sydney Patton (right) poses with EACC President Dr. Cathie Cline after receiving her award at the Academic All-Star luncheon held during the Arkansas Community College's annual conference.