Ray Watson: All-Ohio Community College Academic Team

Mentor resident also earns recognition as the New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar

Ray Watson of Mentor was one of 10 students from Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C^®) named to the All-Ohio Community College Academic Team, which comprises top students at the state’s two-year schools.

He also earned recognition as the state’s New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar, which recognizes a student planning to enter the workforce after earning a degree or certificate.

The All-Ohio Academic Team recognizes student excellence in academics, leadership and community service. Sixty-six students from across the state were selected for this year’s team on the basis of their outstanding records.

Tri-C had more students named All-Ohio than any other school.

Watson, who received first-team honors, is studying hospitality management and culinary arts at Tri-C. He earned an Associate of Applied Business degree in restaurant and food service management in December.

He has also completed certificate programs at the College in professional culinary and food and beverage operation, and he continues to take classes with a business focus to build career skills.

Watson currently works at Heinen’s in Mentor. His goal is to become a restaurant kitchen manager.

He has been involved with student government, the Lambda Gay-Straight Alliance and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society at Eastern Campus in Highland Hills since enrolling at the College in 2016.

Watson joined the following Tri-C students — designated by campus — as All-Ohio:

• Eastern Campus: Dylan Doyle of Shaker Heights (third team) and Rebecca Groth of University Heights (second team)
• Metropolitan Campus: Kimberly Armbruster of Cleveland (first team) and Stephen Twum Barimah of Cleveland (second team)
• Western Campus: Alice Legg of Fairview Park (first team) and Amanda Lowe of North Royalton (third team)
• Westshore Campus: Jada Frye of North Ridgeville (third team), Ameera Muntaser of Olmsted Township (third team) and Petru Poenaru of Lakewood (third team)

First-team honorees will receive $1,000 scholarships, while second-team members get $500 scholarships and third-team members $250. As the New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar, Watson will receive an additional scholarship of $1,250.

A recognition program for team members will be held in Columbus on April 26 during Community College Month. The All-Ohio Academic Team program is supported by the Ohio Association of Community Colleges, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Honda of America Mfg. Inc.

April 13, 2018

John Horton, 216-987-4281 john.horton@tri-c.edu