Students Named to Phi Theta Kappa All-New York Academic Team

April 20, 2021

Hudson Valley Community College students Angelina Downey, Donna Ferraino, Pravindra Persaud and Farkhondeh Tajik were recently named to the Phi Theta Kappa All-New York Academic Team.

Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in higher education, serving nearly 1,300 colleges in all 50 states and nine countries. Members of the All-New York Academic Team are recognized for their academic achievements, leadership accomplishments and engagement in community service.

At a virtual ceremony to be held Thursday, April 22, SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras will recognize Downey, Ferraino, Persaud and Tajik along with honorees from community colleges around the state.

Returning to college after a 15-year career as an optician, Downey is completing a Mortuary Science degree and plans to become a funeral director. She has been named to both the Dean’s List and President’s List during her time at the college. The mother of two is active with the college’s Food Pantry and sews burial gowns for the non-profit organization Angel Gowns of the Capital Region.

Ferraino, a Business Administration student, has been named to the President’s List twice and was runner-up for the New York State Phi Theta Kappa Non-Traditional Student Award. She is a trainer and certified examiner for Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School District’s transportation department. She also is interested in entrepreneurship and expanding her pet sitting business into a pet boarding facility for special needs pets.

Persaud, an Exercise Science student, is the current president of the college’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter and he has twice been named to the President’s List. He was honored at this year’s regional PTK conference as distinguished chapter officer and helped lead a chapter-wide marketing effort for the college’s new student app, My HVCC. He hopes to continue his education this fall at a four-year college or university.

Tajik is a December 2020 graduate of the Individual Studies program who plans to continue her studies in the Nursing program at Hudson Valley, with the ultimate goal of earning a medical degree. She has been recognized numerous times for her academic achievement while at the college. Tajik, who also is a graduate of the college’s Educational Opportunity Center, served as the vice president of the Student Senate, a student member of the Faculty Student Association, and a student member of the strategic planning committee.

“Angelina, Donna, Pravindra and Farkhondeh are some of the most accomplished students we have at Hudson Valley, and we are so proud that they have been recognized for their stellar achievements,” said President Roger Ramsammy. “I encourage more students to join the Phi Theta Kappa chapter on campus, if they are eligible. It is a great way to showcase one’s scholarship, service and ambition.”