Carly Panek, Sidney Bartz, and Ayden Froeschle are receiving $500 scholarships from the DCTC Foundation
Three students from Dakota County Technical College have been named to the Phi Theta Kappa 2024–2025 All-Minnesota Academic Team. Carly Panek, a Child & Family Studies major, made the team as a New Century Scholar Transfer Pathway nominee. Sidney Bartz, an Early Childhood Education major, and Ayden Froeschle, an Electrical Construction & Maintenance Technology major, made the team as New Century Scholar Workforce Pathway nominees.
Representing the best-of-the-best two-year college students from across the state, Sidney, Carly, and Ayden are three of a limited number of students per campus who have been selected for nomination for the All-USA/Coca-Cola Academic Team. They have been placed in competition for All-USA Academic Team, Coca-Cola Academic Team, and New Century Pathway scholarship awards.
Sidney, Carly, and Ayden will each receive a $500 scholarship from the DCTC Foundation to recognize their academic accomplishments. They will be honored at the All-Minnesota Academic Team Recognition Luncheon in spring 2025. Their commitment to academic excellence and community service is commendable. Phi Theta Kappa will notify all scholars in contention of their placement on national teams by April 2025.
Introduced two decades ago, the All-Minnesota Academic Team recognizes two-year college students for their leadership, scholastic achievements, and service to campus and area communities. The program provides scholarships to Phi Theta Kappa members while promoting excellence at two-year colleges.
Carly Panek
Carly Panek
2024–2025 All-Minnesota Academic Team
New Century Scholar Transfer Pathway Nominee
About making the 2024–2025 All-Minnesota Academic Team: “Being selected as a nominee for the All-Minnesota Academic Team is a shock and an honor, but a testament to my commitment to my academic excellence and my passion for making a positive impact on the lives of children.”
Age: 32
Hometown: Willmar, Minnesota
High school and year graduated: BlueSky Online School, Class of 2011
DCTC major: Child & Family Studies A.S.
DCTC scheduled graduation date: Spring 2025
DCTC extracurricular activities: Phi Theta Kappa
Transfer plans: Concordia University, Saint Paul to complete a B.A. in Child Development
Career plans: Carly is currently working as an in-home childcare provider. “I am passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of children,” she said, “and I would love to collaborate with professionals who work directly with them. I believe that by partnering with those who are dedicated to child development and support, I can contribute more effectively to initiatives that help children thrive. I am not sure what that looks like for a career change yet, but I am confident I will figure it out!”
Three words that describe you as a college student:
DEDICATED. COMPASSIONATE. RESILIENT.
One word that best describes your experience at DCTC:
ENRICHING
Sidney Bartz
Sidney Bartz
2024–2025 All-Minnesota Academic Team
New Century Scholar Workforce Pathway Nominee
About making the 2024–2025 All-Minnesota Academic Team: “I am honored to have been selected as a nominee for my hard work as I am also working a full-time job.”
Age: 19
Hometown: Jordan, Minnesota
High school and year graduated: Hastings High School, Class of 2023
DCTC major: Early Childhood Education Transfer Pathway A.S. and Small Business Entrepreneur Certificate
DCTC scheduled graduation date: May 2025
DCTC extracurricular activities: Phi Theta Kappa
Career plans: After graduating from DCTC, Sidney plans on opening her own early childhood education nature-based program.
Three words that describe you as a college student:
ORGANIZED. DEDICATED. PASSIONATE.
One word that best describes your experience at DCTC:
ONLINE¹
¹ The teachers are all so supportive and understanding.
Ayden Froeschle
Ayden Froeschle
2024–2025 All-Minnesota Academic Team
New Century Scholar Workforce Pathway Nominee
About making the 2024–2025 All-Minnesota Academic Team: “Live life to the fullest.”
Age: 19
Hometown: Hudson, Wisconsin
High school and year graduated: Hudson High School, Class 2023
DCTC major: Electrical Construction and Maintenance Technology A.A.S.
DCTC scheduled graduation date: December 2025
DCTC extracurricular activities: Phi Theta Kappa
Career plans: Work as an electrician in conjunction with his job as a professional fishing guide on Leech Lake
Three words that describe you as a college student:
DEDICATED. FUNNY. SUPPORTER.
One word that best describes your experience at DCTC:
ENLIGHTENING
More about PTK at DCTC…
Phi Theta Kappa is recognized as the official honor society for community colleges by the American Association of Community Colleges. Phi Theta Kappa’s nonprofit mission is to recognize and promote student academic achievement. PTK provides opportunities to cultivate professional and leadership skills, secure scholarships, explore diverse career paths, and build a network of supportive peers and trusted advisors that last a lifetime.²
Students must meet the following criteria to be eligible for membership:
- Completed 6 or more credits at DCTC (toward an associate degree, diploma or certificate)
- Achieved a 3.25 cumulative GPA or higher
- Achieved a 3.5 GPA in least one semester
- Currently be registered for classes
Invitations are sent to student email accounts at the beginning of fall and spring semester (after the add drop period).
Follow the links below to learn more about the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society:
Learn more about PTK at DCTC by contacting:
Anna Voight
Associate Director of Student Life
Campus Vote Coordinator
anna.voight@dctc.edu
651-423-8649
