Two Trinidad State students will represent southern Colorado at the Phi Theta Kappa All-Colorado Academic Team luncheon in Denver. The event will be held at the History Colorado Center on Wednesday, March 13, from noon to 1:30 p.m.

Hannah Gilmore from Cederedge, Colorado came to Trinidad State because of a basketball scholarship. She’s a sophomore and will graduate in May with an Associate of Arts degree. She plans to go to a four-year school and pursue a psychology degree. Gilmore has a perfect 4.0 GPA and is considering two schools in Utah that are offering academic scholarships or she may go to a different school if she is offered a basketball scholarship. She hasn’t made a final decision on a future major but right now she’s considering either counseling or possibly cognitive therapy. Hanna says, “I really love Trinidad because of the people here. I feel we get really close in classes and to our teachers because it’s very personable in classes. That’s something I really enjoy. The personal relationships I’ve developed have really helped me learn in a more efficient way.”

Issac Essien spent his life in the Denver area. He had a difficult childhood, living in dozens of different places over the years. In 7th grade he went to live with a friend and stayed there until he graduated from high school in Highlands Ranch.

Essien wants to become a doctor and practice sports medicine and physical therapy. He carries a 3.8 grade point average and will receive an Associate of Arts Degree in May. “Right now I’m waiting to see where basketball takes me, said Essien. “I’m trying to get a scholarship and play basketball somewhere. Hopefully I’ll get to go to school that has my major.” His dream job would be a sports physician for a professional team. Essien plays point guard on the Trojan Basketball Team and had interest from some big colleges in high school until he injured an ankle. He landed at Trinidad State on the advice of his club coach and he’s glad it worked out that way. “I like the coaches a lot. I like the people here in Trinidad, they’re really nice people.” He says he has become more disciplined because no one in college is going to tell you to do your homework or go to class.

Phi Theta Kappa, or PTK, is the international honor society for two-year colleges.