Riverland Community College students Katherine Kirsch (Albert Lea), Sergio Hernandez (Walters) and Ivan Okhin (Genichesk, Ukraine) were named to the 2010 All-Minnesota Academic Team in recognition of their academic achievements, leadership accomplishments and service to their college and community. Forty Minnesota two-year college students were honored at a ceremony on March 3 in Eagan, Minnesota.

In 1994, state academic teams were introduced as a way to provide scholarships and scholastic recognition to Phi Theta Kappa members while promoting excellence at two-year colleges. Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges, symbolizes excellence in higher education and a commitment to students. The state academic teams are a division of the Academic All-American Team for Community, Technical and Junior Colleges students, an international program sponsored annually by Phi Theta Kappa, USA Today, and the American Association of Community Colleges. Students named to the All-Minnesota Team are not required to be Phi Theta Kappa members.

Katherine Kirsch

Major: Radiography

GPA: 3.62

Age: 24

Future Plans: Pursue bachelor’s degree

Katherine Kirsch, a native of Albert Lea, Minn., is working toward a career as a radiographer. Katherine would also like to earn degrees in mammography and possibly computed tomography. She serves as the reporter for the SkillsUSA chapter in Austin, Minn., and also as the secretary and treasurer of her 2011 radiography class. The mother of two sons, Brycin and Braydin, she has worked part-time at an assisted living home for seven years. Performing the Heimlich maneuver, she saved the life of one of the home’s residents, receiving an Extraordinary Contributor Award from her employer.

“Every person saved is special to someone,” Katherine relates, “and in that way I know I have made a big impact on someone’s life.”

Kirsch made the Dean’s and President’s Lists for the majority of her college career. Working with a fellow student, she received 2nd place honors for a promotional bulletin board at the 2009 Minnesota SkillsUSA state competition.

Sergio Hernandez Major: Construction Electrician

GPA: 4.0

Age: 30

Future Plans: Own and operate an electrical business

Definitely coming from a small-town background, Sergio Hernandez calls Walters, Minn., home. With a population falling just short of 90, Walters is located in Faribault County, which borders the state of Iowa. Sergio plans to leverage his construction electrician degree into an entrepreneurial venture that will allow him to own and operate his own electrical business. An excellent student, he made the President’s List four times in a row. Very involved on campus and off, he serves as president of the Albert Lea chapter of SkillsUSA and as a member of the Student Senate. SkillsUSA Minnesota is dedicated to helping its student membership “become world-class workers and responsible American citizens.”

Ivan Okhin

Major: Computer Information Systems

GPA: 3.93

Age: 21

Future Plans: Minnesota State University Mankato

Ivan Okhin is a native of Genichesk, Ukraine, a port on the Azov Sea. Ivan is looking forward to earning his Bachelor of Arts in computer information systems. His career goals include taking on a responsible position in computer technology and web development. A former member of the Student Senate, he served as president of the International Student Club and co-president of the PTK Zeta Eta Chapter. Awarded fourth place nationally in the 2009 SkillsUSA Web Design Competition, he also tutors undergraduates in math and science.

“Since January 2009, I’ve been project director for the Sister College Project for Riverland Community College and Kherson National Technical University (KNTU) in Ukraine," Okhin said.  "This project made a positive effect on both the Riverland and KNTU communities by building understanding among people of different cultures. Without the leadership skills I gained while participating in organizations such as Student Senate and the knowledge I gained studying computer technology, I would not have been able to direct this project.”