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Why ECC?
Laela Lawal
Towela Mwale
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Laela Lawal andTowela Mwale are Essex County College’s 2025 representatives on the All USA-New Jersey Community College Academic Team. These excellent students are also in the running for the All USA National Academic Team.
Laela and Towela are members of the College’s Alpha Theta Theta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). The All USA honor is offered through PTK. Laela is a Biology, Pe-Medicine major from Newark who has a perfect 4.0 grade point average. Towela, who lives in Oranges, is also a Biology, Pre-Medicine major who has earned a 3.70 average.
“I filled out my application for the award literally at the last minute. So, I was shocked and surprised to find out I received it. This honor is so unexpected, and I am so honored to receive it,” said Laela. She is Vice President of Service in the Honor Society Chapter. Last year she was Student Government Association Parliamentarian.
Towela admitted she hesitated in applying for the All-USA award. “But I decided to do it anyway. Of course, it certainly felt good when I got it,” she added with a smile. “I made the right choice starting my higher education career at ECC. It’s affordable and close to my home,” Towela said, who is Secretary of the PTK Chapter.
“Both Laela and Towela are great examples of student leadership. They are active, not only in activities and events of Alpha Theta Theta, but other groups and organizations on campus. I see nothing but great things ahead for them,” said Professor Lynn Wilson, co-advisor of the ECC PTK chapter.
“Laela and Towela are outstanding students. Congratulations to both of you. We are proud of you. And thank you to our PTK advisors,” said ECC’s President, Dr. Augustine A. Boakye.
Laela’s career goal is to come a neuro scientist. She is considering Johns Hopkins University and Rutgers University-New Brunswick after she graduates from ECC. “I’ve always enjoyed the sciences,” she stated.
Her interest in the medical field is leading Towela toward becoming a neurosurgeon. She said she is going through a list of colleges as transfer possibilities.
They will represent Essex County College in Trenton in May of 2025, where they will be recognized alongside other New Jersey community college nominees by State officials.
