Students Named to Phi Theta Kappa 2026 All-New York Academic Team

Jefferson Community College (JCC) is pleased to announce Ben Ramer of Watertown, Daniel Storey of Adams, London Streebel of Fort Drum, and Yen Sy of Black River have been named to the 2026 All-New York Academic Team for Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international honor society for 2-year colleges.  

To be chosen for the All-New York Academic Team, students must hold a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.25 and have a history of scholarly achievement. In addition to academic achievement, candidates are also evaluated on their leadership and community service involvement. Students were recognized at the College’s 62nd Commencement Ceremony on May 15, 2026. 

Ramer completed his degree in Sports Management from Jefferson in December 2025. With a perfect 4.0 GPA, he earned President’s List honors every semester. He served as president of Jefferson’s Tau Xi Chapter of PTK Honor Society and the Business Club as well as vice president of the Student Government Association (SGA). As vice president of the SGA, Ramer actively engaged in his role to effectively represent student voices at both the campus and SUNY levels. He received a PTK Coca-Cola Scholarship, the 2024 Student Life Outstanding First-Year Student Award, the 2025 Outstanding Student Government Assembly Member Award, 2026 Outstanding Sports Management Student Award, and a 2026 “ALL IN” Campus Democracy Challenge Award. Furthermore, he is the recipient of the prestigious 2026 SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence. Ramer transferred to SUNY Cortland to pursue a bachelor’s degree in sports management.   

Storey graduated with his degree in Sports Management. He earned a 3.83 GPA and was named to President’s List each semester at Jefferson. He was a member of the Jefferson baseball team and participated in the College’s optional Honors Program. Storey completed two Honors Program projects focused on the use of technology in the classroom and leadership styles in coaching, both of which supported his academic interests and career goals in the sports industry. Outside the classroom, he participated in volunteer activities including cemetery cleanups and assisting elderly neighbors with yard maintenance. Storey anticipates continuing his education at a four-year university. His career goal is to become a Major League Baseball announcer or work for a professional sports organization.

Streebel graduated with their degree in Paralegal Studies in December 2025. During their time at Jefferson, they were a member of Jefferson’s Tau Xi Chapter of PTK and participated in the Honors Program for which they were recognized as featured student of the month in April 2025. Streebel served as a work-study student, completed an internship, and participated in the College’s Evening of Etiquette and Networking event to strengthen professional communication and networking skills. Additionally, they also participated in the College’s Day of Service, including cleanup efforts along the Black River. They plan to pursue a career as a paralegal.

Sy is a dual major who anticipates completing her degree in Natural Sciences in December 2026 and her Nursing degree in May 2027. A first-generation student, she participates in the College’s TRIO program and has demonstrated a commitment to service, leadership, and peer support. Sy is a work-study student in the lab sciences department and serves as a peer tutor. In addition to her academic responsibilities, she works as an online shopping associate at a local retail store. Outside the classroom, Sy volunteers through her local temple by helping prepare meals, working in the garden, and assisting with farm upkeep. Her career goal is to become a nurse.