Congratulations to Parmesh Thakoordial, a senior at Schenectady High School and a Science major at SUNY Schenectady through the Schenectady Smart Transfer Early College High School Program. Parmesh has been named to the prestigious All-USA Academic Team, comprised of the nation's top community college students. He is one of only 20 college students from across the country named to the All-USA Academic Team, chosen from among more than 2,400 students nominated for the recognition, and he is the only student from New York State on the team.
Parmesh received a $5,000 scholarship and a special medallion. He plans to transfer and earn his bachelor's degree in Biology, and then enter medical school to become a doctor.
Parmesh began taking courses at SUNY Schenectady in ninth grade through the Schenectady Smart Transfer Early College High School program, and has been taking all of his courses at the College for the past two years. He maintains an impressive 3.98 GPA, has been named to the President’s List, and is a member of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society. A first-generation college student, Parmesh is in the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP) and has been the lead student researcher on the student team that will be presenting their findings at an upcoming statewide CSTEP conference, sharing the original scientific research the group is conducting on invasive worm species at Vale Park in Schenectady.
Parmesh is also a student leader as Vice President of the Student Government Association. In addition, he already has firsthand experience in the world of emergency medicine as a volunteer in the Emergency Department in Ellis Hospital, where he assists with moving patients, helping patients check in, and assisting physicians and nurses with supplies. He is an American Red Cross Blood Drive Donor Ambassador, helping to facilitate blood drives in the Capital Region since 2019. He lives in Schenectady with his parents Hemant and Ormella and younger brothers Randy and Mark.
The All-USA program is widely recognized as the most prestigious academic honor for students attending associate degree-granting institutions. Students are nominated by their respective colleges. The 2023 All-USA Academic Team is sponsored by education technology provider Cengage, with additional support from Phi Theta Kappa and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC).
2022 New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar Parmesh Thakoordial has also been named as a 2023 New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar and will receive a $2,250 scholarship. New Century Transfer Pathway Scholars are selected based on their academic accomplishments, leadership, activities, and how they extend their intellectual talents beyond the classroom. More than 2,400 students were nominated from college campuses across the country. Only one New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar, the student receiving the highest application score, is selected from each state. Students nominated for the Transfer Pathway are planning to transfer to a four-year college after graduation. The program is sponsored by the Coca-Cola Foundation and the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, with additional support provided by the American Association of Community Colleges and Phi Theta Kappa.
All-New York Academic Team Parmesh was named to the First Team of the All-New York Academic Team. Members of the All-New York Academic Team are recognized for their academic achievements, leadership accomplishments, and engagement in community service. He will be recognized during the USA Today Phi Theta Kappa All-New York Academic Awards on April 24, 2023, at the Albany Capital Center.
