STCC students join 2025 PTK All-State Academic Team

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Two remarkable students from Springfield Technical Community College joined the prestigious All-State Academic Team, an honor that celebrates academic excellence and community involvement.

Krystin Woodard, who is set to graduate in May 2025, and Caleb Cruzado, who graduated in January 2025 and has since transferred to UMass Amherst, have both been recognized for their exceptional achievements in the classroom and beyond.

This national recognition from Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the honor society for community college students, reflects their hard work, perseverance, and dedication. PTK students are required to have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5.

Although they ultimately did not make the All-USA Academic Team, their nominations allowed them to join the Massachusetts All-State Academic Team. They were honored at a ceremony on May 9 at the Massachusetts State House in Boston.

A story of resilience and determination: Krystin Woodard

For Woodard, the journey to this prestigious nomination has been anything but conventional. "This is my third time enrolling in college, and now I’m finally completing it," said Woodard, 37. "I always wanted a better future, and with the MassReconnect program, I’m able to get my education for free at STCC."

MassReconnect is a state program that allows residents 25 and older to go to community college for free.

Woodard, who will graduate with a degree in General Studies later this month and plans to transfer to Elms College. "I volunteer for many organizations, work three jobs, and go to school full time," she said. Despite these challenges, she has maintained a high GPA, largely thanks to her time management skills and strong support system, including her sister, also an STCC student.

For Woodard, the formal recognition is just an added bonus. "Being a member of PTK makes me feel proud and reminds me that hard work pays off," she said. 

Krystin and Caleb have shown exceptional commitment to their academic and professional goals. Dr. Christopher Thuot, Vice President of Academic Affairs

Her academic journey has been deeply influenced by the support of STCC's faculty and staff, who have helped her through every step. "The teachers and staff at STCC have been incredibly supportive, always there with a helping hand or a kind word," Woodard said.

When she learned that she had been nominated for the All-USA Academic Team, Woodard was overwhelmed with emotion. "It felt like all those long nights and hard work had finally paid off and were truly recognized," she said. Looking to the future, Woodard is focused on becoming a registered nurse, with the ultimate goal of making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

Her advice to other students is simple yet powerful: "Never give up on yourself. If you are struggling, ask for help. Stay focused, work hard, and remember you are not alone."

From behavioral interventionist to legal studies: Caleb Cruzado’s journey

A lifelong Springfield resident, Cruzado entered STCC at the age of 25, after gaining experience as a behavioral interventionist in special education. "I wanted to move upward in my career and recognized that I wouldn’t be able to do that without appropriate accreditation," Cruzado explained. This realization led him to enroll in the Human Services and Social Work program at STCC, where he worked tirelessly to further his career and academic aspirations.

During his time at STCC, Cruzado shifted his focus from counseling to law. "It wasn’t until my practicum class that I realized I wanted to pursue advocacy through the courts and legislation," Cruzado said. His experience in this field opened up new career possibilities, and today he is pursuing a degree in Legal Studies at UMass Amherst.

The challenges Cruzado faced during his academic journey were significant, particularly in the early days when the MassReconnect program was not available. "I was working two jobs when I first enrolled at STCC to pay for tuition, but the MassReconnect scholarship made it easier to focus on my academics," Cruzado said. With the financial burden lifted, he was able to immerse himself fully in his studies and even start volunteering with Suit Up Springfield, a program aimed at preparing STCC graduates for the professional world.

Throughout his time at STCC, Cruzado has been deeply influenced by faculty members, particularly Professor Jennifer Wallace-Johnson."She has truly been an amazing mentor, both within the classroom and outside," Cruzado shared. "She gave me the privilege to work with one of her nonprofit organizations, Springfield Ballers, which has been invaluable in shaping my career trajectory."

Cruzado’s nomination for the All-USA Academic Team was an unexpected honor. "I was overwhelmed," he said. "It’s such a great privilege, and I never thought I would have this opportunity." Now at UMass Amherst, Cruzado is focused on his future, with aspirations to become an attorney and, one day, a judge in Hampden County. "STCC played a huge role in my journey. Without their support, I wouldn’t be where I am today," he said.

STCC faculty and staff are proud of Woodard and Cruzado’s achievements. Professor Ashley Pease praised Woodard’s dedication to both academics and community service. "Krystin is the epitome of a student who does not let obstacles stand in her way," Pease said. "Her perseverance, work ethic and leadership in the classroom and beyond are truly inspiring."

Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Christopher Thuot also highlighted the significance of this honor for both students. "Krystin and Caleb have shown exceptional commitment to their academic and professional goals," he said. "Their nominations for the All-USA Academic Team reflect not only their individual accomplishments but also the supportive, student-centered environment that STCC fosters. We are incredibly proud to see their hard work recognized at the state and national levels."

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

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