GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College announces Jared Curcio ’24, of Avonmore, Pa., and Taya Sykes ’24, of Erie, Pa., as its Student of the Month honorees for February.
The Student of the Month honor is awarded to seniors. It is among the most prestigious student awards at Thiel College with only six students earning the honor each semester.
Curcio is an early childhood and special education major who plans to become an elementary school teacher and wrestling coach with his older brother, Vaughn. He volunteered at the Zion Education Center for an after-school program through Thiel football, at the Baughman Center in Greenville for an exercise and leadership program, and for the Thiel College Phonathon. He is a member of the College’s football and wrestling teams while carrying a 4.0 GPA. He was recently inducted into the Alpha Chi honor society. He received recognition as Male Top Scholar-Athlete and the 2023 Male Dual-Sport Athlete of the Year. Curcio, a 2020 graduate of Kiski Area High School, is the son of Vaughn and Jodi Curcio, of Avonmore, Pa.
“Thiel College will forever hold a special place in my heart,” Curcio said. “I have been blessed to be a part of such an amazing education department, athletic teams, friendships, and an overall community for the last four years. Without Thiel College, I would not be the person I am today. I am blessed and proud to call myself a Tomcat.”
Curcio said he is grateful to Professor of Education Kara Schreckenghost “for all that she has done for not only me but the entire Department of Education.”
“The amount of work that she puts into everything does not go unnoticed. She is the walking embodiment of not only a Tomcat but an outstanding educator. She was always a person that I could reach out to and get help from. You always want to surround yourself with people who push and guide you to make you better. Professor Schreckenghost has, without a doubt, been that guide for me. I would not be where I am today without her and am so grateful for everything she does. People throw around the term, ‘World’s Greatest Teacher,’ but she undoubtedly lives up to that hype.”
Sykes is a business administration major—studying tracks in management, marketing and advertising—with a minor in journalism and media communications. She plans to work for Erie Insurance’s corporate division and obtain her real estate license and hopes to open a real estate agency.
She is a part of Active Minds, Organization of Black Collegiates, and serves as the President of Thiel’s chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success.
“I would like to acknowledge my family specifically my parents,” Sykes said. “College hasn’t been easy, but they have heavily supported me throughout these four years. None of this would be possible without them or God.” She is also grateful to her younger sister, Maya, and younger brother, Kevin.
Sykes, a 2020 graduate of Erie High School, is the daughter of Kevin and Anitra Sykes, of Erie, Pa.
“Being at Thiel has been such a great experience, it has given me the opportunity to find myself and who I am. I have grown in ways I would have never imagined. Some the most monumental things have happened to me during my time here, and I have gotten to share those moments with amazing people here.
Sykes highlights Professor of Business Administration and Accounting, Department Chair and David M. Miller Endowed Chair of Accounting Melissa Oakes ’03 for her mentorship.
“My advisor, Professor Oakes, has been a big part of my life since being here. She has seen me grow and overcome all of my battles in and out of the classroom. She is my biggest supporter on campus (and) has always encouraged to do my best,” Sykes said. “Professor Oakes is truly the best.”
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.