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Moraine Valley student represents state at National Honors competition
A Moraine Valley Community College student from Bridgeview, Illinois was named a semi-finalist in a Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) competition at the national honor society’s national conference in Florida.
Jennifer Gutierrez, of Bridgeview, qualified to represent the college and Illinois in the national competition after winning the regional competition. Her video submission to the regional judges featured a persuasive speech on ways to attract nontraditional students to join PTK. Gutierrez performed her speech in Florida and advanced as one of the top two competitors in the first round to the semi-final rounds.
“I was very honored to be selected,” Gutierrez said. “I don’t think I truly realized what a huge deal this was until I won at regionals. This was a new experience for me, and I enjoyed it. I’m so proud of how far I went,” she said.
“We were very happy to learn Jennifer’s submission was selected to be included in this year’s PTK conference,” said Demetrius Robinson, Student Life manager and PTK co-advisor. “She represented us well. What I am particularly pleased about is Jennifer’s drive and determination. She wanted to participate and did this all on her own. She showed us what a true leader she is. To be selected to represent your college and your state is a huge honor.”
Gutierrez will graduate from Moraine Valley in May and transfer to Illinois State University in Bloomington, where she will major in marketing.


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