Jason Burkos is a Phi Theta Kappa and Who's Who of American College Students of 2010 LCCC graduate. He is a certified paralegal, and is currently studying at Kutztown University in the Master of Public Administration Program.

History:

Jason was born on May 8th, 1977, at the Allentown Hospital to Barbara Burkos (Smith). Shortly after his birth his grandparents, Robert D. Smith and Dorothy A. Smith became his legal guardians. He attended Kratzer Elementary School, followed by Troxell Jr. High and finally Parkland High School. During his school years he was involved in Band (clarinet), chorus, and the Drama Club. In drama he held leads in several plays including Androcles and the Lion (Caesar), Dracula, and Little Shop of Horrors. He also played a minor part while in 6th grade in Parkland High School's production of The King and I. Jason was the president of his church youth group at St. Stephens Episcopal Church, president of the Law Enforcement Explorer Post at the Allentown Police Academy, and a Sergeant with Squadron 805 Civil Air Patrol holding Ranger 3rd Class Search and Rescue designation.

Jason continued his education at Valley Forge Military College. While attending Valley Forge, Jason performed in the Valley Forge Military Academy and College Glee Club under Colonel Krine Westhoven. He was promoted quickly during his freshman year to Sergeant and was involved in new cadet training and Glee Club leadership. During his sophomore year at Valley Forge, Jason was promoted to Cadet Master Sergeant and assigned as the Platoon Sergeant for 4th Platoon, F Company. He also served as a Special Tactical Cadet Instructor with the Valley Forge Senior ROTC detachment. It was during this year that Jason began an involvement in politics. He joined the College Republicans and was voted the club Vice Chairman, and shortly thereafter ran for State Vice Chairman but lost in a close election. Jason was also elected as Class Vice President during his sophomore year. His year culminated with being awarded membership in the Anthony Wayne Legion Guard and being on the honor guard for Presidents Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush. He was awarded the Glee Club Medal for Leadership and The Military Order of World Wars Philadelphia Chapter for Merit. Jason graduated from Valley Forge with an Associates of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and a Commission in the US Army Reserves as a 2nd Lieutenant.

After graduation from Valley Forge Military College Jason attended West Chester University of Pennsylvania. His time at West Chester was dedicated to studies, his full time job as Security Supervisor at the Exton Mall, and the National Guard where he served as a platoon leader. (B Co, 111 IN(M)PAARNG). He finished his BA at West Chester University, graduating in 2001 with a History Degree. In 2009, he returned to college to earn his paralegal certificate from an ABA approved program. He graduated in December 2010 Summa Cum Laude, Phi Theta Kappa and Who's Who of American College Students with a 3.96 GPA. Currently, he is seeking a corporate or firm based paralegal position.

Following college he was assigned to Active Duty Army at Fort Benning, GA, where he completed Infantry Officer Basic Course, Airborne School, Mechanized Leader School, Sniper Employment Course, and other relevant courses. He completed his time as the Assistant Battalion Operations Officer for 2-11 Infantry (IOBC).

After the military, he attended Lehigh Carbon Community College and earned his ABA approved Paralegal certification. He graduated Summa Cum Laude (3.96 GPA), Phi Theta Kappa and Who's Who of American College Students. Currently, Jason is enrolled in the Master of Public Administration program at Kutztown University.

Hobbies / Interests

Jason is an avid SCUBA diver (Rescue Diver - PADI), kayaker, reef aquarium enthusiast and outdoorsman. He collects ancient Indian artifacts and is the proud owner of one of the few obsidian artifacts found in Pennsylvania, the Oldham Knife.