More than 70 of the best and brightest students at Virginia’s Community Colleges came together in Richmond April 16 for Phi Theta Kappa’s All-Virginia Academic Team Awards Program. The event showcased the qualities that help these students succeed in academics and much more.
Young
“PTK has been a great experience. It helped me connect with other students and get involved in college events and programs,” said Catherine Young, a student at Mountain Gateway Community College who plans to transfer to Sweetbriar and pursue an engineering career. “Being a PTK member also gives me the chance to apply for transfer scholarships that will help me with my education going forward.”
The Phi Theta Kappa Foundation awards $1.5 million in scholarships to members each year, and four-year college partners now offer $250 million in transfer scholarships exclusively for Phi Theta Kappa members.
“I want to salute the grit, drive and purpose that you’ve all shown to be a part of PTK and to win the honors we’re celebrating today,” said VCCS Chancellor David Doré. “It’s not an overstatement to say that you’re the best of the best!”
The 2025 Phi Theta Kappa Top Ten All-Virginia Academic Team includes VCCS students with the highest ratings in the international program sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa and the American Association of Community Colleges.
Pictured l. to r.: Cameron Johnson, Virginia Highlands; Sidney King, Reynolds; Andrew Clark, New River; Mary Pavlik, New River; Elizabeth Morgan, Laurel Ridge; Jasmine Irving, Brightpoint; Catherine Young, Mountain Gateway; Gyara Reyes-Bonilla, Germanna; Hui Ling Wang, Virginia Highlands; May Levonian, Southside Virginia.
Brightpoint students Jasmine Irving and Divine Barbara agree that involvement with PTK enriched their experience. “It really got me out of my shell and more
involved with the community,” said Irving. “It’s really been a positive influence.” “Brightpoint is more than just an educational institution, it’s like a family, said Barbara, an international student from Nigeria. “The school trips and regional conferences through PTK have been very good.”
“Patrick & Henry has been great and being involved with PTK has helped me decide on my career path,” said Alexis Tiznado, who’s working on his second associate degree at P&HCC before he transfers to ODU to study electrical engineering. “I’ve made a lot of good connections through PTK and the public service projects for the community have been very fulfilling.”
Daniel Traynham, came to New River Community College with a Bachelor’s degree already in hand. He’ll graduate with an associate degree and his RN license this spring with plans to work with oncology patients in clinical trials research. “I was drawn to this because cancer runs in my family,” said Traynham. “The faculty at New River has made such a difference, you can tell they really want you to succeed. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
Central Virginia Community College students Madelyn Shelton and Claudia Van Dyke both said the ability to contact 
faculty and forge good relationships with professors contributed to their success. Shelton (pictured on the left) is a high-school dual enrollment student who credits CVCC with helping her learn how to study and focus on her higher education goals. Van Dyke added the PTK experience has enriched her time at CVCC.
Mountain Gateway Community College president John Rainone has coordinated PTK for the VCCS since 2017.
Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges.
You can see the names of all of the students honored at this year’s PTK awards event by downloading the event program.
Also, you can view and download photos of the 2025 PTK All-Viginia Academic Team Awards Program.
Learn more about Phi Theta Kapa at: https://www.ptk.org/
