Colby Community College sophomores Brittany Alexander, Emma Klein Jessica Gamez-Ramos, and Isabel Rosales joined dozens of their peers March 7 in Topeka to be recognized at the Twenty-Fourth Annual Phi Theta Kappa Honors Luncheon.

Phi Theta Kappa is the honor society for students attending community and two-year colleges. Membership is based on grade point averages and other criteria, with members focusing on scholastic achievement and service to community and campus. Scholars are selected by their respective schools.

Alexander is a 2017 graduate of Colby High School and studying business at CCC. In addition to Phi Theta Kappa, she is a member of Chi Alpha and a presidential scholar. After graduating in May, she will attend cosmetology school at the Hays Academy of Hair Design in Hays.

A 2017 graduate of Ellis High School, Gamez-Ramos is the PTK vice president. She is also a presidential scholar, tutor, and a member of the cross country and track teams. She is currently in the dental hygiene program and serves as class secretary for the Student American Dental Hygienists' Association. Upon completion of the program, she intends to continue her education pursuing a career as an oral surgeon.

Klein is studying pre-veterinary medicine. The 2017 graduate of Ellsworth Junior-Senior High School is a member of Phi Theta Kappa, Collegiate Farm Bureau, and the Band Staff. She also plays in the band, serves as a resident assistant and tutors in the H.F. Davis Library. Her plans after CCC include working towards a doctorate in veterinary medicine at Kansas State University.

Rosales graduated from Colby High School in 2017. As a pre-medicine major, she is president of Phi Theta Kappa, president of the Student Government Association, a member of the STEM club, and a student ambassador. After earning her associate degree, she will transfer into the Honor's College at Fort Hays State University and complete a bachelor's degree in biological science with an emphasis in the health professions.

The luncheon was held at the Topeka Ramada Inn Hotel. The CCC students were accompanied by their parents, as well as Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. George McNulty, PTK advisor Daniel Blake and board member Arlen Leiker. Others in attendance were university representatives, legislators and members of the Kansas Board of Regents staff. Dr. Brian Black of Black Executive Coaching and Public Speaking, LLC, delivered the keynote address.

Each scholar was named to the 2019 All-Kansas Academic Team and presented with a medallion, certificate, and scholarship award from the presidents’ and trustees’ organizations. Additionally, each student is a nominee for the 2019 All-USA Academic Team, sponsored by the newspaper USA Today, Phi Theta Kappa, and the American Association of Community Colleges.