QCC Students Named to 2020 Phi Theta Kappa All-Massachusetts Academic Team

WORCESTER, MA— May 6, 2020—Quinsigamond Community College Phi Theta Kappa students Krystle Bedrick and Temsalet Molla were recently inducted to the 2020 Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) All-Massachusetts Academic Team. The QCC students were honored for their outstanding academic achievement and exemplary student service, by the Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges (MACC), through a virtual “PTK Community College Excellence Week.”

“These students are wonderful ambassadors of QCC. Regardless of the obstacles in their path, they have pushed forward and persevered. I am sure they will achieve great things in their futures,” said QCC President Dr. Luis Pedraja.

The highest academic achievers in the state’s 15-member community college system were spotlighted each day during the week of April 27 on the MACC’s social media pages, in lieu of the in-person traditional celebratory celebration at the Massachusetts State House due to the pandemic.

“Every year, we look forward to this opportunity to highlight the community colleges’ commitment to access, opportunity, and excellence. Despite the virtual nature of this year’s recognition, the outstanding achievements of our students cannot be understated. We are proud of all they have accomplished, and celebrate the continued pursuit of their academic and career aspirations,” said Tom Sannicandro, director of the Massachusetts Association of Community Colleges (MACC).

 Ms. Bedrick will be graduating from QCC this month and plans to attend Smith College this fall. She held the position of Vice President of Leadership for the Alpha Zeta Theta Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and said it was one of the most enriching experiences of her life.  

“I have been able to participate in rigorous academic research, leadership and team building, but most importantly community service. Phi Theta Kappa has been the catalyst for my advocacy and activism. I work diligently to help bring transportation equity to my community and endeavor to bring awareness to systemic oppression and poverty,” she said. “As an Early Childhood Education major, my future students and their families will benefit from the tenacity and perseverance that was refined from my PTK membership.”

Ms. Molla is also a sophomore and will be graduating in May from QCC’s Liberal Arts Biology program. She will be attending UMass Amherst this fall where she plans to get her bachelor’s degree in biology before going on to medical school.

“I want to become a nephrologist (kidney specialist) in the future. It gives me great satisfaction when I help anyone whether they are my family members or not. To reach my goals, I know that I have to go through many processes, but I am ready to face whatever it takes to become a nephrologist,” she said.

Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society of two-year colleges, and has recognized and encouraged scholarship among community college students for more than 100 years while promoting the academic integrity of the associate degree program. Students with grade point averages of 3.5 or higher are invited to join Phi Theta Kappa. QCC has been a part of the PTK Honor Society for 40 years with over 2,000 students inducted.

For more information about QCC, contact Josh Martin, Director of Institutional Communications at 508.854.7513 or jmartin [at] qcc.mass.edu

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