Quinsigamond Community College student named to All-USA Academic Team

Quinsigamond Community College Sophomore Kyle Mondino has been chosen as a member of the 2018 All-USA Academic Team. Mr. Mondino was one of only 20 students chosen nationwide to be named to the All-USA Academic Team. Students are selected for their outstanding academic achievements, leadership skills, community- and campus-engagement. As a member of the All-USA Academic Team he will receive a $5,000 scholarship to any 4-year college of his choice. The All-USA Academic Team is sponsored by Follett Higher Education Group, with additional support provided by Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC). Mr. Mondino was chosen because he was the highest scoring student in Massachusetts in the All-USA Competition. Over 2,000 students were nominated to be New Century Pathway Scholars from more than 1,600 colleges across the country. Only one student from each state was selected. The New Century Program is sponsored by The Coca‐Cola Foundation, the Coca‐Cola Scholars Foundation, PTK, and the AACC.

Mr. Mondino also recently learned he was chosen as a “29 Who Shine” award recipient. “29 Who Shine,” is a commencement season awards program initiated by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education that recognizes 29 outstanding student graduates from the Commonwealth’s public higher education system. Honorees are from a community college, state university or University of Massachusetts campus and are nominated by a faculty or staff member, or by a university awards committee. Students who are nominated must be a Massachusetts resident who has made an outstanding civic contribution to the state and who intend to remain in the Commonwealth upon graduation.

“We are thrilled that Kyle is being honored with these prestigious awards and we heartily congratulate him,” said QCC President Dr. Luis G. Pedraja. “This is a true testament of the amazing students who make up the fabric of Quinsigamond Community College.”

Mr. Mondino attributes not only the PTK organization and its current and past students, but also PTK Advisor Bonnie Coleman.

“She’ the best cheerleader and is so good at helping people better themselves,” he said, noting that through her gentle urgings, he found himself in many leadership positions both on and off campus that have helped him pave a pathway towards his future. 

“PTK is a great tool but what you chose to do with it is up to you,” Mr. Mondino said.

In May, Mr. Mondino with graduate from QCC with an Associate Degree in Business Administration. He plans to transfer to a four-year college or university to earn a degree with a management focus.