Kansas officials recognized community college scholars for their academic accomplishments Feb. 16 in Topeka during the 17th Annual Phi Theta Kappa Honors Luncheon. The event was held at the Ramada Inn Hotel in Topeka in conjunction with the February Kansas Board of Regents and Kansas Association of Community College Trustees (KACCT) meetings.

Representing 38 towns and cities, the state’s 19 community colleges, and a private two-year college, these scholars were named to the 2011-12 All-State Academic Team sponsored by the headquarters of Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and the Kansas Association of Community College Trustees. Phi Theta Kappa is the honor society for students attending community and two-year colleges. Membership is based on high grade point averages and other criteria, with members focusing on scholastic achievement and service to community and campus. Each scholar was selected by his or her own community college for the annual state-wide academic team, and each scholar also is a nominee for the 2011-12 All-USA Academic Team sponsored by the newspaper USA Today, Phi Theta Kappa, and the American Association of Community Colleges.

Colby Community College students selected for the 2011-12 All-Kansas Academic Team are Jennifer Kinderknecht and Rachel Montgomery. Kinderknecht is very involved in several groups on the CCC campus including cheerleading, Circle K Club, Concert Band, Future Teachers Organization, and Troiann Dance Team. The Ellis native is a Student Ambassador and treasurer of the Colby Phi Theta Kappa chapter. She is majoring in elementary education. Montgomery, a native of Boise, Idaho, is majoring in criminal justice. She serves as public relations officer for Phi Theta Kappa and is Student Government secretary. In addition, she is the Circle K Club secretary, a Student Ambassador, member of the Lady Trojan volleyball team, a Resident Assistant and peer tutor.

In selecting nominees, presidents are asked to consider outstanding academic rigor and grade point averages; participation in honors programs; awards, honors, and recognition for academic achievement, and service to the college and community. In addition, applicants are required to write an essay that focuses around one endeavor undertaken by the student that utilizes his or her community college education to improve the community or school. Each student received a proclamation issued by Gov. Sam Brownback, a $300 stipend to be used at the institution of her choice and an academic medallion. The Kansas Board of Regents’ universities and Washburn University have provided scholarships in the amount of $1,000 for the All-Kansas Team recipients who transfer to their institutions.